CHAPTER XXXVII
Now we shall discourse on the chapter which deals with the origin of the (nine) Grahas (Grahotpattl-Adhyáya). 1.
The nine presiding deities — viz., Skanda and others — of the nine diseases of infant life are all possessed of ethereal frames, divine effulgence and specific sex-distinction of their own. They were created by the gods Agni, Mahádeva and the goddesses Krittiká and Umá for guarding the person of the new-born Guha though protecting himself with his own divine prowess amidst the stems of Śara grass. Of these Grahas the females who are possessed of various shapes as described before are considered as originally made of the Rájasa essence of the goddesses Gangá, Umá and Krittiká. 2 A.
The Naigamesha Graha who is possessed of a sheep's face was created by the goddess Párvati as the friend and protector of the young god Guha and who was as dear to him as his own self. Skandápasmára, the presiding deity of the disease named after him, was created by Agni, the fire-god (Vulcan). He is as bright as fire itself and is a constant companion of the god Skanda and is also known by the name of Viśakha. The god Skanda, the tutelar divinity of the disease of that denomination, was begotten by His Holiness, the Almighty Destroyer of Tripura and is otherwise known by the name of Kumára (lit. a child, viz., of Mahádeva). 2B.
It is impossible that the god springing from Rudra. and Agni, with his exalted parentage would find pleasure in such a dangerous disease even out of childish frolic-
