Chapter 17 of 55 · Rudra Samhita - Parvati Khanda · Overall chapter 112 of 464
Conversation between Indra and Kama
Indra summons Kama specifically for this delicate task, framing it as the ultimate test of friendship since every other weapon has already failed against Taraka. Kama, confident and eager, accepts readily, boasting of powers that have never failed him before - setting up his confrontation with the one being he has never actually tested them against.
Brahma said
When all the gods had gone, Shakra, oppressed by the daitya Taraka and troubled in mind, remembered Smara. At once Kama, loved by Rati, arrived with Vasanta, the conqueror of the three worlds, accompanied by Rati. Smara bowed and stood before him. Son, the great-minded one joined his hands and spoke to Shakra.
Kama said
What task has come up? Why have you remembered me? Lord of the gods, tell me truly. I have come here to do your work.
Brahma said
Hearing Kandarpa, the lord of gods cheerfully praised him and said that this was most fitting.
Shakra said
Since you are ready to start on my work, you are virtuous. Makaradhvaja, you are blessed to be ready. Now that you stand ready before me, hear what I say. This task is meant for you and no one else. I have many great friends, it is true, Smara, but you are a virtuous friend and no one equals you. Son, this excellent vajra was made for my victory, but when the vajra fails there is no one but you. Who is dearer than the one who does something beneficial? So you are the best of friends and must carry out my task. By destiny an impossible misery has come, and no one but you can dispel it. A giver is tested in a famine, a brave man on the battlefield, a friend in calamity, a woman when her family is helpless. Son, a friendship that is not false is tested in adversity, when a difficulty arises and the friend is absent. That is the test of good affection; there is no other, and I tell you truly. I face a hardship nobody else can counter. Noble friend, your test has now come. This is not a task that will bring happiness to me alone; it is certainly a task for all the gods too.
Brahma said
Makaradhvaja heard Maghavan, first smiled, and then spoke words deep with affection.
Kama said
Why do you speak like this? I will not answer you. When a person is helped naturally, people neither see nor speak of it. In a hardship, what does a man who talks a lot accomplish? Great king, lord, listen all the same. I am always your friend. I will bring down the enemy who is performing terrible austerities to take your position. In an instant, by the glances of beautiful women, I will make gods, rishis and danavas stray. Men do not even enter my reckoning. Throw the vajra and many other weapons far away. Friend, with me present, what will they accomplish? I can certainly make Hari and Brahma stray, to say nothing of others. I can bring down even Hara. I have five gentle arrows made of flowers, and the three parts of my bow are made of flowers. The bowstring is made of bees. My beloved is my strength and Vasanta is called my adviser. I have five kinds of strength and the store of nectar is my friend. Shringara is the commander of my forces, and gestures and emotions are my soldiers. Shakra, all of them are gentle, and so am I. An intelligent person uses those who can get the task done. Engage me in all the tasks that suit me.
Brahma said
Hearing this, Shakra was extremely happy. He spoke affectionately to Kama and his beloved, who both bring pleasure.
Shakra said
Mind-born friend, I will tell you what I have in mind. Only you, truly, are able to do it. I called you today for this reason. A mighty daitya, Taraka, has won a marvellous boon from Brahma and, now beyond defeat, is tormenting everyone. He has crushed the worlds and wrecked dharma in countless ways, and every god and rishi is in distress. The gods have already fought him with all they have, and every weapon has come to nothing. Varuna's noose was broken; Hari's Sudarshana chakra, thrown at his throat, was turned back. The lord of subjects has declared that this evil one can die only at the hands of a son born of the seed of Shambhu Ishvara, the great yogi. That virtuous task you must now strive for, friend, and then we gods will be supremely happy. I have said what will bring joy to all the worlds; keep in mind the duty of a friend and take this up. Shambhu is deep in great austerity on the mountain king's land. The lord has no desire, and Parameshvara rules himself. Parvati is there with her two friends; so we hear, her father has told her to stay and serve him. Shiva is master of his atman. Your work, surely, is to keep striking at him until his mind turns to her. Do that and you will be famous, all our miseries will end, and you will stand permanently established in this world, not otherwise.
Brahma said
Hearing this, Kama's face was like a full-blown lotus. He lovingly told the lord of the gods there was no doubt he would do it, and answered in words of assent. Confounded by Shiva's maya, Kama accepted the task at once. With his wife and Vasanta he went cheerfully to where the lord of yoga was tormenting himself in supreme austerities.
Retold in our own words from Bibek Debroy's English translation of the Shiva Purana (Penguin Classics). Names, numbers and the order of events follow the source.