Śiva became silent, realizing that his wife would destroy her body regardless of whether she did or did not go. She herself could not make up her mind. Wanting to see her dear ones, she moved out the door, but then, trusting the advice of Bhava, she went back inside. She moved back and forth and seemed about to split into two. Blocked from seeing her dear ones, Bhavānī’s affection for them troubled her with sorrow, and she began to weep and tremble, staring at Bhava with so much anger that it seemed her glance would destroy him.
Her heart heavy with grief and anger, and her clarity of thought overpowered by feminine emotions, she breathed heavily and left him to go to her father’s house. Thus she already gave up half of her most beloved self.
When Satī ran out alone, the followers of her three-eyed husband became worried. They ran out by the thousands to accompany her, accompanied by their own retinues of divine Yakṣas and led by the king of bulls. They decorated her with garlands and jewelry, and brought a parrot & ball – to represent her mastery of recreation, a mirror & lotus – to represent her mastery of beauty, and a white umbrella & fan – to represent her dignity. They began to sing along with the music of drums, horns, and flutes – to represent her mastery of the arts. With her mounted atop the bull, they proceeded regally.
They entered the arena of sacrifice, which was uproarious with the noise of mantra and sacrificial animals, attended by all the gods, sages, and scholars, and surrounded with pots made of clay, wood, iron, gold, sacred grass, and hide. No one offered any respect or paid her any attention, because they were afraid of angering the master of ceremonies. Only her sisters, aunts and mother showed her respect and embraced her with delighted faces and words choked with tears of love.
Shocked by complete lack of affection from her father, Satī could not reply to their inquiries, notice their respect, or accept the gifts and seat they offered. When she saw that no portion of the sacrifice had been dedicated to Śiva, she understood that the lack of respect she experienced was due to the assembly’s contempt for her divine husband. That powerful goddess became so enraged that it seemed her anger would devour the world. Under her breath, she murmured furious curses upon her father, a hater of Śiva intoxicated with pride over his own smoke-stained accomplishments. Hearing this, the retinue of fierce creatures who accompanied her became eager to destroy Dakṣa, but the goddess ordered them to desist, and began to speak loudly to the entire arena.
— Bhāgavata Purāṇa 4.4.1 ~ 10
Vraja Kishor dās
Tagged: Bhagavata Purana, goddess, sacrifice, Sati, Shiva, Srimad Bhagavatam
