So Indra called a great council of all the gods where it was decided that somehow the gods would have to convince Shiva to marry and have a son who could then kill Taraka. The gods felt that Parvati, the beautiful, wise and accomplished daughter of the Himalayas, would be a suitable bride for Shiva. However, Shiva was deep in meditation, and completely unaware of either Parvati or the world around.

Once again, the gods held a consultation, and Kama, the god of love, was sent to awaken love in Shiva's heart. Kama flew to Mount Kailash, where he found Shiva, seated on a rock, deep in meditation, his eyes closed. The world lay still and silent all around - the birds had stopped singing, the grass had stopped growing in awe of the god's tapasya. Kama hid himself behind a rock and watched, hesitant to disturb Shiva's meditation. Just then Parvati came by, gathering flowers, and looking so beautiful that Kama felt Shiva was sure to fall in love with her if he saw her. Kama shot one of his arrows straight into Shiva's heart. Shiva's eyes flew open in wrath - and Kama was burned to ashes instantly. But his arrow had done its work - Shiva also saw Parvati and fell in love with her.

At the urging of the other gods, Shiva finally married Parvati, much to everyone's relief and joy. But for many years Shiva and Parvati had no children. In despair the gods sent Agni, the god of fire, to convince Shiva to have a son. Agni disguised himself as a dove, and managed to pick up a seed of Shiva which he carried back with him to Indra. But the seed of Shiva proved too heavy for Agni to carry, and as he flew over the river Ganga, the seed fell into its sacred waters. From the river rose a child, strong and radiant, perfect in every way. This was Kartikkeya, Shiva's son, born to kill the asura Taraka.

Kartikkeya, the son of Shiva cont'd... 
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