03.215
Markandeya said.
But the sages, the protectors of the worlds, having seen very terrible omens of various kinds, being disturbed, performed a peace-rite for the worlds. (03-215-1)
Those people who lived in the Caitraratha forest said, "This great misfortune has befallen us due to the fire, as a result of meeting the six wives of the seven sages," thus indeed. (03-215-2)
Others say, 'O Garuḍī, this misfortune has been brought by you. Whomever the goddess was seen by at that time, she goes in their form. But no person truly knows that an act done with the invocation 'svāhā' has that effect.' (03-215-3)
But Suparṇī, having heard the words "this is my son," slowly approached Skanda and said, "I am your mother." (03-215-4)
Then the seven sages, having heard that a son of great energy was born, at that time six of them abandoned their wives, except for the goddess Arundhatī. (03-215-5)
The forest dwellers said that he was born from six only at that time. The seven sages also, and Svaha herself, said, "This is my son." But I know this is not so, O king, again and again. (03-215-6)
But Viśvāmitra, having completed the sacrifice for the Seven Sages, the great sage, followed Pāvaka, who was consumed by desire, unseen, from behind. By him, all was fully understood just as it was. (03-215-7)
But Viśvāmitra first took refuge in Kumāra; he also composed a divine hymn in praise of Mahāsena. (03-215-8)
The great sage performed for him all thirteen auspicious childhood rites, beginning with the birth ceremony. (03-215-9)
But the greatness of Ṣaḍvaktra and the means of the cock; the means of the goddess by the Śakti, as well as those of the attendants also. (03-215-10)
Viśvāmitra performed this deed for the benefit of the world, and so the sage Viśvāmitra became dear to the boy. (03-215-11)
The great sage, having discerned the difference in Svāhā's form, said to all the sages, "Women indeed do not commit offense." After truly hearing this, therefore, they all completely abandoned their wives. (03-215-12)
When the gods heard about Skanda, they all addressed Vāsava (Indra) together: "O Śakra, kill Skanda, who is of irresistible strength, quickly—do not delay." (03-215-13)
If Indra does not kill this one today, he, having subdued the three worlds, us and you as well, O Śakra of great strength, will become (the ruling Indra). (03-215-14)
He spoke to them with anxiety: This boy is extremely powerful; he could destroy even the creator of the worlds after vanquishing him in battle. (03-215-15)
All the mothers of the world today may approach Skanda; the powers of desire may strike him, and having thus said, they departed. (03-215-16)
Seeing him unmatched in strength, those women, their faces despondent, after considering that he could not be overcome, went to him alone for refuge. (03-215-17)
"They said: 'You, too, are our son; the world is supported by us. Please accept all of us, overwhelmed and overflowing with affection.'" (03-215-18)
After worshipping them and granting them their desires, Mahāsena saw his father Agni, the most powerful among the powerful, approaching. (03-215-19)
But he, having been honored by him together with the group of mothers, indeed stood firmly, surrounding and protecting Mahāsena. (03-215-20)
Of all the mothers, the woman who was born from their anger, that nurse, holding a spear in her hand, protected Skanda as if he were her own son. (03-215-21)
The cruel blood-eating daughter of Lohita, the ocean, embraced Mahāsena and protected him as if he were her own son. (03-215-22)
Agni, having assumed the form of Naigameya, goat-faced and with many offspring, amused the boy dwelling on the mountain with playthings, as if playing with a child. (03-215-23)
