By the power of Maheshvara, the gods were filled—each according to their own form and division. Then, wondrously, their bellies split open, and the divine seed of Maheshvara emerged. This radiant seed, glowing like molten gold, spread throughout the hermitage of Shankara, and from it a vast, pure lake was formed, shining with brilliance. The lake was adorned with golden lotuses in full bloom, and its waters echoed with the songs of many birds. Hearing of this marvel, the goddess, filled with curiosity, approached the great golden lake. She wandered to its edge, delighted by the sight of golden lotuses, and after playing in the water, she adorned herself with a garland made from the blossoms. Seated on the bank with her companions, the goddess wished to drink from the lake, which was sweet and pure, its surface decorated with lotuses. There, she saw the Krittikas—radiant, as if they were six suns—who had bathed and collected the water resting on a lotus leaf to bring home. With joy, the goddess exclaimed, “I see milk resting on the lotus leaf!” The Krittikas then explained everything to her, the daughter of the mountain. They said, “If a child is born to you, we will give him to you; but let him also be our son, bearing our names, and let him be renowned in all worlds, O auspicious one.” Girija, the mountain’s daughter, replied, “How can a son born from my body, possessing all limbs, belong to you all?” The Krittikas answered, “We will provide him with the finest limbs; if it is so, let it be.” Girija agreed, saying, “Let it be so, O blameless ones.” Filled with joy, the Krittikas gave her the milk resting on the lotus leaf. The goddess drank the water gradually, and as she finished, a wondrous event occurred. In that golden lake, she split open her right side, and from it emerged a marvelous child, illuminating all worlds. He shone like the sun, radiant as gold, holding a pure and sharp spear, and possessed six faces. Brilliant and golden-hued, destined to destroy vile demons, he was, by divine will, named Kumara. Again, splitting open her left side, the goddess brought forth another son—a beautiful child, born from Skanda’s mouth and Agni’s seed, destined to be an enemy-slayer. Because of his union with the Krittikas, he was especially called ‘Shakha,’ and the names ‘Shakha’ were given, spread among his six faces. Thus, he became known in the world as Vishakha, Skanda, Kartikeya, six-faced and six-mouthed, famed everywhere. On the fifteenth day of the bright half of Chaitra, these two mighty sons were born, shining like the sun, in the vast forest of reeds. On the fifth day, Paka-shasana, considering the two boys, performed a sacred rite to make them leaders. On the sixth day, Guha was anointed as lord by all the hosts of immortals—Brahma, Indra, Upendra, and Bhaskara. They adorned him with fragrant garlands, auspicious incense, toys, umbrellas, fans, nets, ornaments, and ointments. After the prescribed rites, the mighty Six-faced Lord received from Indra the renowned daughter, Devasena, as his bride. For the sake of the Lord of the gods’ wife, Vishnu bestowed his weapon, and the lord of wealth granted him one hundred thousand Yakshas. Agni gave his radiance, Vayu gave a vehicle, and Tvashtar gifted a toy—a rooster capable of assuming any form. Thus, all the gods bestowed upon him an unsurpassed retinue. With joyful hearts, they gave these gifts to Skanda, who shone with the brilliance of the sun. The hosts of gods knelt upon the ground and praised Six-faced, the bestower of boons, with a hymn, honoring him as the foremost among the gods: Salutations to Kumara, the great radiant one; to Skanda, destroyer of demons; to you whose brilliance rivals the newly risen sun; salutations to you, Six-faced, who can assume any form. Salutations to you, adorned with bound jewels, lord in battle, destroyer of demons; to you whose radiance equals the sun; to Guha, the secret one. Salutations to you, remover of the fear of the three worlds; to you, child of boundless compassion; to you, wide-eyed and pure; to Vishakha, the great vow-holder. Salutations and homage to you, captivating one; to you, fierce in battle; to you, whose vehicle shines as a peacock; to you, wearer of armlets. Salutations to you, bearer of the upright banner; homage to you, whose power is revered; salutations to you, possessor of supreme valor; be ever compassionate to us, O auspicious one. Having praised the lord of sacrifice, devoted to action, the gods and their leaders bowed. Six-faced, pleased, looked upon them with pure eyes and said, “I will destroy your enemies; be free from anxiety. What boon shall I grant you, O gods? Speak, you who are content. Even if it is difficult, whatever is dear to your hearts, whatever you desire most.” Thus addressed, the gods, heads bowed, spoke as one, their minds fixed upon the great-souled Guha: “The demon king named Taraka, destroyer of all divine clans, powerful, unconquerable, wicked, of evil conduct, excessively wrathful—slay him; this is our heartfelt wish, the remover of our fear.” Six-faced replied, “So be it,” and, accompanied by all the divine hosts, departed, praised by the lords of the gods. For the purpose of slaying Taraka, the thorn of the world, Indra, having obtained support, sent forth a messenger to the lion among demons. This messenger, fearless and terrifying in appearance, went and addressed Tarakasura. “Indra, lord of the gods, speaks to you, O banner of the demons, lord of heaven.” Hearing this, Tarakasura, with his formidable power, acted as he wished, preparing for what was to come.