Lord Siva and Daksha

[Ms Tercy Lonan]

Lord Siva and Daksha

Daksha goes to attend the sacrifice of the sages who are the progenitors of the world, and not
being honoured by Rudra who has come before him, Daksha reproaches Him and leaves the place.
Nandisvara in his turn, curses Daksha and other Brahmins. Rudra then leaves the place of sacrifice.
Sati, daughter of Daksha, known also by the name Dakshayani, requests Siva’s permission
to attend her father’s sacrifice, the Brihaspati-sava, and Siva shows how inadvisable it would be. 

In spite of her Lord’s advice, Sati goes to Daksha’s sacrifice. Disregarded by her father and
enraged at finding no offering made to Rudra, she praises the greatness of her Lord, censures
Daksha and by the Yoga method casts off her body.
Hearing of Sati’s casting off her body, Sankara creates in His anger Virabhadra out of His
Jata (or matted locks) and causes Daksha’s death.
Informed by the gods of the destruction of Daksha, Brahma pacifies Rudra, and Daksha and
others are revived.
Being pleased with Brahma’s praise, Siva goes along with the gods to the scene of sacrifice;
Daksha and others are revived; Vishnu issuing forth from the sacrificial fire is praised by Daksha
and others. After the closing ceremony of ablutions, the gods return home. Maitreya describes the
benefit of listening to this story, the birth of Sati as Parvati, and that of Skanda.