The Great Sacrifice
Some time later on, Daksha commenced a great sacrifice and all of the great sages and demigods were invited. Kuvera arrived, riding on the Pushpaka chariot. Vayu rode on his deer, Agni on his goat, and Nirriti on a ghost. All were honored by Daksha. Residences of great beauty had been constructed by Tvastri for the accommodation of the guests.
Here, it is mentioned that this sacrifice took place at Kanakhala. Some commentators say that this is a village two miles east of Haridvara, at a place where the Ganga and Niladhara rivers unite. After Daksha was initiated into the performance of the sacrifice, the sage, Dadhichi, said to him, ‘‘This sacrifice does not seem pleasing without the presence of Lord Shiva. Even an inauspicious occasion, when presided over by him, becomes auspicious. Therefore, you should urge Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Indra to invite him without delay. Have him brought here, along with your daughter.”
The cruel Daksha derisively replied, “It is Lord Vishnu who is the root of all auspiciousness and He is present here. Lord Brahma has come along with the personified Vedas and the king of heaven, Indra, is also present, along with the other demigods. Of what need is there of Shiva? Of course, I admit that I gave my daughter to him in marriage but that was done under the instruction of Lord Brahma.”
“Lord Shiva is degraded and he is loved by those who are similarly inclined. Indeed, he is the lord of the ghosts, witches and goblins! He is too proud of himself! He is deluded and stubborn! Therefore, he is totally unworthy of taking part in this glorious sacrifice. O brahmana, you should not speak like this to me again.”
Dadhichi said, “It is a great injustice to the brahmanas and demigods that Lord Shiva has been excluded from their association. I am sure that a great destruction awaits all those who are present here.” After saying this, Dadhichi walked out in protest and returned to his hermitage. Daksha laughed and then said, “Well, there goes a staunch follower of Shiva. All those slow-witted rogues who are possessed by evil spirits, who are enamored by heretical doctrines, and who are therefore excluded from Vedic rituals, should also leave at once.”
Then, addressing the brahmanas, Daksha said, “You are all devoted to Lord Vishnu and so make my sacrifice a grand success.”
