Warrior III Yoga Pose

Even in childhood, Sati desired nothing more than to be the bride of Shiva, turning away every suitor her father prepared for her. Eventually, in order to appeal to Shiva’s disciplined and holy life void of self-indulgence, Sati renounced the lavish life that had been built around her by her father Daksha. Sati sacrificed comfort and shelter by fleeing to the forest, devoting herself to worshipping Shiva and eventually even giving up food. Her devotion broke Shiva from his long meditation, binding them with a strong love so that he asked for her hand in marriage.Daksha protested, for he was a proud king that held his treasures and possessions at high esteem. However, the Brahmā intervened and the marriage ceremony took place, with every god and goddess invited to the celebrations! The two were happily married, devoted to one another and content in their love. However, their happiness was not to last.

Daksha, though forced to allow the marriage take place, never approved of his son-in-law. He viewed Shiva as wild, unkempt and unclean, unworthy of power and certainly unworthy of a place in his family. And so, after the marriage, Daksha prepared a great ritual sacrifice, or yagna, and invited everyone except for Shiva and Sati. Daksha even went so far as to erect a statue of Shiva, defiling it and mocking him in front of the guests. Sati could not understand or accept why her parents had not invited them, and so decided to go herself, against Shiva’s wishes, to discover the meaning behind their actions.

Sati was to face even greater disappointment, however, when she confronted her father and heard his reasoning. After insulting her husband, calling him Lord of the Beasts and ridiculing his lifestyle and appearance, Sati was devastated and hurt beyond belief. Realizing the true nature of her father, she resolved to sever all family ties by destroying the body which she had been given by those that betrayed her. Using yogic exercises, Sati sent herself into a mystic trance and kindled her inner fire until her body burst into flames.

Shiva, unable to come to terms with the news, was consumed by rage and despair. He ripped out his own hair and used it to create a fierce warrior, whom he named Virabhadra. Shiva then sent Virabhadra to the yagna to dispatch Daksha and all of his guests. And so the warrior left to avenge Sati, leaving the beheaded corpses of Daksha and many others in his wake.

The terrified survivors went to Shiva, pleading for forgiveness and begging to restore Daksha’s life. Upon seeing the havoc that his creation had wreaked, Shiva absorbed Virabhadra back into himself and felt his rage disappear; instead, he was only left with remorse and grief. He turned his sorrow into compassion, taking the head of a goat and placing it on Daksha’s body, bringing him back to life. Daksha, moved by Shiva’s power and generosity, bowed to Shiva with the other gods and goddesses following in suit.

Sati remained lifeless, however, and nothing Shiva did could bring her back. Likewise, nothing could be done to restore Shiva’s sanity. In order to pull Shiva out of his trance, the gods called up Lord Vishnu, a Hindu Supreme God, who cut Sati’s body into 52 pieces which were scattered across the earth. Now known as Shakti Peethas, the spots where her body landed are now places of pilgrimage and worship for Sati.

Following this, Shiva went back to his long meditation, like the meditation Sati herself broke, and here he remembered the vow they had made and found clarity once more. Swearing never to be apart, Shiva realized that his spirit was still joined with Sati’s and that they could be together once more. And so, after many years, Sati would return as Parvati, a Himalayan princess, and be his bride once more.