Shiva Purana – Chapter 2: Sati's Sacrifice and Rebirth

Sati's Sacrifice and Rebirth

In the previous chapter, we heard the description of Lord Shiva's wonderful origin and His glory. Now, we move towards the event that disturbed even the Trimurti; Sati's sacrifice, which is a unique example of love, sacrifice, and the protection of Dharma, and as a result of which Mother Parvati was born.

The Beginning of Daksha's Yajna and Shiva's Insult

King Daksha was the son of Prajapati Brahma, and his daughter, Sati, was the better half of Lord Shiva. Daksha was filled with ego and did not like Lord Shiva's ascetic nature. Once he organized a grand yajna, to which all the gods and sages were invited, except his son-in-law, Lord Shiva. When Sati received information of this insult, her heart was filled with anger and sorrow.

Sati thought, "How could my father insult my husband so much? Does he not remember that Shiva is the Lord of the three worlds? I will definitely go to this yajna and ask him the reason for this." She asked her husband, Shiva, in the Himalayas, for permission to go to the yajna, even though she had not received an invitation.

Sati's Self-Immolation

Lord Shiva explained to Sati that it is not appropriate to go to someone's house without an invitation, especially when the host harbors animosity towards you. But Sati was determined to speak to her father and know the reason for Lord Shiva's insult. Finally, Shiva granted her permission to go. When Sati reached the yajna site, Daksha scorned her and spoke harsh words about Lord Shiva. Sati could not bear the insult to her husband. Angered and saddened, she sacrificed her life by jumping into the sacrificial fire.

When Lord Shiva received the news of Sati's self-immolation, He was overwhelmed with anger. Virabhadra and Bhadrakali emerged from His matted locks, who destroyed Daksha's yajna and severed Daksha's head. Later, at the request of the gods, Lord Shiva revived Daksha by attaching a goat's head. This event shows the world that Shiva can go to any extent to protect His devotees and is capable of destroying unrighteousness.

Parvati's Birth and Penance

In her next birth, Sati was born as Parvati, the daughter of Himalaya and Maina. From childhood, Parvati resolved to have Lord Shiva as her husband. She performed severe penance, and the gods also helped her, as they knew that the union of Shiva and Shakti would be beneficial for the world. Parvati's penance attracted Lord Shiva towards her, and the path for their marriage was paved. In the next chapter, we will hear the story of the auspicious marriage of Parvati and Shiva.