Sati Gets the Boon

Brahma said

That is how all the gods showed their devotion to Shambhu. Now hear how Shivaa won her boon. On the eighth of the bright fortnight of Ashvina, Sati fasted again and devotedly worshipped the lord of everything. So the Nanda vow was completed, and on the ninth, as she sat in meditation, Hara appeared before her. He was handsome in every limb and fair, with five faces and three eyes, the moon on his crest, a pleasant look, a blue throat and four arms. He held a trident, the brahman was in him, and his hands made the boon and fearless gestures. Smeared with ashes, he was radiant, and the heavenly river shone on his head. His face was like a crore of moons and his beauty like a crore of Smaras together, a form that pleased women in every way. Sati saw her beloved Hara before her, worshipped his feet and lowered her face in bashfulness.

Mahadeva wanted her as wife and wished to give her the fruit of her austerity. He said: "Daughter of Daksha, excellent in vows, I am pleased with your vow. Ask a boon and I will give whatever you wish." He knew her feeling but wanted to hear her say it. She was embarrassed and could not state what was in her heart; she tried, and shame covered her again. She heard Shiva's dear words and was overcome with love. Understanding, Shankara, affectionate to his devotees, was pleased and said again quickly: "Ask for a boon." Since he knew her devotion and her inner feelings, he was drawn to her. Making an effort to put down her shame, Sati said: "Giver of boons, grant me the boon I desire, without hindrance." Vrishadhvaja, loving to his devotees, did not wait for her to finish and said: "Be my wife." Hearing words that were the essence of the fruit she wanted, she was silent, but delighted to have got what she wished. She stood before Hara, who was full of love, smiling beautifully, and showed her feelings by gestures that increased desire. Shringara rasa gathered all these feelings and quickly entered their hearts, and as soon as it entered they followed the pastimes of ordinary people and glowed like Chitra nakshatra joined with the moon. Sati was radiant with Hara, with a gentle glow like a mass of collyrium, sparkling like crystal, like a line of clouds near the moon. Dakshayani spoke to him pleased, hands joined and head lowered: "Lord of the gods, Mahadeva, lord of the universe, tell my father and then accept me in marriage by the rites." Mahesha, hearing her, looked at her lovingly and agreed. Knowing it, Dakshayani bowed devotedly to Shambhu and, with his leave, went home to her mother with a charming gait and joy.

Hara went back to his hermitage on the Himalayan plains. Separated from Dakshayani, he gave himself to meditation with difficulty. Having steadied his mind, Shambhu Vrishadhvaja thought of following the customs of the world, and mentally thought of me. I at once presented myself before him, urged by wanting Hara's success, with Sarasvati. The lord saw us, and being bound in love to Sati he spoke eagerly: "Brahma, in the matter of marriage I have shown a selfish motive, and because of it a sense of ownership appears in me. Sati Dakshayani worshipped me devotedly and by the power of the Nanda vow I gave her a boon. She asked that I be her husband; fully satisfied, I told her she would be my wife. She said, 'Lord of the universe, accept me after informing my father.' Pleased with her devotion, I pledged to do so. She went back to her mother and I came here. So follow my instruction, go to Daksha's house and tell him to give his daughter to me. Do everything so that I am no longer separated from Sati. You are skilled in every kind of knowledge; assure Daksha." Having said this in my presence, Mahadeva looked quickly at Sarasvati, suffering the pangs of separation. Commanded so, I felt successful in my aim and was happy, and answered: "Lord Shambhu, Vrishadhvaja, having thought it over, what you say is the main interest of the gods, and mine. Daksha himself will give you his daughter. I will tell him what you have said in his presence." Then I went on a swift chariot to Daksha's house.

Narada said

Wise Vidhatri, after Sati returned home, what did Daksha do?

Brahma replied

Sati, having tormented herself in austerity, got the boon she wanted. Back home she bowed to her father and mother. Her friends told them everything, how Maheshvara was satisfied by Sati's devotion and gave her a boon. They were filled with joy and held great festivities. Generous, they gave things to brahmanas, and Virini gave to the blind and the distressed. Virini embraced the daughter who had increased their joy, smelled her head happily and praised her again and again. After some time Daksha, supreme among those who know dharma, wondered how to give his daughter to Shambhu. "Pleased, Mahadeva came here, but he has gone back. How might he be brought again for my daughter? Can I easily send someone to Shambhu? That is not right. If he refuses I will suffer the pain of failure. Or shall I worship Vrishadhvaja myself? He was satisfied with my daughter's devotion; she worshipped him and got what she desired; Shambhu has given her the boon that he will be her husband." While Daksha thought this, I suddenly appeared before him with Sarasvati. He saw his father, bowed and stood, and naturally offered me a seat. Though burdened with thoughts he was happy and quickly asked why I had come. "Creator, guru of the universe, is it that you favour me? Is it out of affection for your son? Or is there some other reason you have come to my house? I am delighted to see you." I smiled and answered him in words that pleased him.

"Daksha, hear why I came. I want your benefit and it is something I want too. Your daughter worshipped Mahadeva, lord of the universe, and the time to carry out her boon has come. Surely Shambhu has sent me for your daughter's sake. I will lay out the best course for you. Since he gave the boon and left, Rudra has been unable to find peace, separated from your daughter. Though Madana tried again and again with every flowery arrow, he found no weakness in Girisha. But now, pierced by Kama's arrows, Shiva has abandoned thinking of the atman. Like an ordinary person he is agitated, thinking of Sati; separated from her he forgets himself and says to his ganas, 'Where is Sati?' and they tell him she is not there. This is what I, you, Madana, Marichi and the other great sages wanted earlier, and it is now accomplished. Your daughter worshipped Shambhu. He lives in the Himalayas, thinking of her, searching for her and desiring her. She, full of sattva, worshipped him with many vows; as Sati worshipped Shambhu, he now worships her. Daksha's daughter was meant for Shambhu. So without delay accomplish the aim and give her to him. I will have Narada bring him to your house. She was meant for him. Give her to him." My son rejoiced at my words and gladly agreed. I went joyfully to where Girisha was, eager to follow the world's customs, and Narada went as well. Daksha, his wife and his daughter got their wishes, as if filled with nectar.