Rati

Sources give multiple Puranic and epic variants for Rati's origin. In some accounts (e.g., versions cited in Puranic material) she is born in cosmogonic narratives — one cited variant has her arise from Daksha's sweat. Other texts treat elements differently: narratives linking her to Sandhya, resurrection motifs involving Vishnu, and genealogical ties found across Kalika Purana, Brahma Vaivarta Purana, Shiva Purana, Bhagavata Purana and other Puranas produce alternative birth and rebirth accounts. The supplied sources present these as variant traditions rather than a single canonical birth narrative.

The supplied sources emphasize Rati's beauty, maidenly sensuality and power to enchant (including the capacity to enchant the God of Love or to be the focal partner of Kama). Specific, consistent iconographic markers are not supplied in the excerpts, though texts repeatedly stress her beauty and erotic attractiveness and her depiction as the appropriate consort of Kama.

Narrative sources attribute to Rati the capacity to embody and mobilize sexual desire: she is the consort of Kama and can 'enchant the God of Love.' After Kama's burning she undertakes severe penance (tapas) and beseeches divine intercession (to Parvati or Shiva in different variants) for Kama's restoration. In the Sambara/Mayavati episode she adopts a concealed social role (nanny, 'kitchen in-charge', mistress of illusion—Maya) to protect and eventually reunite with Kama's rebirth (Pradyumna). Some versions record that she curses the gods who caused Kama's death. She is also a cultic figure worshipped alongside Kama.