When Sati (an incarnation of Shakti) got married to Shiva, her father, King Daksha, did not approve of their union. So, when Daksha organized a great celebration, he invited everyone except Shiva and Sati. When Sati found out, she begged Shiva to go to the festivities with her, but he refused, saying it was improper to show up uninvited. Despite her husband’s words, Sati decided to visit her father’s celebration.
When she arrived, Daksha humiliated and insulted Sati and her husband in front of all the guests, which led to Sati killing herself. Some traditions say she threw herself into the sacrificial fire. Others say she utilized Pranayama and other yogic exercises to cultivate her inner fire (Agni) until she burst into flames.
Out of grief and devastation over his wife’s death, Shiva tore out one of his dreadlocks and threw it on the ground. From this hair, he created Virabhadra. Shiva instructed the fierce warrior to seek revenge for Sati’s death.
The warrior postures describe what happened as Virabhadra appeared at the festivities:
Virabhadrasana I: Virabhadra appeared, breaking through the ground and clasping a sword in each hand.
Virabhadrasana II: With his enemy Daksha in plain sight, Virabhadra prepared for battle.
Virabhadrasana III: Virabhadra swiftly approached Daksha, killing every guest in his way, and beheaded the king.
When Shiva arrived shortly after, his rage turned into sadness and regret. He went looking for King Daksha and, unable to find his head, replaced it with a goat’s. Suddenly alive, King Daksha recognized Shiva’s compassion and bowed to him.
According to many interpretations of this legend, the warrior Virabhadra represents the destruction of evil and ignorance. By remembering this intention in your Yoga practice, you embody the strength and determination of the warrior.