RAMAYANA FOR CHILDREN—CHAPTER 37
THE BIRTH OF KARTIKEYA
Meanwhile, the Devas wanted a general to lead them against the Asuras. They went to the Lord and prayed to him. “Lord, he whom you gave to us to lead our armies is always engaged in Tapas. He does so along with his consort, Uma. Advice us what to do next. The welfare of the worlds is dearer to you. Please point out the best course of action.”
The four-faced One calmed the fears of the Devas. He encouraged them. “The words of the Great Mother that you would not have son of your own loin will prove good forever. Now Agni shall bring forth a son of Ganga. She is even now purifying the three worlds. He shall be the General of the Gods. He shall be the terror of His foes. Uma, her sister, shall take the child to her heart. And he shall be to her as the child of her womb.
These words rejoiced the hearts of the Gods. They took leave of their leader. They proceeded to Kailasa. It was rich in metals, gold and gems. They directed Agni to bring forth a son to accomplish their ends. “Oh, thou. The leader of the Gods and the Light of the World! Help us in our need. Pleas direct your energy towards Ganga. She is the daughter of the Monarch of mountains.”
“It shall be even as you desire” replied the Lord of Fire. He approached Ganga. And he said, “The gods desire that you bear in your womb my energy. And you are to bring forth a son to serve their purpose. “With great pleasure, she replied. And she assumed a divine form. At the form he marvelled greatly. He discharged his fiery energy. He permeated her in all her limbs. And Ganga was penetrated through and through. But it was too much even for her. And she cried out to the Priest of the Gods in utter helplessness. Lord I feel powerless to bear within me thy terrible energy.”
Thereupon, Agni, out of great ity said, “If so, Ganga, let out that which is in your womb at the foot of Himavan. May be it will relieve your pain. The holy river hastened to do so. And the refulgent Embryo was directed through the various streams. They all had their origin in her. And what came out of her womb was like molten gold. From the pungent element thereof were produced copper and black iron. The impure parts of it were converted into brass and lead. Thus were the diverse metals were brought forth into existence. The mighty mountain turned of the colour of gold. The forest around it were filled with the unbearably bright energy. All these proceeded from the womb of Ganga. The gold was, from that day, called by human beings as Jatarupa. It was radient even as fire. The trees, the grass, the creepers and everything therein was converted into gold, Kanchana.
Indra and the other gods arranged that Krittikas should nurse the boy. They took him as their child. And upon a promise they suckled him. This boy brought up by your breast milk shall be called after you name. He shall be called Kartikeya. His fame in this world shall be unparalleled. The Krittikas washed him free of faetal impurities. The impurities adheared to him when he was dropped from the womb of Ganga at the foot of the Himalaya! Since he was dropped from the womb, he shall be called Skanda. And Kartikeya was known by that name also.
The Divine boy shone in his supreme radiance even as the smokless flame. Milk streamed forth from the breasts f the Krittikas. The child put forth six heads. He had six mouths to draw milk from his foster mothers. In the short space of a day he grew up into his full strength and height. He was of matchless beauty and grace. It was child’s play for him to destroy the Daityas. The Celestial hosts assembled around him with pure joy. And they crowned Him as their Lord. They installed him inhis proud post.
Visvamitra said to Rama, “Thus I have narrated the wonderful story of Kartikeya and Ganga. Whoever worship him with faith and admiration he shall live a long life. And when he leaves the body, he will be taken to the Heavens where Kartikeya resides.”
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