madan

Madan is a term with several related uses in South Asia. It is commonly used as a masculine given name and, less commonly, as a surname. The name derives from Sanskrit madan or mādan, meaning pleasure, delight, intoxication, or desire, and it is associated with charm and affectionate sentiment.

In Hindu mythology, Madan is an epithet of Kamadeva, the god of love and desire. Kamadeva is typically depicted with a bow and arrows of flowers, and he is often shown united with his wife Rati. In the standard narrative, Kamadeva's attempt to incite love among the gods leads to a clash with Shiva, who burns Kamadeva with his third eye; in many traditions, Kamadeva is later restored to life with divine aid, and his role as the patron of love is reaffirmed.

In literature and religious poetry, the term Madan is used to symbolize love, romance, and aesthetic delight. It appears in Sanskrit, Hindi, and regional works as a word for passion or Cupid, and the name is chosen for its positive connotations of charm and warmth.

Beyond myth and naming, Madan also appears as a surname and in various place names in parts of Asia, reflecting cultural usage rather than a single origin.