A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c5.412

c5.412

An important event in the life of Daksha, and very frequently referred to, is “Daksha’s sacrifice,” which was violently interrupted and broken up by Siva. The germ of this story is found in the Taittirīya Sanhitā, where it is related that the gods, having excluded Rudra from a sacrifice, he pierced the sacrifice with an arrow, and that Pūshan, attempting to eat a portion of the oblation, broke his teeth. The story is found both in the Rāmāyana and Mahā-bhārata. According to the latter, Daksha was engaged in sacrifice, when Siva in a rage, and shouting loudly, pierced the offering with an arrow. The gods and Asuras were alarmed and the whole universe quaked. The Rishis endeavoured to appease the angry god, but in vain. “He ran up to the gods, and in his rage knocked out the eyes of Bhaga with a blow, and, incensed, assaulted Pūshan with his foot and knocked out his teeth as he was eating the offering.” The gods and *Rishis* humbly propitiated him, and when he was appeased “they apportioned to him a distinguished share in the sacrifice, and through fear resorted to him as their refuge.” In another part of the same work the story is again told with considerable variation. Daksha instituted a sacrifice and apportioned no share to Rudra (*Siva*). Instigated by the sage Dadhīchi, the god hurled his blazing trident, which destroyed the sacrifice of Daksha and fell with great violence on the breast of Nārāyana (*Vishnu*). It was hurled back with violence to its owner, and a furious battle ensued between the two gods, which was not intermitted till Brahmā prevailed upon Rudra to propitiate Nārāyana. That god was gratified, and said to Rudra, “He who knows thee knows me; he who loves thee loves me.”