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| Om Namah Shivaya |
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She shouted at her husband, "What made you agree to give Parvati to Shiva? I shall not let this marriage take place. I refuse to recognize Shiva as my son-in-law."
Parvati was shocked at her mother's behaviour. She said, "Mother! It is not possible. I shall marry Shiva and else." When all the Gods and sages had failed to persuade or convince Mena as to what should be done and there was no end to the dispute, Narad spoke to Shiva, "Mahadeva! Enough is enough. Stop this drama. Mena will go crazy. Please don't mar this happy occasion."
Shiva smiled and reappeared in his own form. She was dazzled by the very sight of Shiva. She was totally bewildered. She found that his brilliance was unbearable. It was not possible to describe him. The stars in the sky could not match the jewels studded on his clothes. That was his true appearance which can be seen by his devotees only. In short, Mena was ashamed at her behaviour. She folded her hands and said politely, "No doubt, I had gone mad. This is why I could not recognise you. I have insulted you. So, I beg your pardon. Please accept my daughter's hand which I offer to you gladly." The atmosphere underwent a great change. There was festivity prevalent everywhere. Brahma acted as the priest and the marriage was solemnised.
After the marriage of Shiva and Parvati, the Gods began to wait impatiently for the birth of a son to Parvati as they hoped to be liberated from Tarakasur's subjugation. At last a son was born to Parvati. One day, when he was an infant, he wandered into a forest of reeds near the bank of a river and was lost.
The servants and maids tried their best but failed to locate him. He was found by Krittika princesses. They took him to their palace where he began to be brought up. This is why Parvati's first son is called "Kartikeya".
This news reached Narad. He went to the Gods and informed them that their liberator and the killer of Tarakasur had taken birth. They prayed and expressed their gratitude to Mahadeva and blessed Kartikeya. When Shiva's son grew up, the Gods appointed him the chief of their forces. Then, the army of Gods attacked Tarak. A great battle ensued but in the end Tarak and his hordes of demons were slain. The Gods won the battle and regained the heaven. The Gods' aim was achieved by Kartikeya.
You must have seen the idol of Kartikeya having six mouths in the temple of Lord Shiva. Why does he have six mouths or faces? Infact, he was brought up by six ladies, one of whom was named 'Kritika'. That is why he is known as Kartikeya. He had to assume six mouths for the sake of the love and affection showered upon him by his six foster mothers each of whom liked to feed him with her own hand."
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