Shiv - Shakti, The First Love Story - Dakshayani

Disaster In Process

The arrangements of the sacrifice made by Daksha were extravagant. It was made in such a way that people would be in awe at such grandeur. But the main intention behind all of this was to spite his son in law.

At the given time, the guests started to arrive. First the gods arrived which consisted Indra, Varuna, Vayu, Agni, Chandra and all others. Then came the asurs followed by the people and the rishis. At the end, arrived Brahma with Saraswati and Lakshmi with Vishnu. Everyone was looking around, seeing the decorations. The venue of the sacrifice was specially built a bit away from the main palace. The entire structure was covered in gold and other magnificent gems. Colourful drapes were hanging from the pillers. The top was left open for fresh air.

After a while, Daksha came in with Prasuti. All of his other daughters were also present. He greeted everyone and then proceeded to sit near the sacrificial fire. Prasuti sat beside him. Taking permission from Vishnu, he requested the rishis to start. There were great sages present like Devguru Brihaspati, Rishi Kashyap, Rishi Atri and his personal adviser, Rishi Bhrigu and many others. Amongst them was Rishi Dadhichi who was a great Shiva devotee. As the pyre was about to be lit, he halted them and questioned Daksha.

"Prajapati, don't mind me asking but where is Shiva's position? He has to be here too."

Daksha scoffed at his words.

"Why will I invite that begger? He is not eligible to be present in such a grand occasion. His presence will only polute the environment."

Dadhichi was taken aback.

"What are you saying, Prajapati? Mahadev is 'Yagneshwar'. How can you exclude him? Your yagna will never be completed without him."

"I will prove that your 'Mahadev' isn't needed anywhere. He is undeserving of everything" Daksha said haughtily. Dadhichi stood up.

"Daksha! You are so blinded by your ego that you cannot see the truth even when it's pointed out right in front of you. Anyways, I cannot stay in such a place where Shiva is disrespected" Dadhichi replied and started to leave with his disciples. The other rishis tried to stop him but in vain. Daksha didn't even bother to look at his leaving guests and continued with the yagna which had started. The environment had become uncomfortable due to the incident and some of his guests were displeased but didn't dare to speak up against someone like Daksha.

Lakshmi was fed up with this behavior of Daksha and she whispered to Vishnu.

"Narayan, I literally cannot stand him right now. He has stooped so low. How are you tolerating him? Is it just because he is your devotee? He is going on insulting Shiva who happens to be your best friend. How are you letting this happen?"

Vishnu had a slight smile on his face as he turned to Lakshmi.

"Shree, I am bound by my words to be the protector of this yagna. Daksha is very clever and has taken all the measures to protect himself. But when you are against time himself, then nobody can save you. Not even me. His reckoning is near, my darling. And as for speaking for Shiva's honor, it's not in my hands because the true person for this job has arrived. Look!" Vishnu pointed towards the door and as Lakshmi followed his signal, she saw a figure approaching. As it became clear, the figure took the form of Sati.

Sati had asked Nandi to wait at the door, against his protests. She was stopped at the door by the guards but she had made her way past them and had entered the venue. She stared at the sheer pompous with which her father had arranged for the yagna. She soon spotted all the Gods, her sisters and then her parents. Daksha was busy concentrating on the chants but her mother noticed her and cried in joy.

"Sati!" Prasuti called out and stood up. She went to her daughter and hugged her. Sati too held on to her mother. She had missed her very much. Her sisters too joined them.