This sacred account, which destroys demons and brings blessings to the devoted, was spoken by the Blessed Lord and should always be listened to with reverence. Now, O Brahman, as you are devoted to me, tell me this story in detail. O Nārada, the fame of the youthful Kārtikeya grew and spread throughout the worlds. Because of this, the radiant fire-god, Agni, was overcome by a great challenge. He was quickly sent forth by the gods and journeyed to the abode of Brahma. Upon seeing her, Agni addressed the goddess, saying, “O crooked one, this radiance is very difficult to bear. Therefore, accept this child; he will become a blessing for you.” Then, Agni spoke to the great river, requesting, “Cast the fire into the water for me.” Thus, the radiance—composed of flesh, bones, blood, marrow, intestines, semen, and skin—was handed over. Because of his golden seed, Agni is sung of in the worlds as Pāvaka, the purifier. At that time, the river bore the embryo and reached the abode of Brahma. Seeing her, Brahma asked, “Is your embryo well established?” She replied, “Unable to bear it, O noble one, I have deposited it in myself 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 there. When the time came, the daughter of the mountain arrived and easily abandoned the embryo. By the power of mantra, the crooked one was transformed and became composed of water. The other residents of that place were trees, beasts, and birds. Then, the boy was born, radiant like the rising sun, with lotus-like eyes. He drew his thumb into his mouth and wept, his cries resounding like a heavy raincloud. As they approached, the beings there saw the child lying in a bed of reeds. Each called out, “I am first! I am first!”—all seeking to nurse the child. Out of affection, all the Krittikas took turns nursing him. Thus was born Kārtikeya, the foremost among the strong, renowned throughout the worlds. Someone asked, “Of what measure is your son now, Guha?” The lord of the gods replied, “I do not know which one is Guha.” The child, born in the bed of reeds, is the strength of the three worlds, O lord of the three worlds. Then Kuṭilā, mounting a swift ram, saw the child. She declared, “The child born in the bed of reeds is destined to destroy the enemy of the son.” At that moment, Janardana, who acts as he wills, saw two disputing over the child. They said, “It is for the sake of determining the son, born of Rudra and Śukra.” “When the lord of the gods declares, do that without doubt,” they agreed. They gathered and asked, “Nārada, whose son is he?” With his hair standing on end in wonder, Nārada turned to Girijā and exclaimed, “By fortune, by fortune!” He declared, “He will be the son of whomever he approaches to ask.” Together with me, Kuṭilā, and the wise Pāvaka, they went and saw the child lying in the lap of the Krittikas. The yogi child became four-formed, and though still an infant, he possessed six faces. Kuṭilā approached him, and Mahāsena went towards Agni. Thus, the miraculous birth and recognition of Kārtikeya, the mighty one, unfolded, bringing awe and joy to all the worlds.