*SKANDHA X. CHAP. 55.*
The god Kama is an aspect of Vasudeva. He had been burnt before by the
fire of Rudra's anger. To get back his body, he was born as the son of
Krishna by Rukmini and became known as Pradyumna. He was not unlike his
father in any respect The Asura Samvara, who was Kama (or passions)
incarnate, (Kama rupin), knew the child to be his enemy and stole him
away and threw him into the sea. A big fish swallowed him up. That fish
with others was caught in a large net by the fishermen. They presented
the fish to Samvara. The servant cut open the fish and the child came
out. They made him over to Mayavati. She was frightened but Naroda told
her all about the child. This Mayavati, named Rati, had been the wife of
Kama. She had been waiting for the reappearance of her husband in a
body. She was employed by Samvara as a cook. Knowing the child to be
Kama Deva, she nursed him and became attached to him. In time, Kamadeva
grew tip and Mayavati approached him with expressions of love. "What is
this mother?" asked Kamadeva, "Why this change in your feelings towards
me!"
"Thou art Kamadeva, O Lord, son of Krishna. Thou hadst been stolen away
by Samvara. I am thy wife Rati. The Asura had thrown thee into the sea,
when a fish devoured thee. I have got thee back from the stomach of that
fish. Samvara is an adept in many forms of Maya. Kill him by means of
Delusion and other powers of Maya known to thee."
Rati gave to Pradyumna the Vidya known as Mahamaya, the destroyer of all
other Mayas.
Pradyumna fought with Samvara and killed him with the help of Mahamaya.
Rati then carried her husband to Dvaraka. There the women mistook him
for Krishna and bashfully moved aside. Even Rukmini could only half
decide that he was her son. Krishna appeared with Vasudeva, Devaki and
Rama. Narada related the story of Pradyumna's adventures. There was
great joy at Dvaraka and people welcomed Pradyumna and his wife.
Pradyumna was an image of Krishna. What wonder if even his mother became
attached to him!