Chapter 200 - Greatness of Kāmakuṇḍa

[Sanskrit text for this chapter is available]

Īśvara said:

1-4. When the Yajña was thus destroyed, those Brāhmaṇas and others who had gone there went home with their desires frustrated. Hara too ceased to be angry and returned to the Kailāsa Mountain.

At this very time a mighty Dānava named Tāraka was born. He was destined to be one who would destroy the power and arrogance of Devas.

He conquered Indra and all other Suras in a great battle. O goddess, the whole of heaven was filled by him with his own people. The miserable Suras went to Brahmaloka, O daughter of the Mountain, and appealed to Brahmā:

5-6. “O most excellent one among Suras, we have been driven out of Svarga by Tāraka. He has become Indra himself. Viṣṇu and others, Rudras. Sādhyas, the Viśvedevas, Aśvins, Maruts and Ādityas too have been similarly (substituted). O Pitāmaha, do suggest a means to kill him.”

Brahmā said:

7-8. It is my considered opinion that he cannot be slain by any of Devas. He cannot be brought down by anyone except the radiance of Śaṅkara. Hence, welfare unto you all, do go to Maheśvara, the Lord of Devas. His earlier wife passed away and is reborn in the abode of Himavān. A son will be born to her. He will kill Tāraka. Hence for that purpose propitiate the Trident-bearing Lord.

9-10. Then, O lady of excellent countenance, Kāmadeva was directed by Devas to go to the widower Hara, to assail him with his arrows so that due to the distress of love he (Hara) might endeavour to get a wife for himself. They said, “Let this charming Vasanta, your brother, also go.”

11. Promising “That shall be done”, he proceeded towards Kailāsa mountain. Mahādeva saw Kāmadeva fully armed.

12. O goddess, Rudra, the slayer of Andhaka, realized that Kāma was accompanied by Vasanta. He proceeded to Gaṅgādvāra and saw (found) Kāma before him.

13-15. On seeing Kāmadeva equipped with his weapon Rudra fled out of fear. He fled to Vārāṇasī, Naimiṣa, Puṣkara, Śrīkaṇṭha, Rudrakoṭi, Kurukṣetra, Gayā, Jvālāmārga, Prayāga, Viśālā, and the splendid Arbuda (Mt. Abu). Thus, O goddess, Maheśvara, the Lord of Devas, wandered over the earth for many years due to the fear of Kāmadeva.

16. Thereupon, O goddess of the chiefs of Devas, the Three-eyed Lord of Devas widely opened the third eye and stared at Kāma.

17. Even as he looked at (that Kāma) sparks of fire rose up and he was reduced to ash along with his bow.

18. After burning him, Lord Śaṃbhu’s fury got pacified. He took up his residence in the auspicious Prābhāsika Kṣetra.

19. After the burning of Kama, Rati became grief-stricken. Very loyal to her husband, the miserable woman lamented loudly.

Rati lamented:

20. O Lord, O Lord, O my master, why do you leave off your chaste wife. O Lord, why do you abandon me, a chaste wife to whom the husband is the very vital breath?

21-22. Even as she was lamenting thus, an unembodied aerial voice spoke to her: “O lady of large eyes, do not cry. With the favour of Śiva, the Lord of the Devas, your husband will breathe once again.” On hearing these words, Rati became composed and normal.

23-24. Thereafter, Devas bowed down to Śiva, O goddess of Suras, and prayed to him: “O Lord, in our interest do take up a wife unto you. In your limitless fury, this Kāma has been burnt down by you. O Lord, bereft of him the entire created beings of the surface of the world are no better than dead.”

The Lord said:

25. O excellent Suras, this Kāma has been burnt down by me out of anger. Hence he will move about among the subjects in his incorporeal state itself. He will have the same power and vigour even without a physical body.

The Devas said:

26. O Lord, do this at the outset. Remember the Lord of Rati for the sake of the welfare of the worlds, so that we can have assurance.

27. Thereupon, Lord Maheśvara himself remembered Kama. Then the eternal Liṅga rose up from the surface of the earth.

28. Though unembodied, Kāma who was recollected (Kṛtasmara) became powerful yet. Thanks to (the power of) Kama, the Daughter of the Mountain was married by the noble-souled Śaṅkara.

29. Skanda, the foremost one among Suras, was born. Tāraka was slain by him even though the Liṅga (Kāma) was fallen because it was Kṛtasmara (was recollected).

30. He is therefore glorified as Kṛtasmara in the world. A man who views the deity will never become dull, blind, devoid of happiness and unfortunate. The man will never be poor or sickly.

31. Thus everything has been narrated to you, whatever you have asked viz. how Smara was burnt at the outset and how he became inspired with power, virility once again.

Īśvara said:

32. There itself to the south of Kṛtasmara is situated a sacred Kuṇḍa. Its name is Kāmakuṇḍa where Smara was born again.

33. O goddess, Smara was born there again but without a body. A devotee who takes his holy bath here shall become handsome. Sugarcane should be gifted there to a Brāhmaṇa who has mastered the Vedas. Similarly gold, cows and garments also should be given.