At the dawn of the Sveta-varaha Kalpa, Brahma was busy with the creation process. From his mind came four Brahma Kumars. They were so pure in nature that they remained children forever and dedicated themselves to meditation and unveiling the secrets of the Vedas. Then appeared seven great sages, or sapta maharishis. They were Angiras from the mouth, Atri from the eyes, Marichi from the heart, Pulaha from the naval, Pulastya from the ears, Kratu from the hands, and Vashistha from the prana. Sage Kardam emerged from Brahma's shadow, Bhrigu from skin, and Daksha from thumb. All of them were eager to learn the Vedas from Brahma, and they soon submerged themselves in austerity and meditation.
Brahma was in trouble because none of his sons wanted to populate the earth. He began to perspire, and when his sweat fell on the celestial plane, there appeared Kamadev, a handsome, delightful young god. He asked Brahma, "What is the purpose of my existence?" Brahma answered, "I assign you as the god of love and desire. I give you this sugarcane bow and flower arrows of seduction. You should utilize your ability to arouse desire in the hearts of all living beings so that they can procreate. No one can escape your spell."
Saying so, Brahma concentrated again on the creation process. Devi Saraswati, the goddess of wisdom and speech, originated from his mind. She sat in front of Brahma on a white swan, enabling him to synthesize the Vedas. Brahma proceeded to chant the Vedas with his mouth, and all of his sons went on to absorb the coveted wisdom.
But Kamadev was in distress. Brahma told him to instill desire in people's minds, but everyone was engaged in listening to the Vedas. Moreover, all were mind-born sons of Brahma. There was no woman. Then he noticed Devi Saraswati seated in front of Brahma. Evil played on his mind. Without thinking twice, Kamadev fired the arrow of seduction at Brahma.
Everyone spotted a sudden change in Brahma's gestures and demeanor. He locked a lusty, seductive gaze on Devi Saraswati and began chanting the Vedas in a slurred voice, corrupting their true essence. Devi Saraswati was astonished by Brahma's peculiar behavior. She was uncomfortable with Brahma's gaze, so she moved to the right side of Brahma. Immediately, Brahma became passified and continued to chant the Vedas clearly, as before, from his mouth. But simultaneously, a second head emerged on his right side. The second head of Brahma maintained the same passionate look for Devi Saraswati and even began to communicate his desire for lovemaking with her. The ashamed goddess of knowledge escaped behind Brahma. Brahma's second head immediately began chanting the Vedas. However, another Brahma head appeared from behind the first head and began to express his desire for intimacy. Devi quickly moved to the left side. But a fourth head appeared on the left side, speaking about love and carnal cravings, while the other three heads continued to chant the Vedas.
All of Brahma's mind-born sons were witnessing the whole incident in disbelief and awe. But after a while, everyone began to realize the actual reason for Brahma's such peculiar actions. Thus, all started laughing in amusement. Kamadev was clearly enjoying the turmoil he had caused. Even Vishnu and Shiva found it hilarious. But Devi Saraswati felt disgusted and went into the space above Brahma. Then Brahma's four faces started to chant the Vedas, while a fifth head appeared on top, shouting the words of desire to Saraswati.
But gradually, Brahma's fifth face began to throw offending, obscene remarks at Devi Saraswati loudly. Even all of the sages became embarrassed hearing so from the creator god. Lord Shiva became enraged upon seeing this profanity. Anger erupted from his third eye, transforming it into the terrifying Bhairav. Bhairav dashed at Brahma and ripped off the fifth head of Brahma with his left hand.
The creator's other four heads screamed in agony. The entire universe paused for a few moments. The Manas-putras of Brahma began to shiver after witnessing the horror. Even Lord Shiva realized that a horrible mistake had occurred. The severed fifth head of Brahma got stuck to Bhairav's left palm. The sin of killing Brahma (Brahmahatya) manifested as a terrifying, ugly old woman with long, sharp nails. She chased Bhairav to punish him. Despite his incredible might, Bhairav was rendered weak and feeble in the face of Brahmahatya's transgression. So Bhairav started running for his life.
Devi Saraswati instantly came down to console Lord Brahma. The terrible pain had worn away the effect of the enchanting arrow. As Brahma regained consciousness, he realized what had happened and cursed Kamadev, claiming that because he had to endure such humiliation, Kamadev would suffer the same fate. He would be burned down by Shiva's third eye.
Even Kamadev understood the seriousness of his deeds at that moment. He began to apologize to Brahma. As Brahma was passified, he told Kamadev that the curse he had pronounced could not be reversed. But Brahma informed Kamadev that after death, he would be reborn. Moreover, Brahma reduced the power of Kamadev, saying that his arrow would be ineffective against a person with strong character and determination. Kamadev also came to be known as Madan, as he intoxicated the mind of the creator god with the desire of love.
Brahma's desire for Devi Saraswati gave rise to a man and a woman. Swayamvuva Manu arrived from his right side, while Devi Shatarupa emerged from his left. Brahma pronounced them man and wife. The entire human race has originated from them. Manav is the name given to humans because they are Manu's descendants.
Kamadev, as the god of love and ecstasy, began to spread love and desires among the people. As cursed by Brahma, he was later burned to ash by Lord Shiva. But that is a different story...
Comments
Post a Comment