A Most Awaited Meeting- Shiva-Shakti Milan SS- To Be Revamped - Page 10

DESTRUCTION OF KAMADEVA

Kamadeva reached the place where Lord Shiva was meditating. Haughty with power, Kamadeva first spread Spring everywhere, before lifting his bow. Kama's powers manifested, causing the meditation grove to bloom in exuberance, Mango and Ashoka flowers gave out a fragrance so lovely, that it heightened the feeling of love. The presence of water lilies with bees hovering over them proved to be the first sight of love for anyone. The sweet cooing of cuckoos heightened the feeling of love. The diverse hummings of bees elevated everyone's minds to the first feeling of love. The moonlight scattered appeared more romantic than ever. The lamps lit made everyone fall in love, the wind blew gently, distressing those separated from their beloveds.

The Lord of all Lords, Lord Shiva found the sudden increase in love a little surprising, but the Lord still continued His severe penance. Kama, with Rati on his left, stood there in all splendid glory, holding the mango blossom arrow high. With this, Rati and Kama initiated their dalliance. This initiation of love spread all over the grove, reaching Lord Shiva and His attendants. Kama, who was usually found within a person, now manifested himself outside. However, Kama was unable to find a way to enter the great Yogi Mahadeva. He was confused as to what to do.

At that time, Devi Parvati entered the grove, followed by her maids to attend on Lord Shiva. She, who possessed more beauty than all the women of the Earth put together, walked up to Lord Shiva to worship Him. At this time, Lord Shiva left His severe meditation for a short while.

Sensing an opportune moment, Kama raised his arrow Harshana and shot it at Lord Shiva, giving Him delight.

Lord Shiva was thus entranced by the beauty of Parvati, and started describing her perfect limbs joyfully. Describing them over and over, He wondered how it would be to actually embrace her.

The second that thought entered His head, He stopped. This was a mystery. He, who is never influenced by emotions, is now greatly influenced by them, that too the emotion of love.

Narayan?', questioned Lord Shiva. What is going on?'

Indra Dev and his impatience is going to result in destruction', came the voice of Narayana.

Indra De... He did not', said Lord Shiva, fury slowly growing.

He did', said Lord Vishnu, knowing what was going to happen. As much as He didn't like destruction, it had to happen. Mahadev, I know you already know, but as an elder brother, let me tell you. My sister is not at fault here'

I know Narayana. I know', said Lord Shiva, letting His eyes wander. When He saw Kamadeva standing on a pedestal, haughty looking, His fury went to its ultimate heights, causing the third eye to open, instantly burning Kamadeva to ashes.

A loud wail was heard. Rati, the lover of Kama was sobbing, after having lost her husband to Lord Shiva's fury. All the Devas who had appeared to beg Lord Shiva to forgive Kamadeva started lamenting. The beautiful daughter of the mountains, highly agitated, left, along with her maids. The wife of Kama, Rati, fell down unconscious, the loss of her husband too much for her to bear.

The other Devas, remembering that Lord Shiva is there, and will help I they ask Him, told Rati, "Take some of the ashes and preserve them. Lord Shiva will help you regain your lover"

All the Devas approached Mahadeva, and after paying their respects to Him, said, "Oh Lord! Please revive Kamadeva. His act had no sort of selfishness. It was by us, the Devas, who are being harassed by Taraka that he even came. We asked him to come and do this. Oh Lord! Rati, his chaste wife, is inconsolable and lonely. Please do console her"

On hearing these words by the Devas, Lord Shiva became highly pleased.