03.217
Mārkaṇḍeya said.
Listen: the dreadful attendants of Skanda, of marvelous appearance—when Skanda was struck by the vajra, boys were born there. These fierce beings take away newborn infants and even those yet in the womb. (03-217-1)
Maidens of great might were born from the blow of the vajra, and the boys appointed Viśākha as their father. (03-217-2)
Then, the Lord, having assumed the form of one with a goat's face, while protecting in the battle, was surrounded by all groups of girls and his own sons. (03-217-3)
Among mothers, gazers, as well as Bhadraśākha and Kauśala, therefore, people on earth called Skanda the father of Kumāra. (03-217-4)
People desiring sons and those who have children always worship Rudra, Agni, Umā, and Svāhā—beings of great strength—in various regions. (03-217-5)
The maidens whom Fire, called Penance, produced—those maidens, wondering 'What should I do?', approached Skanda and spoke to him. (03-217-6)
The mothers said;
Let us become the noble mothers of all worlds; by your grace, make us worthy of honor and affection. (03-217-7)
Markandeya said.
He said, 'So be it. In this way, you shall become of various kinds, both inauspicious and auspicious, again and again,' said the noble-minded one. (03-217-8)
Then, after resolving to make Skanda their son, the group of mothers approached him. Kaki, Halima, Rudra, Brihali, Arya, Palala, and Mitra—these seven are the mothers of the child. (03-217-9)
Among these, a vigorous child named Atidāruṇa was born, the son Lohitākṣa—red-eyed and terrifying—through the grace of Skanda. (03-217-10)
This eightfold group of heroes arising from the band of Skanda’s mothers has been described; along with Chāgavaktrā, the ninth is mentioned. (03-217-11)
Know that the sixth, goat-faced head belongs to Skanda alone; O King, this six-headed inner form is always worshipped by the company of Mothers. (03-217-12)
But among his six heads, the best here is called that (head) by which he created the divine power (Śakti) called Bhadraśākha, thus indeed (is said). (03-217-13)
Thus, this varied event took place on the fifth day of the bright fortnight. There, the extremely fierce battle occurred on the sixth, O king. (03-217-14)
