The Shiva Purana also narrates the story of the birth of Ganesha and Kartikeya. Parvati, longing for children, created Ganesha from the dirt and dust of her body and breathed life into him. She instructed Ganesha to guard the entrance of her home while she took a bath. When Mahadeva returned home, Ganesha refused to allow him to enter, citing Parvati's instructions. Mahadeva, pleased with Ganesha's loyalty, appointed him as the leader of his ganas (attendants). Later, Parvati created Kartikeya, who was born with six faces. Mahadeva appointed Kartikeya as the commander of his army.