Feb 14, 2024
Kamal sharma
The Saraswati river was an ancient river in northwest India which dried up in the course of time. In those days, with the advent of spring, the Himalayan glaciers would melt, increasing the flow of the river Saraswati. The mustard plants that grew on the banks of the river used to go into full bloom, with the yellow color of mustard flowers decorating the banks of the river for many miles, making for a wonderful sight. It is interesting to note that the colour yellow represents knowledge in the Indian tradition. It is the colour of spring.
In ancient times, the rishis had their ashrams on the banks of the river Saraswati. Sage Veda Vyasa too had his dwelling here. It was on the banks of the Saraswati river that the Vedas, Upanishads, and other scriptures were composed & compiled. The river thus became associated with Goddess Saraswati the deity of knowledge & wisdom.
Lord Shiva was once in deep penance. Tarakasura had attained a boon that only Shiva’s son would be able to put an end to his life. He began wreaking havoc all across the world emboldened by the fact that Shiva had become an ascetic immersed in meditation for a long period and it was unlikely that he would ever marry again after the self-immolation of Sati (Shiva’s first wife).
Meanwhile, Sati had reincarnated as Parvati. Parvati had undertaken a severe penance to attain Lord Shiva. However, Shiva was unmoved. Parvati then sent Kama Deva (god of love) to rouse Shiva from his meditation.
It was on Vasant Panchami day that Kama Deva approached Shiva and created an illusionary spring in Kailash to attract the Lord and bring him out of his penance. Shiva does eventually awaken but reduced Kama Deva to ashes. He then accepted Parvati as his spouse.
After learning of what had transpired, Kamadeva’s wife, Rati, approached Shiva and begged him to bring her husband back to life. Feeling compassion, Shiva resuscitated Kamadeva, but under the condition that only Rati would be able to see him in his physical form. To all others, he would be a disembodied spirit of love and desire.
Vasant Panchami is hence remembered not only as the day Kamadeva was asked to stir Shiva’s desire for Parvati, but also as the time of year Kamadeva stimulates the passions of both the earth and its people, as the lands come alive with new blossoms.
The son born to Shiva and Parvati, Lord Kartikeya went on to annihilate Tarakasura.
Om Namah Shivaya 🚩🔱🕉️
