Once, a demon named Tarak was tormenting all the gods. Tarakasur had pleased Brahma with his severe penance and won a boon of becoming unconquerable. Brahma informed the gods that only a son of Shiva could kill Tarakasur. So, Shiva married Parvati and a son was born to them. But one day, the child was lost. The ganas tried their best to locate the child but in vain. Six goddesses, named the Krittikas (stars), were taking their bath in River Ganga when they found a boy floating by. The Krittikas were very happy to find the child. They argued with one another over who would nurse the enchanting child, each claiming the child to be her own! The boy did not want them to argue over him, so he acquired six heads and six mouths. Ever since, the boy is also called Shadanan (six faced). And as he was raised by the Krittikas, Shadanan was named Karttikey. The Krittikas raised Karttikey as their own child.
Ganesha’s Brother Karttikey’s Birth
