When the time for the divine union approached, the venerable king of mountains, Himavat, welcomed the illustrious guests. He offered water for washing their hands and feet, and provided seats, which were graciously accepted by all. Upon Himavat’s solemn declaration, “Given,” the auspicious day for the wedding was set. All those assembled turned to Śaṃkara and joyfully announced, “Śivā has been given by Himavat.” Then, Brahmā, Indra, and the other gods busied themselves with preparing all the necessary materials for the wedding. The air resounded with the deep tones of conches and drums, as Brahmā and the other immortals joined together in celebration. Śiva was duly married to Pārvatī according to the sacred rites, and after the ceremony, he returned to his own abode. Meanwhile, the gods, still harboring a sense of unease, sent Agni, the god of fire, to approach Maheśvara (Śiva). Overcome with embarrassment and awe, Agni received Śiva’s potent seed into his own mouth. Unable to contain it, Agni cast out Śiva’s seed, which fell into the middle of the sacred river Gaṅgā. At that time, the six wives of the seven sages came to the river Jahnavī (another name for Gaṅgā) to bathe. Sensing the presence of a divine fire, they performed penance there as they wished. From the opening of the hip, the six-faced one was swiftly born. Fearing the reaction of their sage-husbands, the women became anxious. The newborn, becoming one with the six, ascended to the summit of the White Mountain. On the first day of the bright fortnight, he appeared; on the second day, he was made complete. By the fourth day, with all his limbs perfected, the six-faced child, possessing twelve radiant eyes, was fully manifest. His brilliance, white and coppery, illuminated the three worlds. Brahmā gathered the gods and performed the consecration of the child, following the prescribed rites. By the wish of Gauri (Pārvatī), the peacock was appointed as his vehicle. The Krittikas, desiring a son, nurtured him, and he was given a spear. The army of the gods anointed and honored him, recognizing his power. He became known by many names: Gangeya, Kartikeya, Guha, Skanda, the son of Uma, Kumara, and bearer of the spear—sixteen names in all. Thus was born Mahāsena, the mighty commander of the gods and destroyer of demons. He was consecrated, adorned, and his matted locks arranged in accordance with ancient tradition. Maheshvara bestowed upon Mahāsena consecration and divine weapons, charging him: “O son, you must protect the cause of harmony for Indra.” When the great festival arose among the multitude of proud attendants, Śaṃkara assigned them names according to the foods they desired. Those who wished for the fruit of the banyan were called the mothers of the banyan. Others, who were obtained by Śambhu for the play and consumption of Paulas, received names as well. The sight of all these beings was considered auspicious and capable of dispelling malignant influences. Having received the spear, Mahāsena, steadfast in his vow and commander of the gods, waged war. After vanquishing the lord of the demons, he restored the prosperous, thorn-free kingdom to Indra. O Vyāsa, after the mighty son of the Ganges had slain the demon-lord, the serpent city of Bhogavatī was split by his spear, and all the sacred places on earth and in the oceans were sanctified. Thus, Koṭitīrtha was declared supremely holy throughout the three worlds. One who bathes at Koṭitīrtha and beholds Koṭīśvara Śiva, especially one who, devoted to his ancestors, performs śrāddha there, is greatly blessed, O sage.