رتي ratī S̱. 1. (रति) n. prop. The Venus of the Hindūs, and the wife of Kāmadeva (Cupid), who was consumed by the fiery rage of Ma- hādeva for interrupting him in his devotions; and, Rati, being disconsolate for the loss of her husband, was informed by Pārvatī that he would be born in the house of Kr̤ish̤ṇa, and would have the name of Pradyumna; but, that Rājā Sambara would steal him away and cast him into the sea; that, thence, he would be taken in the belly of a fish to the kitchen of Sambara; and, that she must go and wait for him there. Following this advice, she remained in the kitchen of that Rājā, till it happened that a large fish, which had been presented to him, on being opened by the cook, was found to contain another fish; and, when this was opened, a child issued from its belly. This child the cook gave to Rati: and the matter being reported to the Rājā, he directed her to take care of the child and to rear it. When Kāmadeva was grown up, she made him ac- quainted with what Pārvatī had told her; and advised him to kill Sambara, and to return with her to the house of Kr̤ish̤ṇa and Rukmiṇī, where he was born. This was accomplished: and, Rati was married to him on his return to his parents. Hence Rati is considered as both mother and wife of Kāmadeva. 2. also rattī, s. f. Fortune. رتي چمکني ratī (or rattī) cha- maknī, To begin to prosper, to flourish. 3.
