Shloka 10
Satī at Dakṣa’s Sacrifice: Condemnation of Blasphemy and Voluntary Departure by Yoga-Fire
जगर्ह सामर्षविपन्नया गिरा शिवद्विषं धूमपथश्रमस्मयम् । स्वतेजसा भूतगणान्समुत्थितान् निगृह्य देवी जगतोऽभिशृण्वत: ॥ १० ॥
jagarha sāmarṣa-vipannayā girā śiva-dviṣaṁ dhūma-patha-śrama-smayam sva-tejasā bhūta-gaṇān samutthitān nigṛhya devī jagato ’bhiśṛṇvataḥ
Overcome with anger and grief, Satī rebuked Dakṣa with fierce words—he who hated Śiva and took pride in troublesome, smoke-laden sacrifices. Śiva’s bhūtas rose to strike Dakṣa, but the Goddess restrained them by her own power and, before all who listened, openly condemned her father.
The process of offering sacrifices is especially meant to satisfy Viṣṇu, who is called Yajñeśa because He is the enjoyer of the fruits of all sacrifice. Bhagavad-gītā (5.29) also confirms this fact. The Lord says, bhoktāraṁ yajña-tapasām: He is the actual beneficiary of all sacrifices. Not knowing this fact, less intelligent men offer sacrifices for some material benefit. To derive personal material benefits for sense gratification is the reason persons like Dakṣa and his followers perform sacrifices. Such sacrifices are condemned here as a labor of love without actual profit. This is confirmed in Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam. One may prosecute the Vedic injunctions of offering sacrifices and other fruitive activities, but if by such activities one does not develop attraction for Viṣṇu, they are useless labors. One who has developed love for Viṣṇu must develop love and respect for Viṣṇu’s devotees. Lord Śiva is considered the foremost personality amongst the Vaiṣṇavas ( vaiṣṇavānāṁ yathā śambhuḥ ). Thus when Satī saw that her father was performing great sacrifices but had no respect for the greatest devotee, Lord Śiva, she was very angry. This is fitting; when Viṣṇu or a Vaiṣṇava is insulted, one should be angry. Lord Caitanya, who always preached nonviolence, meekness and humility, also became angry when Nityānanda was offended by Jagāi and Mādhāi, and He wanted to kill them. When Viṣṇu or a Vaiṣṇava is blasphemed or dishonored, one should be very angry. Narottama dāsa Ṭhākura said, krodha bhakta-dveṣi jane. We have anger, and that anger can be a great quality when directed against a person who is envious of the Supreme Personality of Godhead or His devotee. One should not be tolerant when a person is offensive towards Viṣṇu or a Vaiṣṇava. The anger of Satī towards her father was not objectionable, for although he was her father, he was trying to insult the greatest Vaiṣṇava. Thus Satī’s anger against her father was quite applaudable.
FAQs
This verse shows Satī immediately condemning Dakṣa as an enemy of Śiva, highlighting that insulting Śiva (and by extension great devotees) is a grave offense that disrupts dharma and devotion.
Dakṣa publicly insulted Lord Śiva; Satī, as Śiva’s devoted wife and a goddess of great potency, could not tolerate the blasphemy and therefore spoke strongly to correct it before the assembled audience.
Avoid criticizing saints or sincere devotees, and do not become proud of external religiosity; cultivate humility and respectful speech, especially in religious gatherings.