Kama's Destruction

Narada said

Wise Vidhatri, what happened after that? Show me your favour and tell me the account that destroys all sins.

Brahma replied

Son, hear what followed. Out of affection for you I will tell you Shiva's account, which brings joy. Seeing the lapse that had come into his fortitude, the great yogi Maheshvara thought it over and was filled with wonder.

Shiva said

While I was engaged in excellent austerities, how did this obstacle arise? Who has done this wicked deed and stirred my mind? I have shown affection toward someone else's wife. This has contravened dharma and transgressed the ordinances of the shrutis.

Brahma said

Paramesha, the great yogi, goal of the virtuous, reasoned so and looked about suspiciously in every direction. To his left stood Kama, foolish and proud, bow drawn, arrow fitted, about to shoot. Girisha the paramatman saw him standing there, Narada, and anger filled him, and he wanted to destroy him on the instant. From the sky, bow and arrow in hand, Kama loosed his unerring, never-failing shaft at Shankara; but against the paramatman it failed, quenched by the furious Parameshvara. His weapon thwarted by Shiva, Manmatha was afraid. Seeing the conqueror of death before him he shook, and in his fear called to mind all the gods, Shakra and the rest. Tiger among sages, Smara had failed in his purpose. He remembered Shakra and the other gods, and they all came, bowed and praised Shambhu; all of them praised angry Hara. Then a great blazing fire burst from his third eye in the middle of his forehead. Flames leapt upward, bright as the fire of dissolution, shot up into the sky and then fell to earth, whirling. Before the Maruts could cry "Pardon, forgive," it had turned wicked Madana to ashes. With valiant Smara dead the gods were stricken with grief. In their distress they wept and cried out, "What has happened?" The mountain king's daughter was shaken and her limbs went pale; taking her friends, she returned home.

From sorrow at her husband's death Rati at once lost her senses and fell as if dead. When she woke, Rati was greatly agitated and lamented loudly.

Rati said

What will I do? Whom shall I go to? What have the gods done? The gods summoned my husband here and destroyed him. Alas, protector! Alas, Smara! You brought me happiness; you were a husband I loved more than my life. Alas, what has happened here? Alas, my most beloved!

Brahma said

So she lamented and spoke many words, flinging her hands and feet and tearing out her hair. Narada, hearing her lament, all the forest dwellers were filled with great sorrow, even the immobile ones. Meanwhile Shakra and all the other gods remembered Maheshvara and spoke words of assurance to Rati.

The devas said

Take some ashes and keep them safe. Try to put your fear aside. The lord will revive your husband and you will have your beloved back. He is the giver of happiness and never causes misery to anyone. Everyone, even a god, enjoys the fruit of his own deeds. Do not grieve in vain.

Brahma said

So all the gods comforted Rati and went to Shiva. They devotedly sought to placate him and said:

The devas said

Bhagavan Shambhu, lord, listen to us. You are kind to those who seek refuge; Mahesha, show compassion. Shankara, with affection reflect on what Kama did. Maheshvara, Kama did not do this for his own selfish motive. Lord, wicked Taraka was oppressing the gods and everything else. Protector, Shankara, know that the task was done for that reason and no other. Divinity, virtuous Rati is alone and lamenting in her misery. Girisha, comfort her in every way. You have destroyed Smara. Shankara, in your rage, if you had truly wished to destroy, you would have destroyed all the gods along with him. Seeing Rati's misery the gods have almost been destroyed. So act to dispel Rati's grief.

Brahma said

Hearing them, Bhagavan Shiva was pleased and spoke to all the gods.

Shiva said

Gods and rishis, hear me with love. What my rage has brought about cannot be undone. Until Krishna is born on earth and takes Rukmini as wife, Kama, Rati's lord and husband, will be Ananga, the bodiless. When Krishna and Rukmini live in Dvaraka and have sons, Kama will be born among them as Pradyumna; of that there is no doubt. The moment the child is born Shambara will snatch him, and that foremost of danavas will carry him off and throw him into the ocean. Believing him dead, the fool will go back to his city for nothing. Rati, till then you will wait happily in his city. There you will regain your husband Pradyumna, and joining you, Kama will kill Shambara in battle. Gods, as Pradyumna he will live happily with his wife and return to his own city carrying various things with her. These are my true words.

Brahma said

Hearing Shambhu, the gods were somewhat comforted. They bowed, bending low with joined hands, and said: "Lord of the gods, Mahadeva, ocean of compassion, Hara, please revive Kama quickly and save Rati's life." Hearing the immortals, Parameshvara was pleased. The ocean of compassion and lord of everything spoke again.

Shiva said

Gods, I am well pleased. I will revive him inside myself. Kama will be one of my ganas and will always be at play. Gods, this account must not be told before anyone. Go back to your places; I will end every misery.

Brahma said

Saying this, while the gods praised him, Rudra vanished. All the gods were pleased and lost their fear, comforted by Rudra's words. Sage, as he had said, they went back to their abodes. As instructed, Kama's wife went to that city. Lord of sages, as Rudra had instructed, she waited for the time.