Srimad Bhagavatam — Chaturtha Skandha, Shloka 3
Dakṣa Offends Lord Śiva: Cursing and Countercursing in the Sacrificial Assembly
एतदाख्याहि मे ब्रह्मन्जामातु: श्वशुरस्य च । विद्वेषस्तु यत: प्राणांस्तत्यजे दुस्त्यजान्सती ॥ ३ ॥
etad ākhyāhi me brahman jāmātuḥ śvaśurasya ca vidveṣas tu yataḥ prāṇāṁs tatyaje dustyajān satī
My dear Maitreya, to part with one’s life is very difficult. Would you kindly explain to me how such a son-in-law and father-in-law could quarrel so bitterly that the great goddess Satī could give up her life?
FAQs
This verse points to the intense enmity between Dakṣa and Lord Śiva; Satī abandoned her life due to the unbearable dishonor and hostility connected with that conflict.
Vidura seeks a clear narration of how the father-in-law (Dakṣa) and son-in-law (Śiva) became enemies, since that feud is the direct cause behind Satī’s tragic decision.
Unchecked hatred and social dishonor can destroy relationships and inner peace; the Bhagavatam urges humility, restraint, and avoiding offenses—especially toward saintly persons.