Tapas

Markandeya begins to describe the sacred fires — their origins, their names, and the rites that correct them when they are defiled. What follows is a genealogy of fire itself, from the primal austerity of Tapas through the sons of Bhanu and Manu, down to the fires that dwell in breath, in anger, and in the bodies of all living beings.

Markandeya narrates the origin of Skanda's terrifying companions — sons and daughters born when the vajra struck him. The mothers of the world approach Skanda and ask to be made supreme, worshipped by all. He grants their wish, and through his favour, each mother bears a terrible son named Shishu, establishing the group of eight brave ones and the nine including Bhadrashakha.