Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature c7.1859

c7.1859

In Kālikā Purāṇa we see another story about Kāma's birth. Brahmā created ten Prajāpatis. After that, the woman Sandhyā was created. At the very moment of her birth, Brahmā and the Prajāpatis were irresistibly fascinated by her charm and they sprang up from their seats. All their thoughts converged on the same object. At this time a handsome youth emerged from Brahmā's mind with a floral bow in his hands. Immediately after his birth, he asked Brahmā "Kaṃ darpayāmi" (Whom should I make proud ?) Brahmā replied—Let the minds of living beings be the aim of your arrows". He suggested Rati the daughter of Dakṣa, to be Kāma's wife. Since he stirred the mind of Brahmā, he got the name "MANMATHA", and since he was extremely attractive in appearance he came to be called "KĀMA". (For further details, see under "RATI.")