A special story about Goddess Sati as described in the Sati Khand of the Shiva Purana. Why did Lord Mahadev renounce Goddess Sati? Why did Goddess Sati test Lord Rama? What was the reason that Lord Shiva had to give up his beloved wife, Goddess Sati? Best Indian mythological stories.
Once upon a time, Lord Rudra (Shiva), mounted on the supreme bull Nandi, was wandering upon the earth. While roaming, he arrived in the Dandakaranya forest, where he saw Lord Rama along with Lakshmana, searching for his beloved wife Sita. With great sorrow, Rama was repeatedly crying out in a loud voice, “O Sita!” and weeping constantly.
Here is the English translation of the provided excerpt from the Shiv Purana (Rudra Samhita – Sati Khand), describing the events surrounding Daksha’s enmity with Lord Shiva, Sati’s self-immolation, and the destruction and restoration of Daksha’s Yajna:
Daksha’s Hatred Towards Lord Shiva
In ancient times, a grand yajna (sacrificial ritual) was being conducted at Prayag by great sages and ascetics according to Vedic rites. When Daksha Prajapati arrived at the yajna, all the divine sages bowed down and honored him with salutations and praise. However, Lord Shiva did not bow to him. Seeing this, Daksha became furious with Shiva and declared, “I banish this Rudra from the yajna. He shall have no share among the gods in this sacrifice.”
Sati’s Anguish and Self-Immolation
Brahma narrated: Once, Daksha organized a magnificent yajna and invited all gods and sages. When Sati, the consort of Shiva, heard about her father’s yajna, she requested Lord Shiva for permission to attend. Shiva replied, “Devi, your father Daksha has become especially hostile toward me. Those who go uninvited to others’ homes often face disrespect, which is worse than death.”
Despite Shiva's warnings, Sati was enraged at her father and determined to go. Shiva reluctantly allowed her to leave, sending her off with Nandi and other attendants.
When Sati reached the yajna and saw no share had been reserved for Shiva, she expressed unbearable anger and rebuked Vishnu and the other gods. Turning to her father, she said, “Father, you have insulted my lord. You shall suffer greatly and be tormented in this life and beyond. The name ‘Shiva,’ once uttered, destroys all sins. Alas! You are opposed to that very Lord of all, the bearer of such pure fame.”
Enraged and overwhelmed with sorrow, Sati burned herself through the fire of yogic concentration. Abandoning all worldly awareness, she meditated solely on Shiva’s feet and left her body. Her sinless body fell into the sacrificial fire and was reduced to ashes, as per her wish.
The Aftermath and Shiva’s Wrath
Witnessing Sati’s death, the gods cried out in grief. Shiva’s attendants immediately rose with weapons. A celestial voice then warned all gods and participants to flee the yajna site.
Hearing the news of Sati’s self-immolation from his attendants and Sage Narada, Lord Shiva became infuriated. From his matted locks, he manifested Veerabhadra and Mahakali, commanding them to destroy the yajna and punish the offenders.
As Veerabhadra and Mahakali set out, ominous signs and bad omens began to appear at Daksha’s sacrificial site. A heavenly voice warned: “O Daksha, you are ignorant and sinful. You shall suffer great misery from Lord Shiva. The foolish gods aiding you shall also suffer.”
Fearful of the omens, Daksha begged Lord Vishnu for protection. Vishnu, while consoling Daksha, explained the greatness of Lord Shiva.
Soon, Veerabhadra and the Shivaganas reached the yajna and an intense battle began. Vishnu and other gods vanished after a short resistance. Veerabhadra seized Daksha, twisted his neck with his bare hands, and threw his severed head into the sacrificial fire. The attending gods were also injured.
After completing their mission, Veerabhadra and the others returned to Mount Kailash. Pleased with his devotion and success, Lord Shiva appointed Veerabhadra as the chief of his attendants.
Daksha’s Revival and Completion of the Yajna
Sage Narada asked Brahma what happened after Veerabhadra returned to Kailash. Brahma said that the gods and sages, wounded and distressed, came to him. Concerned, he went to Lord Vishnu with them and prayed, “O Lord, please restore Daksha and allow the yajna to be completed so the gods and sages may find peace.”
Vishnu replied, “All gods have offended Shiva by denying him his rightful share. Now go and surrender at Lord Shiva’s feet with pure hearts.”
Following this advice, all the gods went to Kailash and bowed before Shiva, praying, “O Lord of mercy, protect us. Please come to Daksha’s yajna and bless it.”
Pleased, Lord Shiva accompanied them to Kanakhala, where the yajna was held. Seeing the devastation caused by Veerabhadra, Shiva summoned him and said, “O mighty one, you have severely punished the gods and sages. Bring the body of Daksha here.”
Veerabhadra brought Daksha’s headless body. Shiva asked for his head, but Veerabhadra replied, “O Lord, I offered it into the fire.”
Then, as per Shiva’s instruction, a goat’s head was attached to Daksha’s body. By Shiva’s grace, Daksha was instantly revived. With Shiva’s darshan, his heart was purified, and he repented.
Daksha praised Lord Shiva, saying, “O Mahadev, I bow to you. Please forgive my offense and show me your mercy.” Lord Shiva replied, “Though I am independent and the Lord of all, I am always under the control of my devotees. Mere ritual actions—devoid of devotion—cannot lead to me. You relied only on karma, which is why I destroyed the yajna. From now on, consider me the Supreme and perform your duties with wisdom and awareness.”
He further said, “If a devotee of Vishnu blasphemes me, or my devotee insults Vishnu, both shall bear the curses that were meant for Daksha and shall never attain true knowledge.”
After this, with Lord Shiva’s blessings, Daksha completed the yajna, and all the gods and sages returned contentedly to their abodes.
The glory of Lord Shiva is infinite—even the greatest scholars cannot fully comprehend it. Yet, his devotees, through sincere devotion, can attain this divine knowledge without much effort.
