Love in Hinduism
Love in Hinduism could easily be termed as an emotion, a feeling and a cycle of dedication, respect and beauty that no power on Earth could ever deter. It is the base upon which a successful marriage, society and culture can be built upon and it is the very fabric of humanity that makes us all strive for more. Hinduism, an ancient religion which is still practiced and venerated today makes love the very foundation of their spiritual philosophies. The emotion of love and all its manifestations were key in the development of various mythological figures related to joy, wealth, compassion and spirituality in Hinduist literature and also the presence of gods of love within the faith.
Hinduism is an ancient religion that has withstood the test of time and is one of the most widespread in the world. Its sacred texts, such as the Rig Veda, are revered and its gods worshiped throughout the country and by some Hindu communities around the world. Within this long-standing faith, love is venerated as a divine quality and the seventh, or most important, emotion in the list of nine, known as “navarasa”. It is symbolized by a lotus flower, which blooms and dissipates into the atmosphere just like love always radiates outwards, touching hearts and inspiring change.
The god of love in Hinduism is Kama Deva, also referred to as Kamadeva, Cupid or Ananga. He is the son of Lord Shiva and goddess Parvati, and is portrayed as a handsome, fragrant and noble presence. His role is to stir the emotion of love within individuals, whether between couples or relatives, in order to create better relationships within society. He is also said to be the lord of material pleasure, as he guides humans to go beyond just physical and emotional relationships and experience pleasure in all its forms. He is one of Shiva’s attendants and is said to have four arms, a bow and arrow of fresh flowers, a noose to capture hearts, and a goad to prick into individuals’ hearts so they can recognize their true love.
In Hindu mythology, Kamadeva is known as the most beautiful of all beings and plays the role of cupid by shooting arrows of flowers fruitfully at those who are destined to engage in loving relationships. It is believed that when shot with a colored flower arrow, a person or deity will become bewitched by the charm and beauty of his beloved. He follows strict instructions from his parents Shiva and Parvati, so much so that he sacrifices his might and courage, fades wild fire-like in front of Lord Shiva, and thus reappears with much kindness, bliss and sincere devotion towards his beloveds.
Kamadeva is featured in many pieces of Hindu literature and is considered an important symbol of love. He is said to be the deity of beauty and the embodiment of attraction, and is the most “hedonistic” deity that exists in Hinduism. He is known to be a compassionate god and works under the command of Lord Shiva in order to bring together two hearts that were meant for each other. Kamadeva also serves as a reminder for us to use love to end hostility and bring about peace.
Kamadeva’s female counterpart is Rati, who is the embodiment of physical pleasure and carnal love. She is known to be the bestower of passion and devotion, the motivator in passionate encounters, the energizer of erogenous wishes, and the awe of victorious power. She is described as never failing to fulfill any task assigned to her, so it’s not surprising that she is still worshiped today, particularly in the spring festival of Holi.
Hindu Love Symbols
Love is a theme that permeates throughout Hinduism, and many symbols are associated with it. These symbols are often used in Hindu art, literature, and culture and reflect the many timeless and uncomplicated virtues of love. Some of the most common symbols of Hindu love are the ever-blooming lotus flower, which symbolizes purity and rebirth; the rose, which symbolizes beauty; the swastika, which symbolizes goodness and abundance; and the trisula, which is a three-pronged spear that represents strength and courage.
The lotus flower is one of the most recognizable symbols of Hindu love. It is associated with beauty, purity, new beginnings and strength. In Hindu mythology, the lotus is a sign of creativity and growth, and is often used as a metaphor for the human soul’s journey to spiritual enlightenment. It is believed to be the sign of divine grace, compassion and beauty and is commonly used in love poetry and literature.
The rose is another common symbol of love and devotion in Hinduism. It symbolizes the beauty of emotions and the fragility of love. Roses are often used in offerings to the gods, and their fragrance is believed to be the sweet smell of love. Rose petals are used to decorate wedding altars and offerings to the gods, and offering roses is a way of expressing love, reverence and gratitude. The rose is also seen as a sacred symbol of beauty and passion, and it is often worn by gods and goddesses as a sign of their favor.
The swastika is a symbol that has been used in many religions, including Hinduism. It is a sign of good fortune and is believed to be a symbol of the sun and its rotating cycle of life and renewal. In Hinduism, the swastika signifies abundance, prosperity and long life. It is also seen as a sign of good luck and protection, and is often used to ward off evil.
The trisula is a three-pronged spear that is often used in Hindu art, literature and culture. It is often seen as a symbol of strength and courage and is associated with Shiva, the Destroyer. It is believed to be the symbol of divine wisdom and power, and is often used to represent the fighting spirit that faces adversity with courage and determination.
Balance of Love and Devotion
Love and devotion is an important element of Hinduism. Hindus strive for a balance between the love for their families and lovers, and their devotion to the gods. Love and devotion must both be practiced in balance:love is the foreground of a relationship and devotion is the background. Too much love without devotion can lead to selfishness, while too much devotion without love can lead to emptiness.
Many Hindu scriptures and traditions contain examples of love and devotion, such as the Ramayana, Mahabharata and Bhagavad Gita. These works emphasize the importance of striking a balance between love and devotion. The Ramayana, for example, tells the story of Lord Rama, who is devoted to his wife Sita, but also loves her deeply. In the Mahabharata, Lord Krishna shows his immense devotion to his followers, but at the same time, shows his love for them in his teachings and advice. Similarly, in the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna teaches Arjuna the importance of striking a balance between love and devotion.
Love and devotion are also an important part of everyday Hindu life. Family and friends are showered with love and respect and devotion is often shown through worshiping deities. In Hindu traditions, it is not just the deities that are worshipped; people also pay respect to their ancestors and elders. The Hindu wedding ceremony is a perfect example of love and devotion, as it consists of rituals that involve the couple as well as their families.
Kamadeva and Temples
The god of love in Hinduism, Kamadeva, is an ancient figure and is still revered today, particularly during the spring festival of Holi. In modern times, Kamadeva is often depicted as a handsome, four-armed figure with a bow, arrow, and flower wreath. He is the embodiment of physical beauty, pleasure and attraction, and is venerated as the bringer of love and passion.
Kamadeva is commonly worshiped in modern Hindu temples, along with other gods, such as Shiva and Parvati. Temples dedicated solely to Kamadeva are found throughout India, as well as in Nepal and some other parts of the world. Offerings to the god are made of fresh flowers, fruits, incense and prayer beads, and worshippers may also sing hymns, perform rituals and make wishes. Many temples also host special festivals dedicated to the god of love, where visitors are showered with rose petals, mithai, and other offerings.
Kamadeva in Ceremonies
Kamadeva is a popular figure during Hindu ceremonies, such as weddings and other rites of passage. During a wedding ceremony, the bride and groom often exchange garlands as a symbol of their love and commitment. This is a tradition that is said to have its origins in Kamadeva’s arrow of flowers, and it is used to show the strength and beauty of their relationship. The god of love is also commonly worshiped during holi, a spring festival in India dedicated to the god of love. During holi, Kamadeva is highlighted in many song and dance performances, and the color of love, red, is widely celebrated.
Conclusion of Love in Hinduism
Love in Hinduism is an integral part of the faith, and it is inspiring to see how it is venerated in both ancient and modern rituals. The god of love, Kamadeva, embodies the importance of love, attraction and physical pleasure, and serves as an example of the importance of striking a balance between love and devotion. Love is a wonderful emotion and should be celebrated, and it is clear to see why it is seen as a high virtue in Hinduism.
