Shiva's Grief

As the tale goes, Shiva was married to Sati, Daksha's daughter, against her father's wishes. Sati followed him selflessly, content to be by his side. Her fortitude and patience, her serene determination to be his consort, her giving nature and radiant personality - everything about her pleased Shiva and he fell in love with her. Meanwhile Daksha organized a great yagna and invited everyone except Shiva. Sati thought it to be an oversight and went for the sacrifice uninvited. There her father insulted her lord. The humiliation was too much to bear. Sati sat on the ground, her mind fixed on Shiva. She controlled her breath and stoked her inner fire until it consumed her. News of Sati's death shocked Shiva and then came the pain.

In this painting, Shiva is carrying Sati's lifeless body and walking out of the sacrificial hall. He cannot bring himself to cremate it. The body is all he has to remind him of his beloved.

Fire, flames and the deadly serpents all are symbolic of the fury of Shiva. This representation of Shiva is unique and has local influences - what with Shiva's moustache and beard and the flowing matted hair. Snakes form his bracelets and anklets.

This description by Kiranjyot.

Of Related Interest:

Sati and Shiva (Paperback Comic Book)

Stories of Shiva (Hardcover Comic Book)

Shiva An Introduction (Paperback Book)

Siva Purana (Ancient Indian Tradition and Mythology Vols. 1-4) (Hardcover Book)

Shiva - The Sensuous Yogi (Article)

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