Dakshayani-is Adi-Shakhti

    Kardama Muni and Devahuti (Grand Parents)

    Daksha Prajapati (Husband) and Prasuti (Wife)

    Dakshayani (Granddaughter)-The 24^th daughter of Daksha Prajapati.

When Daksha Prajapati was doing a yagnya desiring to have a 24th daughter, Lord Brahma manifested before him.

Daksha’s Yagna had pleased Lord Brahma. Beat it. He became intoxicated by his power of creation and granted a boon to Daksha Prajapati without any consent of Lord Shiva that the great Goddess Adishakti would be born as Dakshayani, as his 24th daughter. The condition was to give back her in a marriage to Lord Shiva. Daksha Prajapati agreed to do so.

When Lord Shiva learns about the boon bestowed to Daksha Prajapati, Shiva becomes furious. The great goddess Adi-Shakti, who was sitting next to Lord Shiva, seeing the Lord unhappy at that proposal, said, “Lord Brahma flawed by his arrogance! Arrogance is dangerous and it becomes a destructive force.”

Lord Brahma, then, was performing a yagnya along with Goddess Sarasvati to seek good wishes for this concert as well to his children. Pleased with Yagnya Lord Shiva appeared along with the great goddess Adi Shakti.

Lord Brahma explained, “Oh Shiva! Oh, gracious Devi, as you know the creation is set into forming several billion earths that need a perfect Nature that is possible once Adi -Shakti manifests as Dakshayani! Thou shall join Lord Shiva, marry, and become his Sati!

Thus, Lord Brahma reasoned on the necessity of incarnation as the 24th daughter of Daksha Prajapati, who is responsible for the procreation of the Human Kingdom. He created the sages, Gandharvas, Asuras and Nagas.

With his first wife, Asikni produced 5000 sons. He then married Vairuni and produced 1000 sons and sixty daughters. The daughters were married to Sages- Kashyapa, Brighu, and Lord Chandra etc. The 27 wives of Chandra are 27 stars that are in the moon’s orbit.

Daksha Prajapati, young, handsome, and strong, married Prasuti and fathered 23 daughters, including Lajja, Dhriti, Kriya, Pushti, Tulsi, and Lakshmi. He desired to have a 24th daughter to bring marital happiness and longevity, thus requesting a boon from Lord Brahma, who granted it, selecting Adi Shakti for creation's needs.

Lord Shiva expressed concern to Brahma, saying, “Daksha is arrogant, callous, and devoid of compassion. This isn't a suitable environment for Adi Shakti's incarnation.” Shiva emphasized his inseparable bond with Adi Shakti, yet Brahma insisted, angering Shiva, who decapitated Brahma in his rage. Brahma, with Lord Vishnu's persuasion, sought forgiveness, and Shiva reluctantly agreed to part with Adi Shakti for creation's benefit.

Angered by Shiva's actions, Daksha vowed not to worship him, declaring only Brahma and Vishnu as gods. He performed deep penance, and pleased, Adi Shakti appeared, granting his wish to incarnate as his daughter but with a condition: any disrespect towards her husband would lead to dire consequences. Daksha vowed to honour this.

Adi Shakti was born Dakshayani, who grew up loving and respecting her father. She married Lord Shiva despite Daksha's disapproval, leading to strained relations. Daksha excluded Shiva from a grand yagna, further fueling enmity.

Meanwhile, Tarakasura, born to Vajranga and Vajrangani after intense penance, sought boons from Brahma, becoming a formidable threat. He waged war against the gods, overpowering them, leading Indra to seek Brahma's help. Brahma revealed only Shiva's son could defeat Tarakasura, prompting prayers for Shiva and Parvati's union.

Dakshayani, unaware of the brewing conflict, decided to visit her father's yagna despite not being invited. Shiva cautioned against it, foreseeing trouble, but she insisted, believing in reconciling with her father. Shiva's refusal led to a tense departure, with Sati determined to go alone.

As she left, Shiva, sensing impending doom, instructed Nandiswara to ensure her safety. Dakshayani recalled her joyous childhood memories while heading towards her father's palace, hopeful for reconciliation.