The Birth of Kartikeya
Balakanda - Sarga 37
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Balakanda - Sarga 37
Discover the miraculous birth of Karttikeya, son of Shiva and Ganga, as told in the Ramayana. Gods seek a general, Agni and Ganga create a divine child, nurtured by Krittikas.
In ancient times, Ishvara (a name for Lord Shiva) was engaged in deep austerities. During this period, the gods and sages approached Lord Brahma with a pressing concern. They were in need of a commander for their army.
Led by Indra and Agni (the fire god), the divine assembly respectfully saluted Brahma and spoke:
"O Lord, the army commander you once bestowed upon us is now practicing great penance with Uma (Goddess Parvati). We seek your guidance on our next course of action. What should we do for the welfare of the worlds? You, who are the knower of law and order, are our supreme refuge."
Upon hearing their earnest plea, Brahma, the grandsire of all worlds, offered words of consolation. He then presented a solution to their dilemma:
"The words of Uma, stating that you shall not bear progeny with your wives, are indeed infallible. However, there is an alternative path. The celestial river Ganga, flowing in the heavens, will play a crucial role in this matter. Through her, Agni will beget a son destined to become the army general of the gods. This child will possess the power to vanquish enemies."
Brahma continued, explaining the nurturing of this divine child:
"Ganga, the eldest daughter of the mountain king, will accept and nurture this son. Rest assured, this arrangement will meet with Uma's approval without any doubt."
Encouraged by Brahma's words, the gods felt a sense of accomplishment. They paid homage to the great lord and set out to implement the divine plan. Their journey took them to Mount Kailasa, a majestic peak adorned with precious minerals.
At Kailasa, they approached Agni with their request:
"O lustrous Fire God, we implore you to fulfill this divine mission. Release the vital energy of Ishvara into Ganga, the daughter of the mountain king."
Agni, understanding the gravity of the situation, agreed to their plea. Subsequently, the gods turned to Ganga and said:
"O goddess, we beseech you to bear this pregnancy. It is not merely our desire, but the will of the divine order."
Hearing Agni's words, Ganga took on a divine form. Agni, overwhelmed by her magnificence, spread his energy throughout her streams. However, Ganga soon felt overwhelmed:
"O Agni, I cannot contain your ever-increasing splendor. This fiery energy is burning me, and my consciousness is distressed."
Agni replied, "Place this embryo on the slopes of Mount Himavat."
Ganga released the brilliant embryo from her streams. As it touched the earth, it transformed into pure, bright gold. The embryo's intensity produced copper and iron, while its residue formed zinc and lead. Various minerals developed where it contacted the earth.
The impact was so profound that the entire forest on the mountain took on a golden hue. The grass, shrubs, creepers, and trees all appeared to be made of gold, illuminated by the embryo's radiance. From this miraculous event, gold came to be known as "Jatarupa," meaning "born with a form," shining like fire.
From this divine embryo, a male child was born, his body radiant like the sun. To care for this extraordinary child, the gods, led by Indra, made special arrangements. They appointed six celestial nymphs, known as the Krittikas (corresponding to the Pleiades constellation), to act as nurses for the newborn.
The Krittikas, filled with maternal love, came to an agreement among themselves. They declared, "This child shall be a son to all of us." With this resolution, they began to nurse the divine infant.
The child, displaying his divine nature, assumed six faces to simultaneously accept milk from all six Krittikas. This miraculous feat astonished the gods and sages who witnessed it.
Despite his tender age, the child exhibited extraordinary abilities. After drinking milk for just one day, he demonstrated immense power. With his innate prowess, he vanquished hosts of demons, showcasing his divine purpose as the future general of the celestial army.
Recognizing his unparalleled brilliance and strength, the gods, led by Agni, performed a grand ceremony. They installed the child, now known as Kartikeya (son of the Krittikas) and Skanda (the descended one), as the supreme commander of the celestial forces.
The narrator, Vishvamitra, concludes the tale by emphasizing the significance of Kartikeya:
"O Rama, I have shared with you the detailed account of Ganga's role and the birth of Kumara (another name for Kartikeya), a child of great fortune and auspiciousness. Know this: any mortal who devoutly worships Kartikeya will be blessed with longevity, numerous descendants, and after death, will attain Skanda's celestial abode."
Thus ends the thirty seventh sarga (chapter) of Balakanda (The Book of Youth) of the holy Ramayana, the first epic composed by sage Valmiki.