The Demon Tarakasura
Long ago, in the ancient times when gods and demons walked the earth, there lived a powerful demon named Tarakasura. Tarakasura was incredibly strong and had performed severe penance to please Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe. Pleased with his devotion, Brahma granted him a boon.
“Ask for anything, Tarakasura,” Brahma said.
“I wish to be invincible,” Tarakasura replied, his eyes gleaming with ambition.
“Invincibility is not within my power to grant,” Brahma responded. “Ask for something else.”
Tarakasura thought for a moment and then said, “Grant me that I can only be killed by the son of Lord Shiva.”
Brahma granted his wish, thinking it a wise request, for Lord Shiva, the great ascetic, was deep in meditation after the tragic death of his first wife, Sati. The chance of him having a son seemed impossible.
The Gods’ Dilemma
Tarakasura, believing himself to be invincible, began to wreak havoc across the heavens and earth. He tormented the gods, destroyed temples, and spread fear everywhere. The gods were in despair. They knew that only the son of Shiva could end Tarakasura’s tyranny, but Shiva was lost in deep meditation, oblivious to the world.
Meanwhile, Parvati, the daughter of King Himavan, had fallen in love with Shiva. She was the reincarnation of Sati and was determined to win Shiva’s heart. Parvati began a severe penance to attract Shiva’s attention and devotion.
The gods saw Parvati’s devotion and realized that she was their only hope. But they were impatient. They feared that even Parvati’s intense devotion might not be enough to awaken Shiva from his deep meditation.
Kamdev’s Mission
In their desperation, the gods turned to Kamdev, the god of love. Kamdev had the power to evoke love and desire in anyone’s heart with his flower-tipped arrows. They explained the situation to Kamdev and begged him to help.
“Kamdev,” they pleaded, “we need you to awaken love in Shiva’s heart for Parvati. Only their union can produce the son who will defeat Tarakasura.”
Kamdev was hesitant. He knew the risk of disturbing Shiva’s meditation. But his wife, Rati, encouraged him. “Do this for the greater good,” she urged. “It is our duty to help restore balance in the universe.”
Reluctantly, Kamdev agreed. He and Rati went to the place where Shiva was meditating, deep in the forest.
The Reckoning
Kamdev positioned himself carefully. He drew his bow, and with great precision, he shot his flower-tipped arrow straight at Shiva. The arrow struck Shiva, and for a moment, Shiva felt a surge of love and desire. His meditation was broken, and he opened his eyes.
Realizing what had happened, Shiva was furious. He looked around and saw Kamdev standing there, bow in hand. Enraged, Shiva opened his third eye, the eye of fire, which he uses to destroy evil and illusions. A powerful beam of energy shot out, instantly burning Kamdev to ashes.
Rati, seeing her husband’s fate, was devastated. She fell to the ground, weeping and begging Shiva for mercy. The gods, too, pleaded with Shiva to show compassion.
Shiva’s Compassion
Shiva, seeing the sorrow of Rati and understanding the gods’ intentions, calmed his anger. He realized that Kamdev’s actions were out of necessity and for the greater good. Out of compassion, Shiva decided to revive Kamdev, but in a unique way.
“Kamdev shall be revived,” Shiva declared, “but he will remain incorporeal, without a physical body. He will exist as Ananga, the bodiless one, continuing his work as the god of love, invisible to all.”
Rati was grateful and accepted this new form of her husband, understanding the greater purpose behind it.
The Union of Shiva and Parvati
With Kamdev’s influence, Shiva’s heart had been opened. He noticed Parvati’s unwavering devotion and penance. He was deeply moved by her love and dedication. Realizing her true nature as the reincarnation of Sati and her immense devotion, Shiva accepted Parvati as his wife.
Their union was celebrated across the heavens. The gods rejoiced, for they knew that soon, the son of Shiva and Parvati would be born, destined to defeat Tarakasura and restore peace.
The Birth of Kartikeya
In due time, Shiva and Parvati had a son, Kartikeya, also known as Skanda or Murugan. He grew up to be a powerful warrior, wise and brave. When the time came, Kartikeya led the gods into battle against Tarakasura.
The battle was fierce and long, but Kartikeya, with his divine prowess, finally defeated Tarakasura, ending his reign of terror. The heavens and the earth sighed in relief as peace was restored.
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