It
happened once the Saptarishis performed a great yagna. Agni
then had the accasion of seeing the Munipatnis closely.
And for long since he was carrying the ablations to the
gods. their sublime charm enkindled love in him. He could
not fulfil his lust due to chastity strictly practiced by
them. So he was found despaired now and then. Just during
this period Swaha, the lovely daughter of Daksha, who was
in deep love for Agni contrived a plan to marry him by fulfilling
his desire.
Accordingly, she assumed the forms of the wives of the Rishis
and consorted with Agni, who ignorant of the trick felt
elated. Except Arunadathi, she took the forms of the six
rishipatnis and pleased him, and was pleased too. Every
time she consorted with him, she used to keep the seed in
a golden receptacle on a white mountain. This happened six
times. The child thus born to them was called Skanda,
since he came into the world with the seed of Agni and women.
He had six heads and twelve arms, but one neck and a belly.
Agni and Swaha later brought up their child.
On
account of talking birth with the seed of that powerful
all-consuming Fire god, he was exceptionally strong and
invincible. He was chosen as the Army General by Devendra,
when he fought against Danavas. He proved a remarakable
War-Chief and won every war. Devendra then gave his daughter
devasena to him in marriage.
