Elements of Hindu Iconography v4.c26.3

v4.c26.3

In another place in the same work the birth of Kārttikēya is described differently. While Śiva, the lord of the gods, was performing penance, the other gods went to Brahmā and asked him to provide them with a general in the place of Śiva, their former commander, who had since taken to austerities. To this Brahmā replied that in consequence of the curse of Umā no sons could be born to the gods; but he suggested that Agni could beget a son on Gaṅgā and that the offspring might become the general of the gods. In obedience to the advice of Brahmā, the gods went to the mount Kailāsa and appointed Agni to carry out their wish. Agni accordingly consorted with Gaṅgā and begot Kārttikēya.