Lord Shiva and Goddess Sati: What's the Story Behind Shakti Pithas?, Written By-Dr.Rashmi Vajpayee

 

                Image Courtesy: Facebook

Wedding of Lord Shiva and Sati-

Goddess Sati was the reincarnation of Ardhashakti or the better half of Lord Shiva. Sati, the youngest daughter of Daksha Prajapati, always adored Shiva and desired to marry Shiva from her childhood. But Daksha didn’t like Mahadev. He felt that Lord Shiva was at odds among all the gods, wearing Tiger’s skin and snakes around his neck. Despite her father’s refusal, Sati however wedded Shiva. 

                   Image Courtesy: Facebook
                                           

Sati was raised to be the most gorgeous maiden in the whole Universe, and numerous suitors desired her hand in marriage. Sati, committed to fulfilling her destiny, moved to the Himalayas to contemplate and please Lord Shiva. Delighted with her dedication, Lord Shiva consented to marry her at once. All the gods attended their wedding. Daksha did not support the marriage but reluctantly gave his permission. After the wedding, Lord Shiva and Goddess Sati made Mount Kailash their home and live a happy married life.

Daksha Organized Yagya-

Daksha felt offended as he had to accept a hermetic Lord Shiva as his son-in-law and was determined to avenge his pride. Shortly after, he arranged a grand Yagya (ritual sacrifice) and invited all the gods excluding Lord Shiva. 

When Goddess Sati learned about the Yagya, she was angry with her father. Sati understood that his father had invited everyone from Devlok excluding her and her adored husband, Shiva. Sati started crying and begged Shiva to attend the Yagya with her but he refused. Although Lord Shiva tried to stop her, the Goddess Sati decided to confront her father.

                         Image Courtesy: Facebook

                                                                         

When Goddess Sati reached her father’s residence, Daksha greeted her coldly. He then rushed to humiliate her husband in front of the guests. He humiliated Shiva in every possible way. Angered at her father’s behavior, a furious Goddess Sati announced that she would not bear any insult of her husband. Invoking a sacrificial fire, the Goddess Sati threw herself into the Yagya and destroyed herself.

 Wrath of Lord Shiva

            Image Credit: Tv show – Devon Ke Dev Mahadev via Instagram

Lord Shiva became furious after discovering Sati’s death. Unable to prevent his anger, Shiva then produced two fierce forms: Veerabhadra and Bhadrakali, from his matted wave of hair. Veerabhadra was formed to destroy Daksha and slay his armies. The angry Shiva started performing the Tandav, or the dance of destruction, to annihilate the entire universe. Eventually, Virabhadra and Bhadrakali Successfully destroyed Daksha's army and beheaded him.

           Image Credit: Tv show – Devon Ke Dev Mahadev via Instagram

Lord Brahma prayed to Lord Shiva for his son's life and requested forgiveness for his conduct. Lord Shiva calmed down and revived Daksha by substituting his head with a goat’s head. Lord Shiva could not bear the suffering of Sati. He took the lifeless body of Sati from Yagya and started wandering around the universe, carrying her in his arms, forgetting his duties and responsibilities. 

How Shakti Pithas are formed?

Image Credit: Tv show – Devon Ke Dev Mahadev via facebook

All the gods were worried; they approached Lord Vishnu to get Lord Shiva out of this grief to revive balance in the Universe. Lord Vishnu operated his Sudarshan chakra (a divine weapon) to cut Goddess Sati’s body to pieces, which dropped on earth. The total number of body pieces was 51, and they dropped in 51 diverse places. 

Image Courtesy: Facebook

All these places are acknowledged as 51 Holy Shakti Pithas in the Hindu religion, and there is a Kali or Shakti temple in each of them. Lord Shiva returned to Mount Kailash to contemplate and lament his wife’s death. Goddess Sati finally returned to Lord Shiva by taking birth as Parvati.

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About Rashmi Vajpayee

Hello friends I am DrRashmi Vajpayee,PhD Awardee,Assistant professor and founder of Rashmi Vajpayee's Confessions on Culture.Here I share everything about Indian Culture and Festivals.I hope you guys enjoy my content so keep reading!.

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