Famous Temples in India

Religious Significance

Legend has it that King Daksha had a beautiful daughter named Sati. She was an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva and married him against the wishes of her father. Daksha did not approve of the marriage. Once Daksha held a special occasion and invited all the Gods and sages to the event except his daughter Sati and her husband Shiva. When Sati arrived at the event without invitation, Daksha insulted Sati and abused Shiva in front of Sati and all other guests. Sati was unable to bear the insults and abuses heaped on her husband. She committed suicide by jumping into the sacrificial fire at the venue. On hearing the news about Sati’s death Shiva became enraged. He plucked out a lock of his matted hair and threw it on the ground with immense anger. Out of that lock of hair were born the demon god Veerabhadra and Goddess Kali. Shiva’s anger led to unleashing of terror at Daksha’s palace and ultimately Daksha was beheaded. Even the Gods of the heaven became afraid of Shiva’s fury and appealed to him for mercy. They requested Shiva to bring back Daksha to life. Shiva relented and replaced Daksha’s head with that of a goat and brought him back to life. After this incident, Daksha turned into a devotee of Shiva.