IN THE COMPANY OF KRISHNA - 13. MANMATHA

 

Manmatha or Kamadeva, the god of love, once tried to disturb Lord Shiva’s meditation so Shiva would marry Parvati. Angered, Shiva burned Kamadeva with his third eye. Kamadeva's wife, Rati, was heartbroken and prayed for him to return. Goddess Parvati told her Kamadeva would be reborn as Pradyumna, the son of Lord Krishna and Rukmini.

In Dwapara Yuga, Krishna prayed to Lord Shiva, and Rukmini gave birth to Pradyumna. But a demon named Sambara, knowing Pradyumna was destined to kill him, kidnapped the baby and threw him into the sea. A fish swallowed the baby, and it was later caught and taken to Sambara’s palace. His wife, Mayavati (Rati reborn), found the baby inside and raised him.

As Pradyumna grew, Mayavati realized he was Kamadeva reborn. She taught him magical skills to fight Sambara. When ready, Pradyumna challenged Sambara. After a fierce battle filled with magical weapons and illusions, Pradyumna defeated and killed Sambara.

He returned to Dwaraka with Mayavati, and Krishna and Rukmini were overjoyed to see their son alive. Pradyumna later became a great warrior and was the father of Aniruddha, who married Usha, the daughter of Bana.

The story of Kamadeva / Pradyumna is found in several classical Sanskrit sources, primarily in Puranic texts. Here's a list of the main Sanskrit sources where this story appears, along with references:

Bhagavata Purana (Śrīmad Bhāgavatam)-Skandha 10

Chapters 52, 55, and 61, and also Chapters 103–108 describe the birth of Pradyumna, His abduction by the demon Sambara, His being found by Mayavati (Rati), The revelation of his true identity, The battle with Sambara, His return to Dvārakā and reunion with Krishna and Rukmini

Harivamsa (हरिवंश पुराण)

• An appendix to the Mahabharata that elaborates on Krishna's lineage and the Yadava dynasty.
• Describes the story of Pradyumna in detail, including his battle with Sambara.
• Sanskrit Source:
• Harivamsha Parva, particularly the Vishnu Parva section

Mahabharata – Sabha Parva

• There is a brief mention of Pradyumna, particularly in the context of Krishna’s family and lineage.
• Not much detail, but supports the genealogical connection.

Shiva Purana

• Contains the story of Kamadeva being burned by Lord Shiva’s third eye.
• Also includes Rati’s penance and the prophecy of Kamadeva’s rebirth as Pradyumna.

Padma Purana and Skanda Purana

• These Puranas repeat and elaborate the Kamadeva-Rati-Pradyumna storyline with variations.
• Especially in the context of divine intervention, Shiva's role, and Rati’s devotion.

 

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