Kunal Roy
Adi Shakti, fondly known as Para Shakti is one and only force behind this entire creative process. She is eternal. There is no beginning nor end. There is only transformation from one to the other. She is formless. She is the perfect manifestation of the universe around us. Whenever there had been any crisis on the earth, she would descend from the heaven for its salvation!
Before we begin to talk about the Mother of the Universe, we need to focus on a simple expression called “Mother”. Every single emotion of the human heart is hidden in this expression. But it is still surprising to us that even our Mother Goddess had to go through different trails and tribulations. The reason is not even clear today! However, it can be well presumed that nobody is above the laws of the creation. At some time or the other, we have to submit ourselves to the ‘unseen’ destiny. No matter how powerful or influential we are, destiny never spares us! The ’51’ Shakti Peeth bears a strong testimony to the pangs endured by the Mother Goddess for showering blessings on the poor mortals.
Mythology states that once Prajapati Daksha, the son of Brahma, the creator wished to have the Mother of the Universe as his daughter. At the very outset, the Goddess did not want to accept his proposal. Later Daksha’s wish was granted. The Mother Goddess was as a beautiful daughter to Daksha and his consort, Prashuti. However, there was a condition. The moment Prajapati would go against her wishes, she would sacrifice herself and leave for the heaven forever!
Daksha and Prashuti brought her up in their royal palace amid much care and concern. Devarshi Narada named her Sati. Her qualities began to manifest in every possible way. As fate would behold, Sati chose Lord Shiva to be her spouse. The news reached Prajapati and made him furious. He couldn’t accept the fact that Sati who was born and brought up amid the palatial luxury chose Lord Shiva, who was according to him a symbol of abject penury. Little did Daksha know that Sati, being the embodiment of Shakti would only choose Mahadeva as they complement one another to ensure the completion of this cosmic cycle! Although Prajapati didnot permit the whole matter yet Sati didnot budge an inch from her decision. Finally Sati tied her nuptial knot with Lord Shiva, the Father of the Universe.
After this occasion, Prajapati planned to hold a Yagna in his palace. Shiva was cordially invited too. But Prajapati vented his wrath as he believed Shiva did not show enough reverence to him. Daksha cursed Shiva to remain a deprived soul of all the offerings made to the Gods in the Heaven. Shiva was absolutely in his meditative and tranquil status. He did not react nor utter a single word to protest against this injustice of Daksha. The whole episode played a spoilt sport. Prajapati and the Gods left the Yagna. This event sowed the seeds of something sorrowful in future. None but the Mother Goddess knew what was hidden in the womb of future. Afterall, She is still believed to be the Queen of the whole universe!!
( TO BE CONTINUED)
– Kunal Roy