At the grand sacrifice, all the gods assembled, led by Śakra, the king of the gods. Satī, virtuous and gentle, addressed her father, Prajāpati Dakṣa, with conciliatory words. She spoke, listing the divine guests: “Śatakratu, king of the gods, has arrived here, mounted upon Airāvata, accompanied by his wife Śacī, establishing his residence. The punisher of the wicked, the lord who rules unrighteousness with righteousness, is here with his wife Dhūmorṇā. Varuṇa, lord of aquatic beings and creator of worlds, has entered the pavilion with his wife Gaurī. The lord of all Yakṣas, son of Viśravas, the god of wealth, is present with his goddess wife. He whose mouth is that of all gods and whose belly contains all creatures, for whose sake the Vedas were produced, has come to the sacrifice. Niṛti, king of the Rākṣasas and guardian of the quarters, has also arrived with his wife. The giver of life—prāṇa, apāna, vyāna, udāna, and samāna—created by Brahmā in ancient times, is here as well. Prajāpati and Vāyu, surrounded by a group of forty-nine, have come. The twelve-formed lord, overseer of the planets, the eye of the world who protects all realms and is refuge to the gods, is present. Bhāskara, lord of life, forests, and days, master of names and purifier of the worlds, has arrived. Born in the lineage of Atri, the illustrious king of the twice-born and lord of the world on earth, who brings joy to the eyes, is here. The moon, lord of herbs, plants, and stars, is present with his wife. The eight Vasus and the two Aśvins have come, along with the tree, lord of the forest, and hosts of Gandharvas and Apsarases. Vidyādharas, spirits, Vetālas, Yakṣas, Rākṣasas, Piśācas, those who perform fierce deeds, and others who seize life are all here. Rivers, streams, oceans, islands, mountains, domestic and wild animals, everything that moves and does not move—all are present. Kaśyapa, the venerable Atri, Vasiṣṭha, Pulastya, Pulaha, and the great sages beginning with Sanaka have arrived. The virtuous royal sages, all the kings on earth, the castes and stages of life, all who perform actions are here. Why speak at length? All of Brahmā’s creation has assembled: sisters, nephews, husbands of sisters, all together. All, with their wives, sons, and relatives, have been honored by you with gifts, respect, and hospitality. Everyone who was invited and consulted has been shown respect. Yet, my lord—my husband—has not arrived. Without him, all of this feels empty to me. I believe you did not invite my husband. Surely, you must have forgotten him. Please tell me everything.” Pulastya then spoke: Hearing Satī’s words, Dakṣa, lord of creatures, filled with affection for his daughter—whose love for her husband was greater than for her own life—placed the virtuous, devoted girl upon his lap. He addressed her, his voice deep and gentle: “Listen, child, as it truly is. The reason your husband was not invited today is this: he holds a skull-bowl, wears a hide, his body covered with ashes. He bears a trident, is shaven-headed, naked, delights in cremation grounds, and constantly rubs his body with sacred ash. He is clad in tiger skin, adorned with elephant hide, a garland of skulls upon his head, a club in his hand. Cow sinew is tied at his waist, a bone ring upon his organ, and the king of serpents, Vāsuki, is his sacred thread. Assuming this form, he wanders the earth; his attendants are naked Piśācas and countless hosts of spirits. He is three-eyed, bears a trident, always delights in song and dance; your husband always performs such strange acts. He would bring shame upon me—how could he be present among the gods? What manner of attire does he have? He is not fit for the house. Because of these faults, dear child, and out of shame before the worlds, I did not invite him. But, at the completion of this sacrifice, after worship together with you, I will bring your husband, the three-eyed one, here with you. I will offer him greater honor than to all the three worlds, with proper respect. All this I have told you is the great reason for my embarrassment. You should not be angry about this; everyone deserves their own share. Whatever good or bad deeds were done in a previous birth—in this birth, my daughter, you are experiencing the results. Do not be distressed; accept the fruit of what was done before. Seeing prosperity gone elsewhere, beauty, charm, and splendid ornaments—a noble family, excellent birth, and beautiful form—these are obtained by people of good conduct through previous merit, O virtuous one. Do not blame yourself; fortunes come as they are. Who indeed is capable of giving what is allotted by fate?” Thus, Dakṣa explained himself to Satī, offering her comfort and reason, while the great assembly of the gods and beings awaited the unfolding of destiny.