Baal Kaanda
19 - Sati's self-immolation through the fire of Yoga out of indignation at the slight offered to Her Spouse by Her father: destruction of Daksa's sacrifice
Chaupais
Description
Hear ye elders of the assembly and all great sages! All of you who have reviled Sarkara or heard Him reviled must forthwith reap the fruit of your sin and My father too shall fully repent. Wherever you hear a saint, Sambhu or Visnu (the Lord of Laksmi) vilified, the rule is that if it lies within your power you should tear out the tongue of the reviler or you should run away closing your ears. The Slayer of Tripura, the great Lord Siva, is the universal Spirit; He is the father of the universe and is beneficent to all. It is Him that my stupid father vilifies; and this body of Mine has sprung from the loins of Daksa. Therefore, installing in My heart Lord Siva, who bears the moon on His forehead and a bull as His emblem, I shall immediately quit this body. As She spoke thus She burnt Her body with the fire of Yoga.* A plaintive cry rose from the whole assembly. (1-4)