In Hinduism, the god of love is a complex entity, rife with nuance and subtle spiritual depths. The Hindu god of love is none other than Kama, the deity responsible for the infectious and intoxicating emotion that has captivated humanity since time immemorial.
Though often associated with desire and physical pleasure, Kama is not only a personification of carnal emotions, but of love in its in its purest form, an unknowable and electric force tying all souls together. And it is this character of pure, reciprocated love that Hindu scriptures and traditions celebrate and center around.
Kama is often described in Hindu scriptures as the most powerful of all the gods, so profound and all-present that no one can elude him. In the Mahabharata, he is credited with uniting Shiva and Parvati in marriage, as well as creating the universe itself.
Kama is traditionally depicted as a young and beautiful angel with four arms and featuring four faces, each representing the non-physical aspects of love: tenderness, peace, joy and purity. This image of the Hindu god of love has inspired Hindus from all walks of life, from temple-dwelling ascetics to high society marriage ceremonies.
Kama’s influence has been profound in Indian literature and art for centuries, with expressions of love in classical poetry and intricate paintings of Kama’s heavenly passions hinging on delicate balance between divine and earthly connections.
The Bhagavad Gita, one of the most important Hindu scriptures, suggests that one should practice Bhakti yoga (the yoga of devotion), and cultivate a loving attitude towards Kama in order to reach God. In other words, Kama represents all of love’s aspects – physical, emotional, and even spiritual – and can be a powerful bridge between the Godhead and our humanity.
These teachings are incredibly powerful, and have inspired Hindu polytheists, pantheists, and monotheists alike. The gods of Hinduism, of which Kama is a powerful representative, are seen as reflections of the same higher being, leaving it up to each individual to find their own method of expressing and experiencing love and devotion.
Kama’s Symbolism
The symbolism and mysticism associated with Kama is often just as profound as his burgeoning presence in Hindu culture. The bowstring of Kama’s bow is believed to be made of strands of the emotion itself, entwined together and vibrating with currents of love that course through the entire cosmos.
The bow and arrows Kama carries have also been interpreted in multiple ways, representing spiritual, intellectual and psychological arrows as much as physical ones. In Indian mythology, it is believed that when Kama’s arrow strikes an individual, they will be filled with love and devotion, effectively transforming them to their divine nature, whether they are aware of this or not.
Kama’s arrows are represented in many Hindu art forms, signifying the presence of love wherever they appear. The beauty of Kama is described in many stories and hymns, praising him for his power to both seduce and purify, to draw people together and lead them to God.
Conclusion of Kama
In Hinduism, then, Kama is considered all-encompassing, with his power to affect not just two souls, but the entire cosmos. True love is seen as the ultimate expression of life, and Kama is the deity responsible for igniting, sustaining, and celebrating it. To the faithful, Kama is an ever-present friend and guide, a subtle whisper that can be interpreted in many ways.
Influence of Kama
Kama’s symbolism has been part of Hindu spiritual life for centuries, influencing literature, art, and music, and inspiring spiritual practices across a wide range of sects and denominations. From the Bhakti traditions of the ancient Tamil poet saints, to the courtly arts of medieval Rajasthan, Kama has left his indelible mark upon the Hindu faith.
In more than one way, then, Kama is God of Love in Hinduism, a powerful deity capable of captivating the cosmic consciousness as well as our human hearts. He is an ever-present entity, equally capable of inducing passion as he is of creating serenity and balance.
Role of Kama in Sufism
Sufi traditions in India also revere Kama, understanding his presence as essential to living a life of spiritual ecstasy. In Sufism, Kama is seen as the source of creativity, bridging the gap between the physical and spiritual world. A Sufi saying goes: “Love is the bridge between you and everything.”
The notion of divine and earthly love is also embraced in Sufism, where compassionate love for humanity is seen as an activity that generates spiritual expansion and unlocks the potential for grace and transformation.
In Sufism, Kama is believed to be the essence of life itself, existing as an ever-present force that both animates and connects us. The influence of Kama is also seen in Sufi devotional music and in its spiritual practices, from ecstatic dance to the ritual chanting of God’s name.
Role of Kama in Bhakti Movement
Kama is also revered by those in India who follow the Bhakti movement, a spiritual path focused on deep devotion to God. In the Bhakti tradition, love is a sacred and essential element of the relationship between devotee and Lord, making Kama a powerful symbol.
Bhakti devotional practices often include singing and chanting, ritual offerings, and contemplation. For Bhakti devotees, Kama provides a powerful conduit through which one can experience God directly, unencumbered by the constraints of physical and mental life.
Kama is also seen as a protector, watching over and guiding the souls of his devotees towards their divine purpose. In Hindu culture, Kama is given the greatest respect, his charges and abilities far greater than those of other gods.
Influence of Kama in Modern Culture
Kama’s influence can still be seen in modern India, in literature, art, and everyday expression. Millions of Hindus invoke Kama’s name every day in their prayers, his bow and arrows and celestial beauty as iconic as ever. His presence has been immortalized through festivals and artwork, his spirit celebrated and preserved though centuries of tradition.
Kama has also had a profound impact on popular culture, inspiring songs and stories around the world, from modern Bollywood films to ancient Thai love poems. His power extends far beyond India, to cultures and countries that have incorporated Kama into their own spiritual thoughts and practices.
Kama is God of Love in Hinduism, then, and beyond, a symbol of passionate devotion that transcends faith and language, race and nationality. His power to animate the universe is incomprehensible and ever-present, a reminder of our own incredible capacity for love, no matter the distance between us.
