[Kartikeya or sometimes called Subrahmanyam in the south India, is the second son of Shiva and Parvati. He is also called Kartikeya, Shanmuga and Skandha. The story of his birth is famously narrated by the great poet Kalidasa in Kumara Sambhavam. The story is also narrated in Skanda Purana.]

Once there was a war between the gods and the demons. The demons were strong and were defeating the gods in battle and subjecting them to all kinds of humiliations. Their strength was their chief Tarakasura. No one could defeat him much less kill him. The gods were very dejected and at their wits end. There was no one who could help them. They approached Brahma, the creator. He could not help them but took them to Maha Vishnu. Lord Vishnu realizing their plight advised them thus:

"O great gods! Do not loose your courage. Even though there is no one who can kill Tarakasura, Lord Shiva can help you. A son born to Shiva and Parvati is destined to kill Tarakasura. In Her prior birth, Shiva’s consort Sati immolated Herself after being insulted by Her father Daksha during the yajna performed by him. Sati is now born as Parvati, daughter to the king of mountains Himalaya. Naturally she is in love with Shiva and desires very much to unite with Her divine Lord. But Shiva is in Tapas and meditating on Himalaya. Parvati is taking care of Him and worshipping Him everyday on Mount Kilasa to gain His love. You will have to make their union happen. That will be auspicious to everyone."

The gods were happy to learn about Shiva and Parvati. But the challenge of making Shiva come out of His Samadhi and fall in love with Parvati was great. They sought the help of the Cupid Manmadha who agreed reluctantly after many appeals because he knew that the task was dangerous and likely to incur the wrath of Shiva. Manamadha soon created a most beautiful spring-like season at Shiva’s place with streams flowing, flowers blossoming, cuckoos singing, and cool fragrant breeze flowing from the Malaya mountain. Romance was in the air. All the species of animals and trees seemed to be in the joy of spring. A magic spell was cast on the surroundings. Cupid waited for his opportunity to strike Shiva with his arrows of flowers from which no one could escape.

One day as always, Parvati came with the flowers, fruits and water for Shiva. Shiva as usual was in deep meditation and showed no interest in the offerings. Parvati sat nearby patiently waiting. As the beautiful Parvati waited on Shiva, the Cupid saw his opportunity. Seizing the moment, the Cupid shot his arrow of love at Shiva which disturbed and awoke Him from His meditation. He opened His eyes and saw the most graceful and beautiful Parvati in front of Him. Under the influence of the magic of the Cupid, Shiva immediately fell in love with Parvati. But He realized that there was someone nearby who is causing Him to deviate from His tapas and meditation. He became angry and opened His third eye in the direction of the Cupid. Under the blaze of Shiva’s third eye, Cupid immediately burned to ashes.

The Cupid’s efforts were not in vain. Shiva was in love with His eternal consort Parvati. Shiva expressed His love to Parvati and married her. A son was born to them whom the gods made their commander-in-chief while He was still an adolescent youth. Hence He is affectionately called Kumara. Under Kumara’s leadership they fought and won the battle against the demons. In that battle Kumara killed the demon Tarakasura.