Shloka 1.37.23

कुमारसम्भवः—गङ्गायां तेजोनिक्षेपः (The Birth of Kumāra/Skanda and the Deposition of Śiva’s Energy through Gaṅgā)

Devanagari script

तं कुमारं ततो जातं सेन्द्रास्सह मरुद्गणा:।।1.37.23।।क्षीरसंभावनार्थाय कृत्तिकास्समयोजन्।

Transliteration

tāḥ kṣīraṃ jātamātrasya kṛtvā samayam uttamam | daduḥ putro 'yam asmākaṃ sarvāsām iti niścitāḥ || 1.37.24 ||

Translation

Those Kṛttikās, having made a noble agreement—resolved that ‘this child is the son of us all’—gave their milk to the newborn.

Context

Thereafter Kumara was born (out of Ganga's womb). The gods together with Indra arranged six nymphs (stars) to act as nurses to suckle Kumara as their own offspring.

Characters & Entities

• Kṛttikās
• Kumāra (newborn)

FAQs

What is the core ethical principle (Dharma) in this verse?

Dharma is expressed as selfless nurture and shared duty: the Kṛttikās set aside exclusivity and affirm collective care, grounded in truthfulness of intent and commitment.

What is the narrative situation?

The Kṛttikās mutually agree to treat the child as belonging to all of them, and they feed him their milk.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Unity and generosity—nurturing without possessiveness, and honoring an agreed vow (satya to one’s word).