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Kama – The Eternal Creation

The existence of the universe is rooted in Kama. “Kama” is a Sanskrit expression which denotes Desire and Creation. Desire, which is recognized by all human beings, whether we think of it as something to be followed or as something to be resisted. The term “Deva” refers to a Deity or a celestial being. Kamadeva or Kama is the driving force in any endeavor, the supreme of all human qualities. Kama functions as a divine energy which exists in all beings which nurtures universe.

Kamadeva emerges as a creative force in the origin of the universe which appears in the Veda as –

“Kama (Desire) came upon it in the beginning, which was the first emission of mind.” 

(Rig Veda – Hymn of Creation 10.129.4 —)

It means that Kama was the first to be created and from the Creator’s mind from which sprouted the entire cosmic creation. This illustrates the first karma of Brahma was ‘Kama’. Creation is the predominant impulse in the heart of all living brings and therefore its regulation, control and purity are of the highest significance for the integration of one’s personality.

Origin of Kamadeva (Desire) –

Desire and Creation, Beauty and Attraction, Love and Lust, Imagination and Creativity, Sensuality and Passion, Vigor and Vitality are the attributes of Kama. Kamadeva is the form of Lord Vishnu. According to the Matsya Purana, Visnu,Krsna and Kamadeva have a historical relationship. Some scriptures describe Kama as a son of Brahma. Kama is everything that delights the senses. Good music, pleasing art and painting, delicious food, scented perfumes and Love are among these pleasures encouraged within the doctrine of Kama. Kama is the epitome of masculinity, attractive and ever youthful god of beauty and passion. Kama rules the realm of Mind and captivates all the three worlds; with his piercing arrows. Not only living beings, but even Gods are not exempted from his intoxicating charms. Kamadeva presence visually manifest by the flowers of his arsenal. He has a bow made of flowers with five arrows which signifies five senses. The arrow represents the male and the bow represents female energy. Each of the flower arrows produces an intoxicating emotion of love and desire, such as excessive agitation, a melting sensation, an irresistible attraction to another, and stupefaction. Kamadeva has the emblem of the crocodile (Makara) on his banner. The symbol of crocodile signifies virility, masculine spirit and strength.

The Vishnudharmottara Purana represents Kama with eight arms. His four arms consist of conch, lotus, bow and arrows. The other four are erotically embraced around his four beautiful wives Rati (love), Priti (pleasure), Sakti (power) and Madasakti (jealousy). Rati denotes delight and pleasure. Rati finds a significant mention in several scriptures in comparison to others. Rati is one of twelve Saktis associated with the god Visnu. Rati is the bestower of Irresistible Magnetism and eternal Beauty.

Different names of Kama – Kama is expressed by different epithets or descriptions and each name holds a unique significance