Kumāra’s Departure to Krauñca

This account of the Mallikārjuna jyotirliṅga is in the Koṭi Rudra Saṃhitā of the Śiva Purāṇa, Chapter 15. It begins with a dispute between the two sons of Bhagavān Śiva and Pārvatī, Gaṇeśa and Kumāra (Skanda, also called Kārttikeya). It ends with Bhagavān Śiva and Pārvatī making their home at Śrīśaila to be near Kumāra.

The contest between Gaṇeśa and Kumāra

Gaṇeśa and Kumāra argued about which of them should be married first. Both wanted the honour. Bhagavān Śiva and Pārvatī gave them a task to settle it: whoever first goes around the whole universe will be married first.

Kumāra was sure of his speed. He rode his peacock and set out at once through all the worlds. Gaṇeśa thought about the matter. He knew that his parents, Bhagavān Śiva and Pārvatī, are the source and substance of all creation. For one who has understood this, to go around them is the same as going around the universe. Gaṇeśa walked slowly around his parents, finished the circle, and stood before them as the winner.

The ṛshis and devas who were there declared Gaṇeśa the winner. He was married first, to Siddhi and Buddhi (or Riddhi, in another tradition).

Kumāra leaves

Kumāra came back from his journey around the worlds and found that the decision had been made. He was hurt. He had done the task as it was set, and his effort had not been honoured.

Kumāra would not go back to Kailāsa. He left in sorrow for the mountain Krauñca, which is identified with Śrī Śaila. He said that he would stay there as an ascetic, apart from the family home at Kailāsa.

Bhagavān Śiva and Pārvatī follow their son

Bhagavān Śiva and Pārvatī were deeply pained by his going. Kailāsa was not complete without Kumāra. They tried to reach him and bring him back. But whenever Kumāra heard that his parents were coming, he moved further away. They could not bring him back by asking.

They could not stay apart from their son, and they would not force him. So they decided to follow Kumāra and stay near him. They took form as a jyotis (a column of light) at Krauñca, at Śrī Śaila. In this form:

• Bhagavān Śiva comes on every amāvāsyā (new moon day).
• Pārvatī comes on every pūrṇimā (full moon day).

Devotees who come to Śrī Śaila on these tithis (lunar days) have the darśana (sacred sight) of the divine parents who come to see their dear son.

Sources

• Śiva Purāṇa, Koṭi Rudra Saṃhitā, Chapter 15