Shloka 8
Dakṣa Offends Lord Śiva: Cursing and Countercursing in the Sacrificial Assembly
प्राङ्निषण्णं मृडं दृष्ट्वा नामृष्यत्तदनादृत: । उवाच वामं चक्षुर्भ्यामभिवीक्ष्य दहन्निव ॥ ८ ॥
prāṅ-niṣaṇṇaṁ mṛḍaṁ dṛṣṭvā nāmṛṣyat tad-anādṛtaḥ uvāca vāmaṁ cakṣurbhyām abhivīkṣya dahann iva
Before taking his seat, Dakṣa was deeply offended to see Lord Śiva sitting and offering him no respect. Enraged, his eyes blazing as if with fire, he began to speak harshly against Śiva.
Lord Śiva, being the son-in-law of Dakṣa, was expected to show his father-in-law respect by standing with the others, but because Lord Brahmā and Lord Śiva are the principal demigods, their positions are greater than Dakṣa’s. Dakṣa, however, could not tolerate this, and he took it as an insult by his son-in-law. Previously, also, he was not very much satisfied with Lord Śiva, for Śiva looked very poor and was niggardly in dress.
FAQs
Dakṣa interpreted Śiva’s averted posture as disrespect and, driven by pride, became intolerant and began to speak harshly.
It shows how ego quickly turns perceived slight into anger, leading one to commit offenses that damage spiritual harmony and invite suffering.
Pause before reacting, check whether the “disrespect” is only an assumption, and respond with restraint—avoiding words that burn relationships and invite regret.