Shloka 2
Satī Desires to Attend Dakṣa’s Sacrifice; Śiva Warns Against the Pain of Relatives’ Insults
यदाभिषिक्तो दक्षस्तु ब्रह्मणा परमेष्ठिना । प्रजापतीनां सर्वेषामाधिपत्ये स्मयोऽभवत् ॥ २ ॥
yadābhiṣikto dakṣas tu brahmaṇā parameṣṭhinā prajāpatīnāṁ sarveṣām ādhipatye smayo ’bhavat
When Brahmā, the Parameṣṭhī, appointed Dakṣa as chief of all the Prajāpatis, Dakṣa became greatly puffed up with pride.
Although he was envious and was inimical towards Lord Śiva, Dakṣa was appointed the chief of all Prajāpatis. That was the cause of his excessive pride. When a man becomes too proud of his material possessions, he can perform any disastrous act, and therefore Dakṣa acted out of false prestige. That is described in this chapter.
FAQs
This verse shows that when Dakṣa received authority over the Prajāpatis, pride immediately arose—warning that honor and power can inflate ego and lead to spiritual offense.
Because Dakṣa’s Brahmā-given status becomes the seed of his arrogance, which later fuels his disrespect toward Lord Śiva and triggers the conflict described in this chapter.
Treat promotions, titles, and recognition as responsibilities—not superiority—cultivating humility and respect to avoid ego-driven conflict and offenses.