After marriage, Shiva and Sati traveled to many places. Once, in the Dandaka forest, they met Sri Rama and Lakshmana. Rama was wandering in the forest, calling out, 'Sita, Sita,' while searching for her.

To Sati's surprise, Shiva bowed before Rama, saying, 'Jai Sri Ram.' This confused Sati. She asked, 'Mahadeva, you are worshipped by all the gods. Why are you bowing before these two humans? I cannot understand this.'

Shiva smiled and replied, 'Devi, they are not ordinary humans. Lakshmana is the avatar of Adisesha. Rama is none other than Mahavishnu. They have taken these forms to uphold dharma and justice.'

Sati did not believe him. Shiva said, 'If you have doubts, go and test it yourself.' Resting under a banyan tree, Shiva let Sati proceed. She approached Rama disguised as Sita, thinking, 'If he is truly Vishnu, he will recognize me.'

As soon as Sati arrived, Rama bowed to her and asked, 'Mother, why are you wandering alone in this forest without the Lord?'

Realizing the truth, Sati regretted doubting Shiva’s words. However, she still could not understand why Shiva bowed to Rama, as Rama was a devotee of Shiva. Could Shiva bow before his devotee?

Sensing her thoughts, Rama explained, 'Once, Lord Shiva summoned Vishwakarma to build a beautiful mansion. After its completion, he placed a divine throne inside and, in the presence of gods, sages, and celestial beings, he invited Mahavishnu to sit on it. Lord Shiva then performed Vishnu's coronation, bestowing his supreme power and glory upon him.

Shiva declared, 'As per my command, from today, Mahavishnu will be revered by all, including me.' Following this, Shiva and Brahma, along with all gods and sages, bowed to Vishnu.

Pleased, Maheshwara proclaimed, 'Hari, by my decree, you shall be the creator, protector, and destroyer of all worlds. Be the giver of dharma, artha, and kama, and the punisher of the wicked. Become the invincible Lord of the universe.'

‘I grant you three powers:

• The ability to fulfill all desires.
• The freedom to perform divine leelas.
• Eternal independence.

Those who oppose Vishnu will be my enemies, and I will punish them. Vishnu's devotees will attain moksha through me. Vishnu and Brahma are my two arms, and I am worthy of worship by both. Through his various incarnations, Vishnu will fulfill my divine purposes.’

After clearing her doubts, Sati returned to Shiva.

Shiva had set conditions for their marriage. One of them was that if Sati ever doubted him, he would renounce her. Since she had not fully trusted his words, Shiva renounced her mentally.

Returning to the banyan tree, Sati joined Shiva, and they proceeded to Kailasa. Shiva acted as if nothing had happened, telling her various stories along the way. At that time an oracle was heard praising Shiva's adherence to his vow. When Sati asked about it, Shiva revealed nothing.

Sati meditated deeply and realized Shiva had mentally renounced her. Overwhelmed with grief, she followed Shiva to Kailasa, where he immersed himself in meditation. After a long time, Shiva emerged from his meditation and comforted Sati, as though nothing had occurred.

However, the Shiva Purana asks: Even if such events occurred, how can one separate Shiva and Shakti, who are inseparable like a word and its meaning? Shiva renouncing Sati is just a leela.

Knowledge Bank

What are Shastras?

Shastras in Hinduism are teachings to help people live righteously and grow spiritually. These texts can be found in a variety of forms, such as Vedas, Smritis, Puranas, and Itihasas, and Dharmashastras.

What Vedas say about the universe

Just as waves arise out of the sea, the universe arises out of Brahman at the time of creation. A small part of Brahman itself becomes the universe. At the time of pralaya, just like how the waves fall back into the sea, the universe also dissolves back into Brahman.