03.220
Markandeya said;
When Skanda thus performed this beloved act for the mothers, then Svāhā said to him, "You are my son, born from my own body." (03-220-1)
I desire from you an affection that is extremely difficult to obtain. Then Skanda said: What kind of affection do you desire? (03-220-2)
Svāhā said.
O mighty-armed one, I, Svāhā by name, am the beloved daughter of Dakṣa. From childhood, I have always had a desire for the fire. (03-220-3)
Son, Agni does not truly know me, the desiring woman. I wish to dwell eternally, son, with Agni. (03-220-4)
Skanda said.
O lady, all offerings to gods and ancestors and whatever else the twice-born always sacrifice into the fire, preceded by mantra and with the invocation 'svāhā' as they raise (the offering), (all these) are so offered. (03-220-5)
From today onward, those of good conduct established in the righteous path will grant (offerings). Thus, Agni will always remain together with you, O lovely one. (03-220-6)
Mārkaṇḍeya said.
Thus, after being addressed, Svāhā, pleased and honored by Skanda, together with her husband Pāvaka, honored Skanda. (03-220-7)
Then Brahmā, the lord of creatures, spoke to Mahāsena: "Go to Mahādeva, your father, the destroyer of Tripura." (03-220-8)
You, unconquered, having fully entered fire through Rudra, entered Svāhā as well as Om, were born for the benefit of all worlds. (3-220-9)
The semen spilled by the great Rudra in the womb of Umā remains on the mountain, fallen there in scattered drops. (03-220-10)
It manifested in red water, but the remaining semen fell down. Part of it fell into the sun's rays, another part to the earth, another attached to trees; thus it fell in five ways. (03-220-11)
These groups of various forms are to be known by the wise as your terrible attendants, those who are flesh-eaters. (03-220-12)
Saying "So be it", Mahāsena (Kārttikeya), devoted to his father and of immeasurable nature, worshipped Maheśvara (Śiva), his father. (03-220-13)
But those five groups should be worshipped with Arka flowers by those seeking wealth, and their worship should also be performed for the removal of disease. (03-220-14)
One who desires the welfare of children should always here salute the miñjikāmiñjika pair, which is born of Rudra. (03-220-15)
Women called Vṛddhikās, eaters of human flesh, are born upon trees; they are goddesses who should be saluted by those desiring children. (03-220-16)
Thus, these innumerable groups of piśācas are known. O king, listen from me to the origin of Ghaṇṭā and Sapatākā. (03-220-17)
It is heard that two bells named Vaijayantī, belonging to Airāvata, were brought and personally given to you, Guha, by the wise Śakra (Indra). (03-220-18)
There, one bell belonged to Viśākha and another to Skanda; the banner was Kārtikeya's, and that of Viśākha was red. (03-220-19)
The mighty god Mahāsena delights only in those playthings given to him by the gods at that time. (03-220-20)
He, encircled by hosts of piśācas as well as by groups of gods, shone with radiance on the golden mountain, enveloped in glory. (03-220-21)
That mountain with beautiful forests was made splendid by that hero, just as Mandara mountain with its lovely caves is glorified by the radiant sun. (03-220-22)
With groves of santānaka, blooming karavīra, pārijāta, and also groves of hibiscus and aśoka trees in the same way. (03-220-23)
Śveta mountain shone, adorned by groves of kadamba trees, divine herds of deer, and divine flocks of birds. (03-220-24)
There all the hosts of gods, all the great sages, and indeed the sounds of clouds and instruments, (resounded) with roars equal to the surging ocean. (03-220-25)
There, divine Gandharvas and Apsarases dance; the great roar of delighted beings is heard there. (03-220-26)
Thus, the entire world along with Indra, being on the Śveta Parvata (White Mountain), joyfully beholds Skanda and does not tire of his sight. (03-220-27)
