At the very moment that Kartikkeya emerged from the waters of the Ganga, the six Krittikas, the Pleiades, daughters of six kings, came down to the river to bathe. Each claimed the baby for herself and wanted to nurse him. To please them all, the baby grew six heads with six little mouths, and was suckled by all the six Krittikas. Thus Kartikkeya is said to have six heads, and twelve arms.

Nurtured by the Ganga, fostered by the Krittikas, Kartikkeya grew up tall and strong. He was a great warrior, and was appointed Commander of the army of the gods. In a long and fierce battle, Kartikkeya slew the demon Taraka, freeing the world of the demon and fulfilling his own destiny. Kartikkeya is also called Tarakajit - the destroyer of Taraka. We worship him as the god of war.

Kartikkeya, the son of Shiva
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See also:   A Trip Around the Universe