Daksha, son of Brahma, was one of the Prajapatis. He was greatly revered by even the devas. His daughter Sati married Shiva in spite of her father’s objections. Daksha had a very poor opinion about Shiva and his ways. Once Brahma Satra yagnya was performed by Marichi maharshi. It was attended by a lot of great souls including devas and rishis. Daksha was one of the attendees. When he arrived at the yagashala, everyone stood up in his honour. Shiva, who was among those present, however did not rise to greet Daksha. This was the breaking point of an already sour relationship between the father-in-law and the son-in-law. This was followed by altercations between Shiva’s followers and others. Daksha and Bhrigu (chief of the rishis) showered curses on Shiva. Mahadeva later left the yagashala.
Many years later Daksha, still burning with anger in his mind, decided to perform a yagnya called Brihaspati Seva. The primary intention was to insult Shiva. Brahmarshis, Devarshis, Devas and all other important people were invited for the yagnya, with the exception of Shiva. Sati, who heard of the yagnya performed by her father, was keen on attending it. Shiva who knew Daksha’s intentions well, warned her against it. Sati still went to the yagashala only to be insulted by Daksha and his associates. Overpowered with sorrow and disgust Sati chose to be consumed by fire. Shiva’s attendants rushed to the yagashala to kill Daksha. Bhrigu created Ribhus from the fire to defeat them. Shiva was enraged to see the defeat of his attendants and thrashed a piece of his matted lock on the ground. From this arose Virabhadra, the fierce warrior. Virabhadra dashed off to the yagashala and destroyed it and killed Daksha by severing his head with bare hands. Daksha’s head was thrown into the fire by Virabhadra.
The devas and others ran to Shiva to plead forgiveness. Shiva immediately stopped the carnage and gave life back to Daksha. His original head was replaced by the head of a goat. Daksha woke up as a chastened person free of arrogance and hatred.
Tail piece : Kottiyoor in Northern Kerala and a temple near Haridwar both lay claim as the place where Daksha’s yagnya took place
Dakshayaga is a famous work of Irayimman Thampi (used in Kathakali)
(Source : Srimad Bhagavatam)