There is much variation in the accounts of Skanda’s birth across the Purāṇas and Itihāsas. The story of Skanda’s birth is given in the Skanda Purāṇa, Brahmāṇḍa Purāṇa, Vāyu Purāṇa, Ramayana, and Mahabharata (Anuśāsana Chs. 85 and 86.5-14). The credit of creating a consistent story in a superb epic out of this diverse material must be given to Kālidāsa. In this article, we will capture the Divine Birth of Skanda as narrated in Skanda Purāṇa- Kedāra-khaṇḍa Chapter 27.
In the celestial realm, an extraordinary event was about to unfold. The union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati was a momentous occasion that drew the attention of the entire cosmos. The divine beings, sages, and celestial attendants gathered with anticipation and reverence. This sacred union symbolized the cosmic balance between Purusha (spirit) and Prakriti (nature), fundamental to the harmony of the universe.
Honoring the Mountains
Lord Vishnu, known for his role as the preserver of the universe, took upon himself the sacred duty of honoring the mountains. These mountains, silent sentinels of the earth, held immense spiritual significance. Vishnu’s worship was meticulous and heartfelt, acknowledging their role in maintaining the balance of the natural world.
The Divine Procession
With the mountains honored and the preparations complete, Vishnu and Brahma orchestrated the grand Varayatra, the procession of the bridegroom. This was no ordinary procession but one that included the majority of celestial beings and groups of Suras. They all journeyed to the mountain Gandhamādana, accompanied by Himādri and his kin. The sight of the divine couple, Śiva and Pārvatī, brought immense joy to all present. The couple appeared as a perfect union, comparable to a flower and its fragrance or a word and its meaning—inseparable and radiant.
In this divine spectacle, Brahmā was seated in his celestial chariot, Viṣṇu rode on Garuḍa, Indra on Airāvata, Kubera in his Puṣpaka chariot, Varuṇa on his shark, Yama on his buffalo, and Agni on a goat. Each deity arrived with their respective vehicles and entourages, enhancing the grandeur of the procession. The guardians of the quarters, accompanied by their armies, added to the magnificence of the event.
The Guardians of the Quarters
The procession included Brahmā seated in his aerial chariot, Viṣṇu on Garuḍa, Indra on Airāvata, Kubera in his Puṣpaka chariot, Varuṇa on his shark, Yama on his buffalo, and Agni on a goat. The grandeur was further enhanced by the presence of various mountains and their inhabitants, all honoring Śiva.
As the divine procession moved, the mountains like Himādri, Ṛṣabha, Gandhamādana, Sahya, Nīlagiri, Mandara, Malayācala, Kailāsa of great splendor, and Maināka of great luster joined in the celebration. Each of these mountains, along with their wives and sons, engaged in honoring Śiva. The procession was a cosmic event, where the mountains, embodying strength and grandeur, paid homage to the supreme deity.
The Cosmic Union and Agni intervening
After the grand celebrations, Śiva and Pārvatī retired to Gandhamādana for a moment of divine union. This union, however, became a matter of concern for the Devas. The intensity of their union shook the universe. This led to Brahmā and Viṣṇu summoning Agni, the Fire-god, to intervene.
Agni, upon entering Śiva's palace in a minute form, witnessed the divine couple and prepared to ask and receive alms. Upon reaching the front yard, which was adorned with magnificent mansions and paved with gems and jewels, the Fire-god Agni sat down and called out:
“O Mother, please grant alms to me, for I have only my hands as a begging bowl.”
Hearing these words, Pārvatī, who was in the harem, began to offer alms to Agni. At that moment, Śiva ceased his divine dalliance and arose, consumed by fury.
Śiva raised his trident, and in his rage, assumed the terrifying form of Bhairava. However, Pārvatī intervened to prevent Śiva from killing Agni. She then proceeded to give alms to Agni, who is also known as Jātavedas, meaning "one who knows all created beings."
After receiving the alms, which was the semen of Śiva, Agni consumed it in Pārvatī’s presence. This act incited Pārvatī’s wrath, and she cursed Agni:
“O mendicant, due to my curse, you will quickly become Sarvabhakṣa, an omnivorous being who eats everything. You will face distress and suffering in every respect because of this semen.”
Agni's Burden and the Plight of the Devas
Agni, bearing the Havyas (offerings in the sacred fire) and now the potent semen of Śiva, went to the place where all the Devas, including Brahmā, were gathered. Upon his arrival, he narrated the entire incident of swallowing the semen and its consequences. Consequently, all the groups of Devas, beginning with Indra, became pregnant due to the potency of Śiva’s semen.
Just as ghee offerings reach every god through Agni, the semen had the same pervasive effect. The Devas, afflicted with great anxiety, sought refuge in Viṣṇu, the protector and master of the Devas.
Plea to Viṣṇu and the Eulogy of Śiva
The Devas, in their distress, pleaded to Viṣṇu:
“You are the savior of all Devas and the lord of the worlds. Please grant us protection, O Lord, who is kind and compassionate to those seeking refuge. We are afflicted by this semen virile and are on the verge of death. Already frightened of the Asuras, we sought refuge in Śaṅkara and celebrated his marriage, thinking a son born to Rudra would bring us happiness and security in heaven.”
“But a new danger has befallen us, and we cannot remain alive with this semen within us.”
Viṣṇu, recognizing the gravity of the situation, suggested that they should all eulogize Maheśa, the great Lord. Agreeing, the Devas, led by Viṣṇu, went to Hara (Śiva) and began to praise him:
“Om, obeisance unto Lord Bharga, the blue-throated, the beautiful, the three-eyed lord, the lord of three Vedas, and the supporter of the three worlds. We bow to the Lord of three notes (Svara), three Mātrās, three Vedas, and three forms. Hail to the Trident-bearing Lord who bestows the three aims in life, to the Tridhāma and the Tripāda. Save us, O Mahādeva, from this semen virile, O lord of the universe.”
Śiva's Compassion and the Solution
Moved by their eulogies, Śiva, the Bull-bannered Lord, appeared before them to accomplish their objective. He assured the frightened Devas:
“Do not be afraid, all of you afflicted by this semen virile. Now, vomit it.”
The Devas, obeying Śiva’s command, expelled the semen, which became as lustrous as heated gold and as large as a mountain. All the Devas, except Agni, were relieved and exceedingly delighted.
Agni then addressed Śiva:
“O Mahādeva, the most excellent one among Devas, what should I do now to ensure my happiness and continue carrying the sacred oblations to the Devas?”
Śiva replied, even as the Devas listened:
“Let the semen be discharged into a womb.”
Agni responded:
“Your semen is unbearable. How can it be borne by ordinary beings?”
The Birth of Kārttikeya
Lord Maheśvara then directed Agni:
“Let the semen be discharged every month into the bodies of those who are warmed up during their menstruation period.”
Agni accepted Śiva’s words and sat there during Brāhmamuhūrta (the time before dawn). Early in the morning, the wives of the sages, who habitually took baths at this time, felt the chill and approached the fire to warm themselves. Despite Arundhatī's warnings, the Kṛttikās warmed themselves by the fire. In the process, minute particles of Śiva’s potent semen entered their bodies through the pores of their skin.
Agni, relieved of the semen, became calm. The wives of the sages returned to their respective abodes but were cursed by their husbands for their deviation from chastity, becoming the stars known as the Kṛttikās. In their distress, they discharged the semen on the top of the mountain Himavān, which then flowed into the Ganges.
From this divine mixture, a child with six faces was born. The Devas, seeing this miraculous infant, were overjoyed. The sage Garga declared:
“Let this child be taken away. This son of Śaṃbhu, thanks to his grace, shall become eternal and identical with all.”
Kārttikeya, the son of Ganga, sat up after a day and a night had passed. He, also known as Ṣaṇmukha, was exceptionally powerful, and his birth was celebrated by all the celestial beings. The infant, with a radiant glow, was nurtured by the divine energies of the Ganges and the Kṛttikās.
The Reunion with Śiva and Pārvatī
As news of the birth spread, Nārada informed Śiva and Pārvatī about their divine son. The couple, filled with joy, proceeded to the Ganges to see their child. The infant, enveloped in a radiant glow, was embraced by his divine parents. Pārvatī, overwhelmed with maternal affection, nursed him, while Śiva proudly held him.
Celebration of Birth
The entire cosmos celebrated the birth of Kārttikeya. Celestial beings, sages, and divine entities gathered to honor the newborn. The mountain Kailāsa, where the family resided, was adorned with flags, banners, and festoons, radiating divine brilliance.
The scene was one of cosmic joy and celebration. The Devas, with their celestial instruments, played music, and the Gandharvas sang songs of praise. The entire firmament echoed with shouts of victory and chants in honor of the newborn deity. The sages recited sacred verses, and the celestial damsels performed dances to celebrate the divine birth.
Shiva and Parvati, along with the celestial assembly, rejoiced in the divine child’s presence. The skies echoed with shouts of victory, music, and dance, creating an atmosphere of divine celebration and unity. Kartikeya’s playful interactions with his divine parents reflected the deep love and joy within the cosmic family.
The Eternal Blessing
The chapter before concluding, shares a profound reminder of the blessings that come from uttering the sacred name of Shiva. Those who keep the name of Shiva on their tongues and in their hearts are considered blessed, embodying the divine essence in human form. The simplicity of devotion, symbolized by offerings of leaves, flowers, and water, underscores the accessibility of divine grace and the boundless compassion of Lord Shiva.
Conclusion
Chapter 27 of the Skanda Purāṇa beautifully narrates the sacred union of Shiva and Parvati, the divine birth of Kartikeya, and the cosmic significance of these events. It emphasizes the importance of devotion, the interconnectedness of all creation, and the boundless grace of the divine. Through this story, devotees are reminded of the profound love, unity, and harmony that lie at the heart of the cosmos, embodied in the sacred family of Shiva-Shakti.
Om Muruga!
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