Srimad Bhagavatam — Chaturtha Skandha, Shloka 21
Satī at Dakṣa’s Sacrifice: Condemnation of Blasphemy and Voluntary Departure by Yoga-Fire
मा व: पदव्य: पितरस्मदास्थिता या यज्ञशालासु न धूमवर्त्मभि: । तदन्नतृप्तैरसुभृद्भिरीडिता अव्यक्तलिङ्गा अवधूतसेविता: ॥ २१ ॥
mā vaḥ padavyaḥ pitar asmad-āsthitā yā yajña-śālāsu na dhūma-vartmabhiḥ tad-anna-tṛptair asu-bhṛdbhir īḍitā avyakta-liṅgā avadhūta-sevitāḥ
父亲啊，我们所安住的尊位与威德，非你与那些谄媚者所能想象。那些在祭场行大祭、循烟道而求果报的人，只忙于以祭食满足身躯所需；而我们但凭一念，便能显现威德。此唯离欲自证、亲近并奉事阿瓦度塔的伟大圣者方能成就。
Satī’s father was under the impression that he was exalted in both prestige and opulence and that he had offered his daughter to a person who was not only poor but devoid of all culture. Her father might have been thinking that although she was a chaste woman, greatly adherent to her husband, her husband was in a deplorable condition. To counteract such thoughts, Satī said that the opulence possessed by her husband could not be understood by materialistic persons like Dakṣa and his followers, who were flatterers and were engaged in fruitive activities. Her husband’s position was different. He possessed all opulences, but he did not like to exhibit them. Therefore such opulences are called avyakta, or unmanifested. But if required, simply by willing, Lord Śiva can show his wonderful opulences, and such an event is predicted here, for it would soon occur. The opulence Lord Śiva possesses is enjoyable in renunciation and love of God, not in material exhibition of sense gratificatory methods. Such opulences are possessed by personalities like the Kumāras, Nārada and Lord Śiva, not by others.
FAQs
This verse contrasts mere ritualism—people satisfied only by sacrificial food and worldly piety—with the higher spiritual path praised by inwardly realized souls whose devotion and renunciation are not based on external show.
Sati speaks in anguish and protest against Daksha’s sacrificial culture that dishonors Lord Shiva; she rejects a path that values ceremony and prestige while neglecting devotion and respect for great devotees.
Do spiritual practice for inner transformation—humility, devotion, and service to saintly persons—rather than for social status, display, or material rewards.