Kāmadeva Reborn as Pradyumna
Long ago, Kāmadeva, the celestial god of love, was burnt to ashes by Lord Śiva’s third eye when he disturbed the great yogī’s meditation. But by divine arrangement, he was destined to take birth again—as the son of Lord Kṛṣṇa and Queen Rukmiṇī.
In time, Rukmiṇī gave birth to a radiant baby boy, shining with the beauty of Cupid himself. The sages, recognizing the divine child’s identity, declared:
“This is Pradyumna, the rebirth of Kāmadeva.”
The Kidnapping by Śambara
But fate had other plans. A terrible demon named Śambara, who had heard a prophecy that he would die at the hands of Rukmiṇī’s son, entered the palace in disguise. Seizing the infant Pradyumna, he carried him far away and cast him into the sea.
The child was swallowed by a massive fish. Later, that same fish was caught by fishermen and delivered to the demon’s kitchen.
The Discovery by Māyāvatī
In the demon’s kitchen worked a mysterious woman named Māyāvatī. As she prepared the fish for cooking, she found a divine baby boy inside.
Her heart melted with maternal affection, but deeper still, she experienced a mystical recognition. This was her beloved Kāmadeva, returned to her. For Māyāvatī was none other than Rati, the eternal consort of Kāmadeva, now reborn as a maid in Śambara’s household by divine design.
She raised the boy in secret, and when he came of age, she revealed his true identity. She told him of his divine origin, his real parents, and his destiny—to slay the wicked Śambara.
Pradyumna Slays the Demon
Pradyumna, now empowered by his divine memory and guided by Rati’s instructions, boldly confronted Śambara.
Śambara, shocked to see the very child he had tried to kill, summoned his terrible sorcery and hurled spells, illusions, and black magic.
But Pradyumna, a master of Mahāmāyā, effortlessly countered each spell. With divine weapons, he struck down Śambara and freed the kingdom from fear.
The demon was dead, and the prophecy fulfilled.
Return to Dvārakā and Reunion
With Rati by his side, Pradyumna journeyed to Dvārakā, the city of his father, Lord Kṛṣṇa.
As he entered the palace, the entire court stood still in astonishment. The boy looked exactly like Kṛṣṇa. Queen Rukmiṇī stared in disbelief, tears flowing from her eyes.
“Could this be… my lost child?”
Nārada Muni appeared and confirmed the truth. The reunion was filled with joy, divine wonder, and celebration. Kṛṣṇa embraced His son, and the Yādavas hailed the victory of dharma.
The Marriage of Pradyumna and Rati
In a sacred ceremony attended by the Devas and sages, Pradyumna and Rati were united in divine marriage. Their bond was not of this world—it was eternal, timeless love restored.
Their union was symbolic of the restoration of love and devotion that conquers even death and separation.
Lessons to Be Learned:
- Even in loss and despair, the Lord protects His devotees through unseen arrangements.
- The Lord’s plans may seem mysterious, but they lead to restoration, reunion, and victory.
- True love, like that of Pradyumna and Rati, transcends death, separation, and illusion.
- The devotee who surrenders to Kṛṣṇa becomes invincible, even against the darkest magic.
Origin of the Story: Harivaṁśa Purāṇa – Viṣṇu-parva, Chapters 60–65
