Chapter 96 - Greatness of Kāmeśvara (Kāma-īśvara)

[Sanskrit text for this chapter is available]

Īśvara said:

1-2. Thereafter, O goddess, a pilgrim should go to the shrine proclaimed as Kāmeśvara. It is stationed within a distance of three Dhanus to the north thereof. O goddess of Suras, in Tretā, it was famous by the name Ratīśvara. O lady of excellent countenance, if it is visited and worshipped, the sins of men committed during the period of seven births get destroyed. There shall be no break-up of households.

The Devī said:

3. O Lord, by whom was this installed? Why is it called Ratīśvara? What fruit is obtained by visiting it? Mention everything in detail.

Īśvara said:

4~6. Listen, O fair lady, I shall narrate to you a sin-destroying story. There was a chaste lady named Rati. She was the well-known wife of Kāma.

Formerly when Manasija (i.e. Kāma) was burnt by Lord Tripurāri, it is said that Rati performed a penance at that spot for the sake of getting him (Kāma) back.

For a period of four Yugas, she stood on the tip of her toes, O my beloved, and with a tranquil mind Mahādeva was propitiated (by her).

7~9. At a certain time, O my beloved, the Maheśvara Liṅga pierced through the ground and came up before her.

At the same time, an unembodied voice spoke as follows, O lady of excellent countenance, and delighted her. “Since, O highly esteemed lady, the Maheśvara Liṅga suddenly rose up as a result of your devotion, you should worship it. You will get back your husband.”

10. On hearing these words of the divine messenger, that chaste lady worshipped the Liṅga with great devotion.

11. Then, O my beloved one, Kāma rose up as though he was getting up from sleep. Ever since then that Liṅga is known as Kāmeśvara.

12. Delighted due to the return of Kāmadeva the wife of Kāma spoke these words to the Flower-weaponed One:

13-14. “Those others who concentrate their minds with purity and worship this Liṅga thus, acquire their desired supernatural powers and attain the excellent goal. By the favour of this Liṅga, they will get everything mentally desired even if it happens to be very difficult to get. There is no doubt.”

15. After saying thus, the chaste lady Rati went away accompanied by Kāma. With the innermost soul delighted and with desires fulfilled, she went to her abode.

16. He who perfectly worships this (Liṅga) on the thirteenth lunar day in the bright half of Caitra, shall become one like Kāma. If listened to, this story accords conjugal felicity.