At that time, she carried the embryo within her as she arrived at the abode of Brahma. Upon seeing her, Brahma inquired gently, “Is your embryo well established?” She replied, “Unable to bear it any longer, O noble one, I have deposited it today.” Yet, the time of the embryo’s growth continued; it never fell away at any point. There exists a vast and fierce place known as Śaravaṇa, stretching a hundred yojanas wide. It was there, after ten thousand years had passed, that the boy was destined to be born. When the appointed time arrived, the daughter of the mountain easily relinquished the embryo. By the power of mantra, the crooked one—Kuṭilā—became composed of water, and the other inhabitants of that place were trees, beasts, and birds. In that sacred bed of reeds, a radiant boy was born, his eyes like lotuses, his brilliance rivaling the rising sun. As a newborn, he drew his thumb into his mouth and wept, his cries resounding like a heavy raincloud. Drawn by his presence, the beings of the place—trees, beasts, and birds—approached the child lying in the reeds. Each called out, “I am first! I am first!” seeking to offer him milk. Out of deep affection, all the Krittikas nursed the child together. Thus was born Karttikeya, foremost among the strong, whose fame spread far and wide. The gods wondered, “Of what measure is your son now, Guha?” But the lord of the gods replied, “I do not know which one is Guha.” It was then revealed: the child born in the bed of reeds is the strength of the three worlds, O lord of the three worlds. Kuṭilā, riding a swift ram, came and saw the child. It was declared, “The child born in the bed of reeds is destined to destroy the enemy of the son.” At that moment, Janardana, who acts according to his will, saw the two—Kuṭilā and Pāvaka—engaged in dispute. They said, “It is for the sake of determining the son, born of Rudra and Śukra.” The lord of the gods decreed, “Do as I declare, without doubt.” The assembled ones turned to Nārada and asked, “Whose son is he?” With hair standing on end, Nārada said to Girijā, “By fortune, by fortune!” It was proclaimed: “He will be the son of whomever he approaches to ask.” Together—Nārada, Kuṭilā, and the wise Pāvaka—went to see the child lying in the lap of the Krittikas. The yogi child manifested four forms and, though still young, possessed six faces. Kuṭilā approached, and Mahāsena moved toward Agni. Pāvaka, lord of the gods, was filled with supreme joy. Then Hari arrived and addressed them all, speaking the prescribed words, “This son, born of Kuṭilā, shall indeed be called Kumāra. And by the name Guha, he is remembered as my own son. He is renowned as Māhāsena, the son of Hutāśa; and as Śāradvata, the son of Śaravaṇa. Because he has six faces and mighty arms, he is sung as Ṣaṇmukha.” Remembering this, the gods came swiftly. They beheld Hutāśana with joy, Kuṭilā, and the Krittikās. Before them was the exceedingly fierce child, Ṣaṇmukha, shining with the brilliance of the sun, his radiance so intense it seemed to scorch their eyes. The gods exclaimed, “O lord, the divine task has been accomplished by you, by the goddess, and by Agni as well.