Shloka 29
Satī at Dakṣa’s Sacrifice: Condemnation of Blasphemy and Voluntary Departure by Yoga-Fire
अहो अनात्म्यं महदस्य पश्यत प्रजापतेर्यस्य चराचरं प्रजा: । जहावसून् यद्विमतात्मजा सती मनस्विनी मानमभीक्ष्णमर्हति ॥ २९ ॥
aho anātmyaṁ mahad asya paśyata prajāpater yasya carācaraṁ prajāḥ jahāv asūn yad-vimatātmajā satī manasvinī mānam abhīkṣṇam arhati
Alas, behold this great heartlessness: Dakṣa, though Prajāpati and maintainer of all moving and unmoving beings, showed contempt for his own daughter Satī—chaste and great-souled—so that, by his neglect, she gave up her body.
The word anātmya is significant. Ātmya means “the life of the soul,” so this word indicates that although Dakṣa appeared to be living, actually he was a dead body; otherwise how could he neglect Satī, who was his own daughter? It was the duty of Dakṣa to look after the maintenance and comforts of all living entities because he was situated as Prajāpati, the governor of all living entities. Therefore how is it that he neglected his own daughter, who was the most exalted and chaste woman, a great soul, and who therefore deserved the most respectful treatment from her father? The death of Satī because of her being neglected by Dakṣa, her father, was most astonishing to all the great demigods of the universe.
FAQs
This verse highlights the grave result of hostile mentality toward a great soul—Dakṣa’s ill will culminates in Sati’s leaving her body, showing how destructive contempt for exalted devotees can be.
Because Dakṣa, though a Prajāpati responsible for all beings, could not honor his own virtuous daughter and instead maintained hostility—leading to a tragic outcome.
Guard your speech and attitude toward saints, teachers, and sincere devotees; cultivate respect and humility, since pride and contempt can ruin relationships and spiritual progress.