Filled with thoughts of her mother, sisters, and childhood home, Sati Devi journeyed towards Daksha Prajapati's sacrifice. Yet the welcome she had hoped for was not awaiting her.

Arrival at Daksha's Sacrifice

Upon reaching the sacrificial grounds, Sati Devi was warmly received by her mother and sisters. Some female relatives also greeted her with affection and offered gifts and words of welcome. Daksha Prajapati, however, remained silent.

Others present in the assembly hesitated to approach her, mindful of Daksha's displeasure towards Mahadeva. As Sati Devi looked around the sacrificial enclosure, she saw that offerings had been assigned to gods and sages, yet nowhere was a share set apart for Mahadeva.

Remembering the words spoken by her husband, Sati Devi became deeply distressed. Anger arose within her, and she addressed her father and the assembled sages.

Sati Devi Addresses the Assembly

Sati Devi declared that it was not surprising for those who see only the body and delight in finding faults to speak ill of noble beings. She then spoke of Mahadeva, whose very name destroys sin when uttered even once with sincerity.

Verse: yad dvyakṣaraṃ nāma gireritaṃ nṛṇāṃ sakṛtprasaṅgādaghamāśu hanti tat । pavitrakīrtiṃ tamalaṅghyaśāsanaṃ bhavānaho dveṣṭi śivaṃ śivetaraḥ ॥ 14 ॥

Translation: "His two-syllabled name destroys sin when uttered even once. His name purifies those who remember him, and his authority is honoured by all. Alas, though he is Shiva, the auspicious one, you hate him who is free from all inauspiciousness."(Bhagavata Purana 4.4.14)

Sati Devi reminded the assembly that wise and holy people cherish the dust of Mahadeva's feet and seek his blessings. Even Brahma and other revered beings honour the ashes, garlands, and other things that have touched Mahadeva, yet Daksha had chosen to hate one who was a friend to all beings.

She declared that when wicked people speak ill of the Lord or of the righteous, one should not remain there listening in silence. If unable to stop such words, it is better to cover one's ears and leave that place.

Turning towards her father, Sati Devi said that she no longer wished to preserve a body obtained from one who insulted Mahadeva. She felt ashamed whenever she was addressed as Dākṣāyaṇī, for it reminded her of her birth in a family that had shown disrespect towards great souls. Just as a person casts away something impure taken by mistake, she resolved to cast aside the body received from Daksha.

The Yogic Departure

Having spoken these words, Sati Devi sat upon the ground facing north. After sipping water and wrapping herself in a yellow garment, she steadied her posture and controlled her breath. Gradually she directed it upward from the navel to the heart, then to the throat, and finally to the space between her eyebrows.

She no longer wished to bear a body associated with Daksha's hostility. Fixing her mind solely upon the feet of Mahadeva, the teacher of the universe, she allowed no other thought to arise. Then, through the power of yoga, fire blazed forth from within her body, and Sati Devi was consumed by the flames born of her meditation.

Sorrow

Those who witnessed the event were struck with astonishment. Cries of sorrow arose upon the earth and in the heavens.

Many who were present blamed Daksha Prajapati for the death of his virtuous daughter. Others said that one who harbored hatred towards Mahadeva would bring lasting disgrace upon himself.

Seeing Sati Devi relinquish her body, the attendants of Mahadeva seized their weapons and rushed forward with the intention of slaying Daksha. But Bhrigu Rishi quickly offered oblations into the southern fire, from which thousands of powerful beings arose. Armed with blazing weapons and empowered by brahmanical energy, they drove back the attendants of Mahadeva and protected the sacrifice.

Thus departed Sati Devi, daughter of Daksha and beloved consort of Mahadeva, giving up her body while meditating upon the feet of Mahadeva.

Note to Readers

This account principally follows the Bhagavata Purana, Skandha 4, Chapter 4. Only a few representative verses have been quoted, while the remaining events are narrated in prose based upon the surrounding passages of the sacred text. Since the Bhagavata Purana survives in several manuscript traditions and editions, minor variations in wording and chapter numbering may occasionally occur. Corrections and suggestions from learned readers are gratefully welcomed.