And those seven _Rishis_, when they heard that a son of great
power had been born (to them), divorced their six wives with the
exception of the adorable Arundhati, because all the dwellers of that
forest protested that those six persons had been instrumental in
bringing forth the child. Swaha too, O king, said again and again to the
seven _Rishis_, saying, "Ye ascetics, this child is mine, your wives are
not his mother."
"'The great _Muni_ Viswamitra had, after the conclusion of the
sacrifices of the seven _Rishis_, followed unseen the god of fire, while
the latter was tortured with lust. He, therefore, knew everything as it
happened and he was the first to seek the protection of Mahasena. And he
offered divine prayers to Mahasena and all the thirteen auspicious rites
appertaining to childhood, such as the natal and other ceremonies, were
all performed by the great _Muni_ in respect of that child. And for the
good of the world he promulgated the virtues of the six-faced Skanda,
and performed ceremonies in honour of the cock, the goddess _Sakti_, and
the first followers of Skanda. And for this reason he became a great
favourite of the celestial youth. That great _Muni_ then informed the
seven _Rishis_ of the transformations of Swaha and told them that their
wives were perfectly innocent. But though thus informed the seven
_Rishis_ abandoned their spouses unconditionally.'"
"Markandeya continued, 'The celestials having heard of the prowess of
Skanda, all said to Vasava, "O Sakra, do thou kill Skanda without delay
for his prowess is unbearable.
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