In the perception of the wise, there is always the awareness of the Supreme Lord abiding in every being and this is the basis of their regard towards one another and to all beings in creation. But it is easy to lose this fundamental outlook when one comes under the sway of power, wealth, high position, fame, name, etc, as is typically seen in the case of Daksha, pointed out Sri B. Sundarkumar in a discourse.
Though Daksha has given his daughter Sati to Siva, he considers Siva as most unworthy of his daughter and entertains enmity against Him. Once during the sacrifice performed by the Prajapatis, he is offended because he thinks Siva has not given him the respect due to a father-in-law and openly casts aspersions on Him. He even curses that henceforth Siva would not share the offerings in the sacrifices made to the celestials such as Indra and others. Later when Daksha performs a grand sacrifice, he invites all except Siva and Sati. Sati hears about this sacrifice and wishes to attend it with Siva. But Siva warns Sati that though she is the beloved daughter of Daksha, she will be disregarded and dishonoured for the simple reason that Daksha hates him intensely. Siva tells Sati that one can go to see one’s relatives uninvited if they are not spoiled by anger or pride. He rightly points out that learning, penance, wealth, age, beauty, and high birth are worthy only when those who have them are good by nature. The same can turn to be vices for bad men who are haughty by nature. Daksha, spurred by a false sense of self-importance, misjudges the worth and value of Siva. Sati is neither able to comprehend the arrogant behaviour of her father nor bear the insult meted out to her husband. Upset with Daksha, Sati casts off her body through single pointed meditation on her Lord’s feet.
