Kama (Hinduism)

For other meanings see kama.

In Hinduism, Kama is the god of love and a son of Lakshmi. He is a young, winged man who uses a bow and arrows made of flowers. He is called Kama Ananga ("Kama the bodiless") as well. Kama's body was destroyed when he loosed his weapon at Shiva in order to disrupt his meditations. Shiva then opened his third eye, the gaze of which was so powerful that Kama's body was reduced to ashes. For the sake of Kama's wife Rati (passion), Shiva restored him, but only as a mental image, representing the true emotional and mental state of love rather than physical lust.

Alternative: Chama, Cama

Relative: Mara