Story of Holi & Kama dev

We all are probably familiar with the legend of Prahlad, Hiranyakashipu and Holika as the story associated with the Holi festival. But there are more legends associated with the festival.On the occasion of Holi today, let us know a lesser known story associated with it one that involves the Mahadev, Shiva and the burning of the god of love, Kama dev.This story highlights the fact that all our wants and desires as symbolised by Kama dev need to be kept in check, this burnt to have a happy and calm existence. Let us know more about the story in this post...

Kama dev aiming an arrow at a meditating Shiva

When Shiva had renounced the world and was under strict penance after the death of his beloved wife Sati, the devas were tormented by Tarkasura who had gained a clever boon that only the son of Shiva could kill him.

Indra and the devas thus requested Kama dev, the god of love to pierce Shiva with his arrows and make him fall in love with Parvati, an incarnation of Sati herself. But alas, Shiva was angry at being disturbed at his meditation and burnt Kama dev to ashes with his third eye.

However Rati, the consort of Kama was disconsolate by this and Shiva thus promised her that Kama would be reborn as the son of Krishna and they will thus be reunited. And that is how Kama deva ended up being reborn as Pradyumna, son of Krishna and Rukmini.

Interestingly, the day Shiva had burnt Kamadeva to ashes is celebrated as Holi today, and also known by the name 'Madana’ or ‘Kama Mahotsava’ especially in the southern parts of India.

This story highlights the fact that all our wants and desires as symbolised by Kama dev need to be kept in check, this burnt to have a happy and calm existence.

This story is in association with The Eternal Epics. You can check out more such hindu mythological stories on their Instagram, YouTube, Facebook and website.