Rati is called the Hindu Goddess of love, passion, lust, carnal desire and sexual pleasure and is not related to motherhood or child-birth in any way. She is the assistant, chief consort and female counterpart of the God of Love, Kama (Kamadeva). She is Kama’s constant worshipper and companion. Temple sculptures and legends depict Rati along with Kama.
Rati is a Sanskrit word coming from the root ram which means ‘delight in’ or ‘enjoy’. She mounts the Parrot, uses a sword as weapon and lives in Kamaloka. She is the daughter of Prasuti and Prajapati Daksha. This Hindu deity is associated often with delight and arousal related to sexual activity.
Her sensuality and beauty are stressed upon in Hindu scriptures. As a maiden she has the power to enchant Kama. When Kama was burnt to ashes by Lord Shiva, it was Rati with her penance and beseeching who resurrected Kama as re-born named Pradyumna (Krishna’s son).
In the form of Mayavati, she acts as lover, nanny and guide to Pradyumna and helps him go back to his parents but after killing the demon-king. Rati-Mayavati is accepted by Kama-Pradyumna as wife later on.
She is depicted with a smiling face, glowing skin, fair and plump body, beautiful face and eyes. Rait is presented as seductive, voluptuous and an enchantress.
The god of love, Kama was the mind-born son of the creator-god, Brahma. He created Kama after creating the ten Prajapatis. Kama was assigned the task of shooting his flower arrows and spread love across the world. A wife had to be presented to Kama by Prajapati Daksha. Kama uses the arrows against the Prajapatis and Brahma, who feel great attraction towards Sandhya, the daughter of Brahma. Shiva laughs at them while passing by. As the Prajapatis and Brahma perspire in embarrassment, Rati, a beautiful woman rises from their sweat. She is presented by Daksha to Kama, as his wife.
