This story from the Padma Purana details the complex dynamics surrounding Lord Shiva and Sati, and the eventual intervention of the Devas in rekindling Shiva’s place in the world. After Daksha’s deliberate insult to Shiva, Sati sacrificed herself, leading Shiva to withdraw from worldly matters in sorrow. Concerned for the universe’s balance, Indra and the Devas sought the union of Shiva and Parvati (Sati’s reincarnation). To induce Shiva’s love for Parvati, Kama (the god of love) shot him with an arrow, but Shiva, enraged, burned Kama to ashes with his third eye.
Despite this, Parvati’s devotion touched Shiva, and he recognized her as his beloved Sati reborn. The pair eventually married, and their union paved the way for the birth of Kartikeya, who would lead the Devas against the Asuras.
Connection to Other Myths:
- Sati’s sacrifice: Sati’s immolation and rebirth as Parvati parallels themes of sacrifice and rebirth, seen in tales like Daksha Yagna.
- Kama’s burning: Kama’s disembodiment signifies the loss of physical desire and love’s power to transcend the physical realm, similar to the depiction of Manmatha in several texts.
- Kartikeya: Shiva and Parvati’s son, Kartikeya, becomes the leader of the Devas, defeating the powerful demon Tarakasura, a recurring theme in Hindu cosmology where the child of a divine union saves the cosmos.