Image Credits: Personal Puja altar of Shree Dr. Pallavi Kwatra
The story of Kamakhya Devi’s connection to Kamadeva, the Hindu god of love and desire, intertwines elements of mythology and symbolism. While there are variations in the narrative across different texts and traditions, one common tale highlights their association:
Long ago, during a time of great turmoil in the universe, the demon Tarakasura had become a menace to both gods and humans. He had been granted a boon that made him invincible against all but the son of Lord Shiva. However, Lord Shiva was deeply engrossed in meditation after the loss of his beloved wife, Sati.
The gods knew that only through the intervention of Kamadeva, the god of love, could Shiva be roused from his meditative state and beget a son who could defeat Tarakasura. They approached Kamadeva and beseeched him to shoot his love-arrow at Shiva, hoping to ignite passion in the ascetic god’s heart.
Kamadeva, understanding the gravity of the situation, agreed to the gods’ request. Accompanied by his wife Rati, Kamadeva stealthily approached Shiva as he meditated amidst the serene surroundings of Mount Kailash. With great courage, Kamadeva aimed his love-arrow at Shiva and released it.
However, the moment the arrow struck Shiva, the intense power of his meditation incinerated Kamadeva into ashes. Rati, heartbroken at the loss of her beloved husband, pleaded with Shiva to restore Kamadeva to life.
Impressed by Rati’s devotion and understanding the necessity of Kamadeva’s sacrifice, Shiva granted her wish. He restored Kamadeva to life, albeit in a different form, allowing him to exist as an eternal entity beyond physical form.
In some interpretations, Kamadeva’s rebirth is linked to Kamakhya Devi, the goddess of desire and fertility as without her intervention, Shiva would have not agreed to make Kaamdeva alive again. It is believed that Kamadeva’s essence merged with Kamakhya, imbuing her with his divine energy and making her a potent symbol of love, desire, and creative power.
Thus, Kamakhya Devi came to be revered not only as the primordial goddess of Kamakhya Temple but also as a manifestation of Kamadeva’s eternal presence, symbolizing the inseparable link between love, desire, and the creative force of the universe. Worshipped by devotees seeking blessings in matters of love, fertility, and fulfillment of desires, Kamakhya Devi continues to embody the timeless connection between human passions and divine grace.
That is why is KAAMRUPINI KAMAKHYA!
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