The Purana Index v2.c7.s2.1

v2.c7.s2.1

*Daksā* (1)—a Mind-born son of Brahmā, born of his thumb, and father of Mūrti. A progenitor and guardian of the world born for the creation of worldly beings¹. Married Prasūti, daughter of Svayambhuva Manu. Had sixteen daughters of whom he gave thirteen to Dharma, one to Agni, one to Pitrs, and one to Śiva³. To the Satra of Viśvasrk Daksa came and was welcomed by all standing, except Brahmā and Śiva. On this Daksa burst into anger against Śiva and insulted him saying he had eyes like a monkey, was a breaker of law and convention, lord of the Bhūtas and Ganas, he then cursed that Śiva should have no more share in sacrifices and went away. Nandi got enraged at this and imprecated a curse on Daksa that he would lose all knowledge of Ātman, and assuming the face of a sheep, would become dull-witted. Bhṛgu then pronounced a counter-curse that those propitiating Śiva shall become Pākhandas³. Appointed by Brahmā as the overlord of all Prajāpatis, Daksa began the sacrifice of Brhaspatisava to which all gods went in groups. Sati also expressed her desire to go and requested permission of Śiva, who reminded her of the insult offered to him⁴. As she was persistent, she was allowed to attend. Going, she found that she was not properly welcomed by her father. The enraged Satī sat facing the northern direction in yoga and cast off her body by means of the fire of Samādhi to the distress of gods and others. On this the Gana followers of Satī attacked Daksa, when Bhrgu created a class of gods, Ṛbhus who vanquished these Ganas⁵. Having heard of all this from Nārada, Śiva grew angry, out of his anger sprang Virabhadra who was ordered to ruin Daksa's sacrifice. The beard of Bhrgu was cut off, and Dakṣa's head was severed from his body and thrown into the Dakṣināgni⁶. The Gods waited upon Brahmā who proceeded to Kailāsa. He conciliated Śiva and pleaded for the revival of Dakṣa and continuation of his Yajña promising a share to him⁷. Śiva agreed but said that Daksa should have the face of the sheep, Bhaga, Mitra's eye, and Bhrgu the beard of a sheep Agreeing to this Brahmā went with Siva to the sacrificial hall of Daksa Now Daksa began to praise Siva When Visnu's offering was poured to secure the continuation of the sacrifice, Visnu presented himself in person when Daksa, Rtviks, Sadasyas, Rudra and others present, spoke in his praise Pleased at this, Hari remarked there was no difference among the Trimurtis Daksa brought the yajña to a successful end.⁸