Sati Stops the Sacrifice
Bala Kanda, Doha 63
Doha 63 · Movement 2 of 2
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The insult to Shiva cannot be contained within Sati's heart. Counsel no longer reaches her. She rises in the midst of the immense ritual assembly with a force that arrests movement across the arena.
Priests pause beside the fires. Sages turn from the mantras. Gods and attendants look toward Daksha's daughter as she imposes silence upon the gathering by sheer resolve.
When she speaks, the words carry anger born not from the disregard shown to herself, but from hearing the soul of the universe treated with contempt. The firelight catches her face as the assembly waits.
The chants cease, the flames lean upward, and Sati's wrath takes possession of the hall.
Read the passage from the Manas
सिव अपमानु न जाइ सहि हृदयँ न होइ प्रबोध। सकल सभहि हठि हटकि तब बोलीं बचन सक्रोध।।63।।
The insult to Shiva was beyond all bearing; no consolation could reach her heart. Then, stopping the entire assembly by force of will, she spoke words burning with anger.