Shiva and the Burning of Kamadev

The tale of how Lord Shiva incinerated Kama (the god of love) with his third eye.

The Tale of How Lord Shiva Incinerated Kama with His Third Eye :

The legend of Shiva and the Burning of Kama is a captivating tale from Hindu mythology that illustrates the power and ascetic nature of Lord Shiva. Kama, the god of love and desire, also known as Kamadeva, plays a pivotal role in this story. The backdrop of this tale involves the great gods and their efforts to awaken Shiva from his deep meditation.

The Story

After the death of his first wife Sati, Lord Shiva plunged into intense grief and retreated into deep meditation on Mount Kailash. His intense tapasya (penance) was so powerful that the world was deprived of his divine presence and energy.

At this time, the demon Tarakasura was wreaking havoc across the three worlds. According to a prophecy, only the son of Shiva could defeat Tarakasura. Therefore, it became imperative to unite Shiva with Parvati, the reincarnation of Sati, who was destined to be his consort.

The Gods’ Dilemma

The gods, led by Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu, approached Kamadeva for assistance. They needed him to use his powers of love and desire to awaken Shiva from his meditation and kindle affection for Parvati. Kamadeva, though apprehensive of Shiva's wrath, agreed to help for the greater good.

Kama's Brave Act

Kamadeva, accompanied by his wife Rati, reached the abode of Shiva. He aimed his sugarcane bow, strung with a line of bees, and shot his floral arrow of love towards Shiva. The arrow struck its mark, and for a brief moment, Shiva's meditation was disrupted, and he opened his eyes.

The Wrath of Shiva

Awoken from his deep trance and realizing what had happened, Shiva's third eye, which symbolizes higher consciousness and destruction, opened in a fiery rage. The intense energy from his third eye incinerated Kamadeva instantly, reducing him to ashes. This act was a demonstration of Shiva's supreme control over emotions and desires, showcasing his nature as a detached and transcendent deity.

The Aftermath

The death of Kamadeva left Rati, his wife, in immense sorrow. She pleaded with Shiva to bring her husband back to life. Moved by her devotion and grief, Shiva assured her that Kamadeva would live on, but in a disembodied form, affecting beings without a physical form. Thus, Kamadeva's influence continued to persist as the force of love and desire, but he would remain invisible.

Reunion of Shiva and Parvati

With Kamadeva's sacrifice, the spark of love was kindled in Shiva. Parvati, who was performing her own penance to win Shiva's heart, eventually succeeded. Lord Shiva accepted Parvati as his consort, and their union led to the birth of their son, Kartikeya (also known as Skanda or Murugan), who would later fulfill the prophecy by defeating Tarakasura.

Symbolism and Significance

This story carries profound symbolic meanings:

• Control over Desires: Shiva's incineration of Kamadeva signifies the power of controlling and transcending desires and attachments.
• Sacrifice for Greater Good: Kamadeva's act symbolizes the willingness to sacrifice personal desires for the welfare of the world.
• Resurrection and Transformation: Kama’s transformation into an incorporeal form represents the enduring nature of love and desire, even in the absence of a physical presence.