Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 22
सतीसंक्षेपचरित्रवर्णनम् — Summary Description of Satī’s Narrative
ततो रुद्रस्य दक्षेण स्पर्द्धा जाता निजेच्छया । महामूढस्य तन्मायामोहितस्य सुगर्विणः
tato rudrasya dakṣeṇa sparddhā jātā nijecchayā | mahāmūḍhasya tanmāyāmohitasya sugarviṇaḥ
Alors Dakṣa, de son propre gré, fit naître en lui une rivalité envers Rudra (Śiva). Profondément insensé, enivré et aveuglé par cette même Māyā, il enfla d’orgueil.
Sūta Gosvāmi (narrating to the sages of Naimiṣāraṇya)
Tattva Level: pasha
Shiva Form: Mahādeva
FAQs
It identifies pride-born rivalry with Śiva as a symptom of Māyā (bondage): when the soul turns from reverence to self-will, delusion deepens and dharma collapses—setting the stage for suffering and correction through grace.
Dakṣa’s rivalry reflects rejection of Śiva’s supreme status and his worship; Linga/Saguṇa-Śiva devotion is grounded in humility and recognition of Śiva as Pati (Lord). The verse warns that ritual without inner surrender becomes ego-driven and spiritually barren.
The takeaway is ego-purification through bhakti: steady japa of the Pañcākṣarī (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”) with a humble attitude, and sincere worship (e.g., bhasma/tripuṇḍra or rudrākṣa) as reminders to dissolve pride rather than display status.