God of Desire

Presents Kamadeva, the Hindu god of desire, in tales, art, and ritual. Also covers Kamadeva's appearance in Buddhist lore. God of Desire presents Sanskrit tales of the Indian deity K?madeva as he battles the ascetic god ?iva, assists the powerful goddess Dev?, and incarnates as the charming son of K???a. Exploring the imagery and symbolism of the god of desire in art and ritual, Catherine Benton reflects on the connection of K?madeva to parrots, makaras (gharials), and apsarases (celestial nymphs), and to playful devotional rituals designed to win his favor. In addition to examining the Hindu literature, Benton also highlights two Buddhist forms of Kamadeva, the demonic M?ra, who tries to persuade the Buddha to trade enlightenment for the delights of a woman, and the ever-youthful Mañju?ri, who cuts through ignorance with the bodhisattva sword of wisdom. Tales of K?madeva from the Hindu and Buddhist traditions present desire as a powerful force continually redefining the boundaries of chaos and order and gently pulling beyond the ephemeral lure of passionate longings.