Kamadeva Smiles at His Doom
Bala Kanda, Doha 83
Doha 83 · Movement 2 of 2
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The gods tell Kamadeva the whole calamity and the part he must play. He turns the request within his heart and understands its conclusion before the journey begins.
To oppose Shambhu will bring him no good. The flower bow has conquered gods, sages, creatures, and worlds, but the one seated beyond desire is not another ordinary target.
Kamadeva smiles as he speaks the warning aloud. The smile holds courage, resignation, and the strange dignity of one who sees death upon the road yet does not refuse those who need him.
Kamadeva lifts the flower bow and smiles toward the fire he already foresees.
Read the passage from the Manas
सुरन्ह कहीं निज बिपति सब सुनि मन कीन्ह बिचार। संभु बिरोध न कुसल मोहि बिहसि कहेउ अस मार।।83।।
The gods told him all their troubles. After reflecting within his heart, the foe of the asuras smiled and said: "Enmity with Shambhu will not end well for me."