God of Desire: Tales of Kamadeva in Sanskrit St, Benton+-

God of DesireTales of K?madeva in Sanskrit Story Literature\nAuthor(s): Catherine Benton\nFormat: Hardback\nPublisher: State University of New York Press, United States\nImprint: State University of New York Press\nISBN-13: 9780791465653, 978-0791465653\nSynopsis\nPresents Kamadeva, the Hindu god of desire, in tales, art, and ritual. Also covers Kamadeva's appearance in Buddhist lore.\n\nGod 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 enl.