Canto 4: The Creation of the Fourth Order
SB4.3

Canto 4 · Chapter 3 · 25 verses · 1 story

Talks Between Lord Śiva and Satī

Satī wishes to attend her father’s sacrifice; Lord Śiva warns her about envy and hurtful words.

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Who is speakingSūta Gosvāmī → the sages at NaimiṣāraṇyaŚukadeva Gosvāmī → King ParīkṣitMaitreya Ṛṣi → ViduraEvery voice in this chapter ›

What this chapter speaks about · the ten subjects

In this chapter

Who · Dakṣa, Lord Śiva, Satī

The story · At a great sacrificial assembly, Dakṣa spoke against Lord Śiva and cursed him despite the others’ requests. Later, Satī wished to attend another sacrifice held by her father, but Lord Śiva warned her about the lasting pain caused by a relative’s unkind words. She went, and only her mother and sisters welcomed her warmly. Satī condemned Dakṣa’s envy of Lord Śiva, sat down to practice mystic yoga, and gave up her body.

What it teaches · Lord Śiva explains that false ego produces envy of self-realized persons. Satī identifies envy of Lord Śiva, who is free from enmity, as a grave offense.