Kankhal

Haridwar is one of the most ancient cities in the world. Its original name was Mayapuri and it is mentioned in all our ancient Vedas and Puranas. The small town of Kankhal is very close to Haridwar and it has a beautiful temple to Shiva which is known as the Daksha Prajapati Mandir. The temple itself is not that old but the yajnashala or place where yajnas (fire sacrifices) are conducted is very old and it has been confirmed as the place in which the original Sati gave up her life for the sake of her husband who had been insulted by her father. Kankhal is the place where Satis father who was one of the patriarchs of the ancient world had his capital and performed a famous yajna or sacrifice many hundreds of years ago. This yajna was obviously a very important one since it is mentioned in all our Puranas.

Sati Yajnashala at Daksha Prajpati Mandir The legend of the goddess Sati, first wife of Shiva is one which has enthralled and inspired Indian women through the ages. She was the youngest daughter of the famous Prajapati or patriarch known as Daksha. His kingdom was in Kankhal, near modern Haridwar. From the time she was born her mind was completely dedicated to Lord Shiva. However her father was totally against such a bridegroom for his beloved daughter. Shiva, clad in tiger skin with snakes round his neck and smeared with ashes from the cremation ground was hardly a fitting son-in-law for him and Daksha swore that he would never let his beautiful daughter wed such a man. However, Sati was adamant and refused all other offers of marriage and devoted her time in doing tapas to Shiva. At last her austerities bore fruit and Shiva, who was a born recluse decided to accept her in marriage. At the end of her year-long penance, Shiva approached her and blessed her. He knew what was in her mind and held out his hand and asked her to accompany him. Shivas ways were always unconventional! She begged him to first ask her fathers permission. Shiva knew that Daksha who was the impeccable priest of orthodoxy would never agree to a union between them; however since she was insistent he caught hold of her hand and took her to her fathers court.

Daksha looked at Shiva in disgust and shouted, You scoundrel! What have you done? Are you trying to snatch my beloved daughter from me? Turning to Sati he roared, I will never let you marry this wretch! Sati spoke vehemently, Father I have made my choice. This is the man I want to marry. I will wed none other.

The Custom of Sati Urdu Print (www.exoticindia.com)

Daksha exploded, In that case you can marry him without my consent and without my blessings. You will be shunned forever, condemned to wander like an outcaste with this madman! Sati said not a word but clung harder to Shivas arm. He lifted her in his arms and placed her on his vehicle the bull, Nandi who had been patiently waiting for his masters command. The couple set off without any of the pomp or show which befitted the daughter of a patriarch. There was no priest or rituals which were so dear to Dakshas heart and no music or trumpets!

Sati did not care. She was prepared to sacrifice all her comforts for the sake of her beloved Lord. Shiva took her to the bleak and barren mountain where there were only beasts and reptiles to welcome her. Sati was content to roam wildly in the wake of her unpredictable husband across the desolate Himalayan ranges and peaks, inhabited by wild animals. Thus they lived for many years and Shiva taught her many of the esoteric secrets of life known only to him. These teachings form the basis of all the abstruse cults found in the Hindu religion.

Once when she was wandering on the hillside she noticed many aerial vehicles passing above. Some of them contained her sisters and their husbands. She called to them to find out where they were going. They said, Dont you know that our father is celebrating the grand Brihaspati Yajna to which everyone who is anyone has been invited. It is going to be the greatest show in the world. We are sure you will get an invitation soon and we will all meet at our fathers house. Sati ran to Shiva and asked if they had received an invitation. Shiva replied, Dont you know that your father hates me? He is conducting this Yajna with the express purpose of humiliating me and will certainly not invite us.

Sati was crestfallen when she heard this. She thought for a while and said, Of course you cannot go to a place where you have not been invited but Im his daughter and can go to her fathers house without an invitation. I would love to meet my mother and sisters so please let me go. Shiva said, I cannot stop you from doing what you want Sati, but let me warn you that no good will come of it. You will dishonoured and forced to listen to your fathers insults."

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Sati - Vanamali Ashram. Vanmali Gita Yogasram, Bhagavad ...