Shloka 41
दाक्षयज्ञप्रस्थान-प्रश्नः
Satī Inquires about the Departure for Dakṣa’s Sacrifice
तदोत्सवो महानासीद्यजने तत्र सर्वतः । सत्याश्शिवप्रियायास्तु वामदेवगणैः कृतः
tadotsavo mahānāsīdyajane tatra sarvataḥ | satyāśśivapriyāyāstu vāmadevagaṇaiḥ kṛtaḥ
That celebration became a great festival, and in that sacrificial gathering it spread everywhere. It was arranged by the hosts of Vāmadeva in honor of Satyā, the beloved of Lord Śiva.
Sūta Gosvāmin
Tattva Level: pati
Shiva Form: Vāmadeva
Sthala Purana: Not a Jyotirliṅga account; it situates the mahotsava within a yajña-like assembly, organized by Vāmadeva-associated gaṇas to honor Satī as Śiva-priyā.
Significance: Frames utsava as yajña: communal sacred celebration becomes a means of merit and devotion when centered on Śiva-Śakti.
Shakti Form: Satī
Role: nurturing
Offering: dhupa
FAQs
It highlights that devotion to Śiva is naturally expressed as a sacred, communal auspiciousness—when Satī (Śiva’s beloved) is honored, the entire yajña becomes pervaded by celebratory sanctity, reflecting Śiva’s grace manifesting in the world.
By mentioning Vāmadeva and his gaṇas, the verse points to Saguna Śiva—Śiva worshipped with form, aspects, attendants, and ritual celebration. Such worship supports the devotee’s steadiness in bhakti, which in Śaiva Siddhānta is a means for receiving Śiva’s anugraha (liberating grace).
The verse suggests yajña-like collective worship and utsava (festival observance) as a devotional practice—performed with reverence to Śiva and his divine retinue—supporting japa of the Pañcākṣara (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”) and disciplined purity during sacred gatherings.