There is no misfortune or disgrace for those who continually offer you praise, strength, and flowers, O Goddess. Through your grace, I have achieved the highest victory over the enemies of the gods in battle. You assure me that evil dreams will surely be destroyed, and invite me to choose another boon as I wish. Once again, you promise to burn up the enemies of the gods, your form blazing like fire. Your devotion to the destruction of the demon Andha is renowned throughout the worlds, and you are celebrated as Carcikā. You name the formidable adversaries—Vipracitti, Lavaṇa, Śumbha, Niśumbha, and the ten-fanged assailant—and declare that, alongside the goddess of boundless truth and power, you will sustain the gods as Śākambharī. After slaying the wicked Daityas, you will return to the abode of the gods. Assuming the form of Mahālī, you will destroy life and then ascend once more to heaven. With your task complete, you dismiss the assembled beings and depart into the sky, followed by hosts of perfected beings. This narration, which destroys demons and was spoken by the Blessed Lord, should always be heard by the devoted. Then, O Brahman, Nārada inquired for more details, eager to hear your wisdom. The fame of the youthful Kārtikeya grew throughout the worlds. Because of this, the fire-god of great radiance was overcome, and was quickly sent by the others to the world of Brahma. Upon seeing her, he said, "O crooked one, this radiance is very difficult to bear. Therefore, accept this child; he will become blessed for you." He then spoke to the great river: "Cast the fire into the water for me." From this union, flesh, bones, blood, marrow, intestines, semen, and skin were formed. Because of his golden seed, he is celebrated in the worlds as Pāvaka. At that time, the river bore the embryo, having reached the abode of Brahma. Brahma asked her, "Is your embryo well established?" She replied, "Unable to bear it, O noble one, it was deposited in me today. The time of the embryo continues; it has never fallen at any time." There is a great and fierce place called Śaravaṇa, a hundred yojanas wide. After ten thousand years, the boy would be born. The daughter of the mountain arrived and easily abandoned the embryo. By the power of mantra, the crooked one became composed of water. Other residents of that place were trees, beasts, and birds. The boy, radiant like the rising sun and with lotus-like eyes, was born. He drew his thumb into his mouth and wept like a heavy raincloud. As the child stood in the bed of reeds, the Krittikas approached of their own accord, crying out for milk, "I am first! I am first!" Out of affection, each of the Krittikas nursed the child. He, the foremost among the strong, was born and became renowned as Karttikeya. Someone asked, "Of what measure is your son now, Guha?" The lord of the gods replied to his son, "I do not know which one is Guha." The child born in the bed of reeds is the strength of the three, O lord of the three worlds. Kuṭilā, riding a swift ram, saw him and declared, "The child born in the bed of reeds is for the purpose of destroying the enemy of the son.