The Final Steps to Shiva and Sati's Marriage

Devas wanted Lord Shiva to get married. But Shiva was a celibate. He was not interested in marriage. But only the son of Shiva could destroy certain Asuras in the future. The Devas approached Daksha Prajapati. They asked him to do penance. Daksha prayed to Devi to be born as his daughter. Devi agreed and took birth as Daksha’s daughter, Sati.

Sati grew up with great devotion to Lord Shiva. She wanted to marry Him. Sati performed penance to win His love. Once, she fasted on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the bright half of the Ashwin month. She worshipped Lord Shiva with deep devotion. On the ninth day (Navami), while meditating, Shiva appeared before her in a beautiful form.

Lord Shiva spoke to Sati, 'Daughter of Daksha, I am pleased with your devotion. Ask for a boon, whatever your heart desires.' Sati was too shy to speak. She could not express her wish clearly. She wished to marry Shiva, but her modesty held her back. Seeing her hesitation, Lord Shiva, moved by her devotion, spoke again gently, 'Ask for a boon, dear one.' Finally, Sati gathered her courage. She said, 'O Lord, grant me a boon that cannot be taken back, as per my wishes.'

Lord Shiva, seeing Sati’s unspoken desire, said, 'Devi, you shall become my wife.' Sati was overjoyed. She said, 'O Mahadeva, please inform my father and marry me through proper rites.' Shiva agreed and gave her His blessings. Sati then returned to her father’s home, filled with joy.

When Sati returned, she told her parents about her penance and her meeting with Lord Shiva. Her companions also conveyed the news that Shiva had granted Sati’s wish. Daksha and his wife Veerini were overjoyed. They organized a grand celebration and gave gifts to the Brahmins and the needy. Veerini hugged Sati lovingly and praised her.

Meanwhile, Lord Shiva returned to His abode on Mount Himalaya. He began to feel the pangs of separation from Sati. He thought of her constantly. He called upon Brahma to help. Brahma, along with Saraswati, appeared before Lord Shiva. Shiva requested Brahma to go to Daksha and ask for Sati’s hand in marriage.

In the meantime, Daksha was  confused and anxious about whether Shiva would come back again. He thought about how Shiva had come once, pleased by Sati's devotion, but had then returned to His abode. Daksha wondered if sending a formal invitation through someone else would be appropriate, and feared that if Shiva chose not to return, it would be a matter of great embarrassment for him.

It was then that Brahma went to Daksha’s home. He conveyed Shiva’s desire to marry Sati.  Daksha agreed. He felt great joy and said, 'It shall be so.' Brahma then returned to Lord Shiva to convey Daksha’s consent. Shiva, eager to marry Sati, was pleased. The arrangements for the marriage began. The union of Sati and Shiva was soon to happen, bringing joy to all the Devas and Rishis.

Knowledge Bank

Who are true sanyasis according to Bhagavad Gita?

True sanyasis are those who carry out their duties as prescribed by scriptures, recognizing them as essential, but without yearning for the outcomes. Their renunciation lies in letting go of the fruits of their actions, and thus, they are free from desires for sensory pleasures. This purity of mind earns them the title of sanyasis and yogis. Simply giving up all actions, like stopping rituals such as the sacred Agnihotra, does not make one a sanyasi. Similarly, just abandoning all physical activities and sitting still with half-closed eyes does not make one a yogi. True sanyasis and yogis maintain inner detachment and continue their duties without attachment to results. - Bhagavad Gita 6.1

Does Srimad Bhagavata prescribe different sadhanas?

No. Srimad Bhagavata prescribes only one simple path, keep on listening to the glories of Bhagavan. Nothing else is required. Results will come on their own.