Birth of Kandha

     After the marriage, Shiva was involved in family life and time passed. Devas saw no relief even after marriage, so they again went to the Lord and told their anguish. Shiva showed his six faces [he has five faces and Parvathi's is the sixth] and from each He created a jothi. The six jothis were so fiery that all ran helter shelter including Parvathi who was seated next to Shiva. Shiva summoned Agni and Vayu and told them to deliver the jothis in Ganges. He also blessed them with his powers to carry the jothis. Ganges on her part became almost dry due to the heat but with the Lord's blessings, She could deliver it in "Saravana Poigai", a beautiful lake filled with lotus. The six jothis changed in six handsome babies once they were rested in the lotus bed. Near the lake their were six women called "Karthigai Pendiyar" [Karthigai womenfolks] who were praying for the divine task of nursing the babies as foster mothers. In honor of them the Tamil month "Karthigai" is named after them.
     Meanwhile Parvathi who had ran away unable to bear the heat, returned after sometime and asked Shiva what had happened. Shiva narrated the story of the babies born from the jothis.  Parvathi wanted to see the children immediately but Shiva said the time till come for that and hugged her. In their indulgence, the necklace worn by Paravathi containing nine gems schattered and each one shined brightly. On seeing the reflection of Parvathi in each of the gem Shiva made them all into a women, who were looking like Paravathi. They bowed before Shiva and by His grace they all were blessed to be pregnant. Seeing nine look alike women all pregnant with Shiva's children Parvathi cursed them that these sudden pregnencies will stay inside for a long time and never be delivered. On hearing this the nine women shivered and started to sweat. From each drop warriors arose chanting the names of Shiva and Parvathi. They were a lakh in all. Shiva blessed them and asked them to wait till their leader Kandha is ready to lead them.
     Shiva and Parvathi came to Saravana Poigai to see their children. On seeing their parents the children ran to them. Parvathi hugged all the six children togather and what a wonder the six children became a boy with six faces and twelve arms called Arumugam. Parvathi then changed him to a boy with a head and two arms. He is called Kandhan meaning "fusion". Being the mother of all mothers, Parvathi started to lactate, which she took in a cup and feed the child. From this the child got more strength and knowledge.
     All three of them returned to Kailash. In time the nine pregnant women were ready to deliver and praying to Shiva and Parvathi to help them. Parvathi happy then with the child Kandhan's mischief took pity and removed her curse. Nine children were born all boys who were younger brothers of Kandha.

End of chapter