Shloka 1.37.26
कुमारसम्भवः—गङ्गायां तेजोनिक्षेपः (The Birth of Kumāra/Skanda and the Deposition of Śiva’s Energy through Gaṅgā)
तेषां तद्वचनं श्रुत्वा स्कन्नं गर्भपरिस्रवे।।1.37.26।।स्नापयन् परया लक्ष्म्या दीप्यमानं यथानलम्।
teṣāṁ tad-vacanaṁ śrutvā skannaṁ garbha-parisrave || 1.37.26 ||
snāpayan parayā lakṣmyā dīpyamānaṁ yathānalam |
Hearing the gods’ words, the Kṛttikās bathed the child who had descended as the embryo flowed forth—blazing like fire and radiant with surpassing beauty.
Hearing the words of the gods, the krittikas bathed the baby that descended from the womb of Ganga resembling flaming fire and shining with great beauty.
Dharma appears as reverent service to a divine responsibility: the Kṛttikās respond promptly to the gods’ instruction and perform a purifying rite (bathing), showing disciplined, duty-bound action.
After the embryo descends as it flows from Gaṅgā, the Kṛttikās, following the gods’ direction, bathe the radiant newborn who will become Skanda/Kumāra.
Obedience and caretaking (sevā): the Kṛttikās act as protectors and nurturers, carrying out the required rite with attentiveness.