Birth of Kartikeya

 

Birth of Kartikeya

 

 Lord Agni collected seed of Lord Shiv which was so ablaze that even Agni could not bear its heat.

 He had to take help of other deities to share its heat.  All deities then passed on the seed of Lord Shiv into the water that created a gigantic lake. Prettiest and fragrant lilies and lotus flowers grew in the lake to honour seed of Lord Shiv. Goddess Parvati, who was unaware of the act of her husband having given his seed to God Agni, found the lake sprawling in front of her abode ..too enchanting. Drawn by the beauty of the celestial lake,  she longed to quench her thirst from the water of the lake. She plucked a lotus from the lake and began to frolic in its clear and glistening water. As she wished to drink its water, six celestial ladies named Krattikas who were bathing in the lake looked at her. They were also collecting water in lotus leaves to quench their thirst. As they exchanged glances, the Krattikas  said,-“ Mother Parvati do you know how this pretty lake was formed?” “No,” replied Goddess Parvati. The ladies began to smile meaningfully. That Goddess Parvati who was the chaste wife of Lord Shiv was unaware of the lake having been form from the semen of her husband, thrilled them. “Lord Shiv has created this pretty lake….,” they said. Goddess Parvati was more delighted to hear and felt her moral right to drink from the lake being the queen of Lord Shiv. “Please give me some water. I long to quench my thirst from this water..” said Goddess Parvati. The six ladies exchanged meaningful glances of mutual understanding. “ Fine Mother! But with one condition. The son born after drinking this water shall bear our name.” said they in one voice. “How is that possible?” asked intrigued Goddess Parvati.” “We shall create his six heads. If you agree to it then… have the water..,” Said they. Parvati thaught for a while and then said,-“Fine.’ The Krattikas collected the holy water in lotus leaves and offered it to Goddess Parvati who drank the celestial water with utmost bliss and veneration. As soon as the holy water entered her body, she began to rejoice in the bliss of motherhood. In due course from the right side of her body a boy emerged who possessed six heads. He was name Kartikeya, Vishakh and Skandh. When he grew up Lord Indra made Devsena his wife. Thus was born the first son of Lord Shiv.