Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 63
कार्त्तिकेयान्वेषण-नन्दिसंवाद-वर्णनम्
Search for Kārttikeya and the Nandī Dialogue
कृत्तिका ज्ञानवत्यश्च योगिन्यः प्रकृतेः कलाः । स्तन्येनासां वर्द्धितोऽहमुपकारेण संततम्
kṛttikā jñānavatyaśca yoginyaḥ prakṛteḥ kalāḥ | stanyenāsāṃ varddhito'hamupakāreṇa saṃtatam
The Kṛttikās—wise Yoginīs, portions of Prakṛti’s own power—nourished me with their milk; thus have I been continually raised by their unceasing beneficence.
Kārttikeya (Skanda)
Tattva Level: pasha
Shakti Form: Gaurī
Role: nurturing
Offering: naivedya
FAQs
It highlights how divine grace often comes through Shakti’s instruments—the Kṛttikās—showing that spiritual and worldly growth is sustained by continuous compassion and nurturing power, ultimately serving Shiva’s divine purpose.
In Saguna Shiva worship, Shiva’s divine order includes his family and Shakti-forces; honoring Shiva through the Liṅga naturally includes reverence for the supporting powers (Prakṛti’s kalās) that uphold his līlā, as seen in Skanda’s upbringing.
Practice gratitude and devotional remembrance (smaraṇa) of Shiva’s grace working through divine helpers; during Shiva worship, offer simple upacāras with humility, and mentally honor the Motherly Shaktis who sustain dharma and spiritual strength.