ORIGIN OF KARTIKEYA

TapyamanE TapO dEvEsEndrAha sagnipurOgamAha|

SEnApatimabheessantaha pitAmahamupAgaman||

With Lord Shiva engaged in a deep penance in Himavatprabhavashikhara, prominent deities like Agni, the Fire God, along with Lord Indra, went to Pitamaha Brahma, with a hope to secure a capable chief commander. Agni, Indra and other deities saluted Lord Brahma and said: 

“Lord, earlier, Lord Shiva earlier handed over a commander in the form of an embryo and retired to Himalayas, along with Umadevi and is presently engaged in an arduous penance. Please think what we should do next to secure an efficient chief commander for the welfare of the universe, for punishing the evil and protecting the pious. You are well aware of the method involved and the secret behind the issue. You are the only savior for us.”

Brahma, the Lord of all the three worlds, listened to the appeal of deities, consoled them with sweet words and said: 

“Oh deities, there is no escape for you from the curse ‘Na prajAha swasupatnishu” — there is no chance for you to beget children from your wives — delivered by Umadevi. That is a true statement. There is no doubt in this. Therefore, henceforth you will not beget sons from your wives. Destroyer of enemies and chief commander of the army of deities will be none else than the one Lord Agni would beget from most mystic, sky-flowing Ganga Devi. Being the eldest daughter of Himavanta, Goddess Ganga will naturally look after the child born for Lord Agni from her. That will not enrage Uma either. It is because, hasn’t that radiation of the prospective chief commander in the form of embryo originated from the union of Shiva and Uma? Uma too will be impressed if that divine child is borne by her elder sister. There can be least doubt about this.”” 

Rama, after hearing the sweet words of Lord Brahma, they felt that their wish had been realised, saluted and worshipped Lord Brahma again. All the deities went to Mount Kailas, which was bound by springs, streams and mines of various ores, and offered prayers to Lord Agni, as advised by Lord Brahma, with the intent of securing a chief commander: 

“Yagneshwara, please accomplish this task for the sake of all deities. Please release the radiation of Lord Shiva, which is in the form of an embryo of Kartikeya, into Ganga River.”

“May that be so. I will do as you have told me.” Pledging that way in front of all the deities, Lord Agni took the radiation of Lord Shiva, went near Akasha (sky) Ganga and told her: 

“Oh Shylaputri, please bear this Retas of Lord Shiva in your womb as such an act of yours will please the deities.”