As the tale unfolds, the gods found themselves in need of a commander for their celestial army. Their previous leader, engaged in deep austerities with his wife, was no longer available to guide them in battle. Concerned for the welfare of the worlds, the gods—led by Indra and Agni—approached the Grandfather of all, the blessed Brahmā, seeking his counsel and aid. Bowing reverently, they pleaded, “O knower of cosmic order, you are our supreme refuge. Please arrange for what must be done for the good of all beings.” Moved by their request, Brahmā offered words of comfort to the assembled immortals. He reminded them of the mountain-born goddess’s words, pure and true, which were not suited for those already bound in marriage. Then Brahmā revealed the divine plan: the celestial river Gaṅgā, daughter of the mountains, would bear a son begotten by Agni. This child would become the gods’ new commander, the destroyer of their enemies. Furthermore, the eldest daughter of the king of mountains, Umā, would honor this son, who would be greatly esteemed by her. Hearing Brahmā’s assurance, the gods’ hearts were filled with satisfaction. They bowed and worshipped the Grandfather, their purpose fulfilled. Then, traveling to the magnificent, jewel-studded peak of Kailāsa, the gods entrusted Agni with the sacred task: “O Agni, for the sake of the gods, release your energy into Gaṅgā, the mountain’s daughter.” Agni agreed, and approaching Gaṅgā, he said, “O goddess, bear this embryo; it is dear to the gods.” Upon hearing these words, Gaṅgā assumed a divine and wondrous form. Awed by her greatness, Agni’s energy dispersed in all directions, and he anointed the goddess on every side. As a result, all the streams of the Gaṅgā became full and vibrant with life. Overwhelmed by the fiery energy within her, Gaṅgā addressed the gods: “O gods, I cannot bear this blazing force that has arisen from you.” Scorched by the fire and deeply agitated, she was then reassured by Agni, the receiver of all divine offerings. He instructed, “Let this embryo be placed upon the slopes of the Himalayas.” Obeying Agni’s words, Gaṅgā released the radiant embryo onto the mountain slopes. From her streams emerged a mighty and luminous being, shining with the brilliance of molten gold. As the embryo reached the earth, gold as radiant as the sun appeared, followed by silver, copper, and black iron, all products of its intense energy. Even tin and lead arose from the impurities, and thus the earth became rich with various metals. The spot where the embryo was deposited blazed with radiance, transforming the entire forest encircled by mountains into a golden wonder. From that time, the place has been known as “jātarūpa”—the birthplace of gold, equal in brilliance to fire. All the grass, trees, creepers, and shrubs there took on a golden hue. The gods, along with Indra and the hosts of wind deities, then entrusted the nurturing of the newborn boy to the Krittikas, the star maidens. United in purpose, the Krittikas agreed to nurse the child, declaring, “He is the son of all of us.” The gods proclaimed, “He shall be called Kartikeya, and will be renowned throughout the three worlds as our son.” They bathed the radiant child—who had emerged from the flow of the embryo—with divine splendor, as if he were fire itself. Because he had “flowed forth” from the embryo, he was also called Skanda. Kartikeya, mighty-armed and blazing like fire, drank the excellent milk of the Krittikas, taking nourishment from the six mothers at once, for he had six faces. Though but a day old, Kartikeya, with his tender body, vanquished the armies of demons by his own strength. The gods, led by Agni, anointed him as their commander, the leader of the divine forces, radiant and powerful. Thus, O Rāma, the story of the sacred Gaṅgā and the auspicious birth of Kartikeya has been recounted. Any person on earth devoted to Kartikeya, blessed with sons and grandsons, will attain the world of Skanda. Having completed this sweet and wondrous tale, Viśvāmitra turned again to Rāma and spoke further. “O hero, there was once a righteous king of Ayodhyā named Sagara, who longed for children but was childless. His elder queen was Keśinī, daughter of the king of Vidarbha, virtuous and truthful. The second wife was Sumati, sister of Suparṇa and daughter of Ariṣṭanemi. Yearning for progeny, the great king Sagara, accompanied by his two wives, undertook severe austerities, journeying to Mount Himavat and reaching the sacred peak of Bhṛguprasravaṇa.