Introduction to the Hero

Meet the brave, comical hero Pradyumna. He's the reincarnation of Kamadeva, but we'll get to that in a second. Pradyumna is currently being raised in a kitchen by his wife, Mayavati. Thus far, Pradyumna has survived being swallowed by a fish and made it to the kitchen in that fish belly. He likes to brag about that. You know that Mayavati is his wife because I told you, but Pradyumna does not know yet. I just watched him flirt with the other ladies of the kitchen. Don't tell Mayavati.

The great hero Pradyumna is actually a reincarnation of Kamadeva, like I said. Kamadeva is the god of love. Lord Kamadeva has cool green skin and carries a bow made of sugarcane and the string is made of honeybees. Kamadeva is married to Rati, who has been promised to wed him again in their new life. He has his wife to thank for that promise.

Let me introduce Shiva, a divine being, another god. As he is attempting to meditate, Kamadeva thinks it would be amusing to interrupt him. He jumps in front of him and begins to crab walk. As you can imagine, Shiva is not as amused. In his annoyance he opens his third eye, resulting in the instant incineration of Kamadeva.

Poor Rati is beside herself, losing her lover. Rati attempts to step into a pyre of fire and end her life. Shiva, of all beings, stops her and she requests for her lover to be reincarnated and the promise of his hand in marriage. Shiva agrees to her requests, and Pradyumna is born as the son of Krishna. The asura Shambara learns that the infant is destined to defeat him, which leads to Pradyumna's kidnapping. Shambara throws the infant into the sea, and that is where he is swallowed by the fish. Mayavati, the reincarnation of Rati, has pledged to raise him until he is of age to fulfill his destiny.