Once when Lord Shiva was meditating, Kama Deva (the god of love) tried to distract him. Shiva got angry and opened his third eye. Kama was immediately burnt to ashes. Rati, the wife of Kama, saw this and started weeping. She decided to jump into a pyre when a celestial voice stopped her. It said that Kama will be born as the son of Lord Krishna and Rukmini in Dvapara Yuga (the third yuga where the dharma bull which symbolizes morality, stands on two legs). It asked her to disguise herself as a maid and work in the kitchen of the asura, Shambara. She was pacified and waited for the birth of Pradyumna(Kama). Finally the time for Pradyumna's birth arrived. The people of Dwaraka celebrated his birth jubilantly. Elsewhere, the asura Shambara had a nightmare. He heard a voice that said he would be killed by Krishna's son, Pradyumna. The next day Shambara decided to kill Pradyumna. He made himself invisible and kidnapped Pradyumna from his cradle. He flew over the ocean and dropped Pradyumna into it. But, Pradyumna did not die and was swallowed by a large fish which was then caught by a fisherman. The fisherman took the fish to the kitchen of Shambara's palace. When the head chef sliced the fish, he was astonished to see a child inside it. He asked Rati (who was in the disguise of a maid) to take care of it. She wondered to whom the child belonged. At that time, Sage Narada arrived and told her the child was none other than her husband Kama and was destined to kill Shambara. Rati was overjoyed! So, she took care of him till he grew into a handsome youth. She then told him the story of his birth. After hearing the story, he decided to kill Shambara. He immediately challenged Shambara for a fight. Shambara who was always ready for a fight agreed. Then a great battle ensued between the two. Finally, Pradyumna killed Shambara and returned to Dwaraka along with Rati. The people of Dwaraka rejoiced their return.
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