Daksha's Yajna / Sati's Self-Immolation
Daksha Yagna (Daksha's Sacrifice)
Daksha Yagna is one of the most pivotal events in Shaivite lore. Daksha Prajapati, one of the sons of Brahma and a powerful progenitor, organized a massive yagna (sacrifice) but deliberately did not invite his son-in-law Shiva due to his disapproval of Shiva's ascetic lifestyle. Despite Shiva's warnings, Sati, his consort and Daksha's daughter, insisted on attending the yagna. On arrival, she witnessed her husband being disrespected and was overwhelmed with sorrow and rage. Unable to bear the humiliation, she immolated herself in the sacrificial fire. Enraged by her death, Shiva created Virabhadra and Bhadrakali, who stormed the yagna and wreaked havoc. Daksha was beheaded, and the entire ceremony was destroyed. Later, on the request of other gods, Shiva forgave Daksha and restored him to life, replacing his head with that of a goat. This event marks the deep cosmic grief and wrath of Shiva and the power of love and respect in divine relationships.
The Daksha Yagna signifies the importance of humility, devotion, and the dangers of ego. It also marks the beginning of Sati’s transformation into Parvati in her next birth and the renewed union with Shiva. It reflects the dynamics between worldly pride and divine love.
Lord Shiva
Husband of Sati, disrespected by Daksha, destroys the yagna through Virabhadra
Sati
Daughter of Daksha, wife of Shiva, immolates herself due to the insult to Shiva
Daksha Prajapati
Organizer of the yagna, disrespects Shiva, later revived with a goat's head
Virabhadra
Ferocious form created from Shiva’s wrath to destroy the yagna
Vishnu
Tries to intervene and calm the situation during the destruction