Srimad Bhagavatam — Chaturtha Skandha, Shloka 13
Satī Desires to Attend Dakṣa’s Sacrifice; Śiva Warns Against the Pain of Relatives’ Insults
कथं सुताया: पितृगेहकौतुकं निशम्य देह: सुरवर्य नेङ्गते । अनाहुता अप्यभियन्ति सौहृदं भर्तुर्गुरोर्देहकृतश्च केतनम् ॥ १३ ॥
kathaṁ sutāyāḥ pitṛ-geha-kautukaṁ niśamya dehaḥ sura-varya neṅgate anāhutā apy abhiyanti sauhṛdaṁ bhartur guror deha-kṛtaś ca ketanam
Ô le meilleur des devas, comment le corps d’une fille pourrait-il rester impassible en apprenant qu’une fête se tient dans la maison de son père ? Même sans invitation, il n’y a pas de faute à se rendre chez un ami, un époux, un maître spirituel ou son père.
FAQs
In this verse Sati explains that natural affection draws a person toward the parental home, and also toward the husband’s home and one’s elders—so she felt compelled to go despite the lack of invitation.
Sati addresses Lord Shiva, revered as the foremost among the devas and the greatest of ascetics, questioning how he could remain unmoved hearing of her father’s festivities.
It acknowledges the power of family attachment and social bonds, while prompting discernment—strong feelings can pull us toward situations that may not be spiritually or ethically favorable.