Lord Krishna as Kandarpa Pattachitra Painting
Kamadeva, also known as Kandarpa, was the celestial god of love and desire. He was renowned for his ability to invoke passion in the hearts of gods, humans, and celestial beings. With his sugarcane bow and flowered arrows, he could influence even the greatest of sages and deities. However, when he heard about the divine beauty of Lord Krishna, he was intrigued and somewhat challenged. When Kamadeva attempted to test his power over Krishna, Krishna remained completely unaffected. Unlike ordinary beings, Krishna’s heart was untouched by material desires. Instead, Kamadeva himself was enchanted! As he gazed upon Krishna, he realized that Krishna’s beauty was beyond anything he had ever seen or influenced. From that moment on, Krishna was called “Kandarpa”, meaning the Supreme Enchanter, greater than Kamadeva.
The name “Kandarpa” for Krishna signifies that his beauty, love, and attraction surpass even the celestial god of love, Kamadeva. It teaches that true love is not about material desire but about divine devotion (Bhakti), which leads the soul toward eternal bliss with Krishna.
