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'Shiva Purana' or the legends of Lord Shiva', who is considered one of the three forms of almighty god. For those who may not have a background in Indian mythology, the almighty god is considered to exist in three forms, or a TRINITY. The first of them is BRAHMA, the creator of the universe; second is VISHNU, who nurtures all life and the world; and third is SHIVA, the destroyer- who destroys old forms to make way for new life.

Shiva is said to live in a mystical unglamorous way. As per the mythological legend, it is said that a princess named SATI worshipped Shiva and with the force of her devotion made him marry her. Her father, King of Himalaya Mountains, did not appreciate the lifestyle of her son-in-law, not realising his true form. Once the king held some celebrations, but did not invite his daughter or son-in-law. The daughter, Sati, was not invited but could not desist visiting her parents, even though Shiva tried to stop her. When Sati arrived at her father's place a huge gathering was there and some religious ceremonies around sacred fire were being held. Her father abused Shiva in front of the whole gathering so badly that Sati, unable to bear the insult and shame, jumped into the religious fire and gave away her life. From thereon, she was considered the symbol of an extra-ordinary devoted wife, and since then the word 'Sati' became synonymous with such a lady.

SATI vs. JAUHAR

Many do not understand the difference between 'Sati' and 'Jauhar'. Unlike the former, jauhar refers to ladies killing themselves after the defeat and death of their kin at the hands of foreign invaders, to save themselves from the likely rape and molestation at the hands of the enemy.

The classic living example of 'jauhar' exists in the fort city of CHITTOR in the state of Rajasthan, where in 1303 A.D. the Muslim Sultan of Delhi, Alauddin Khilji was so enthralled with the beauty of queen Padmini of Chittor that he attacked it with nearly four hundred thousand soldiers. Since the fort of Chittor, lying on a hilltop was impregnable; he could not break it and laid siege to it for more than a year, preventing all supplies and rations from entering the fort. After holding on for more than a year, when the king realised that they would starve to death, they decide to indulge in SAAKA - a battle where soldiers know that they are outnumbered and will die, yet they prefer to die a warrior's death for the sake of honour, instead of surrendering. Queen Padmini, along with many hundred ladies,

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