When Sati attained marriageable age, Daksha started worrying. Sati understood the reason behind her father’s worried. She went to her Mother Virani and expressed her desire of marrying lord Shiva.
Her mother made all the arrangements so that Sati could worship Shiva without any problem. Sati commenced her austerity named Nandavrata which continued for a year. Being impressed by her austerities, all the deities descended down from heaven to see her.
All the deities and the sages requested lord Shiva to get married, but Shiva did not want to curtail his freedom by getting married. When the deities insisted he told them to find a suitable match for him.
Brahma and Vishnu told Shiva about the tremendous penance Uma was doing to him (Shiva) as her husband. They also requested him have to go to her (Uma) and fulfill her desire. Lord Shiva agreed.
After Uma had accomplished her penance named Nandavrat, lord Shiva appeared before her and asked her to demand anything. Uma because of her shyness could not say anything. Lord Shiva knew about her desire so he said-
“You will have me as your husband.”
Uma’s face beamed with joy, but she shyly requested lord Shiva to keep this proposal before
Daksha. Shiva agreed and said- ‘Tathastu’. He then went back to his abode- Kailash.
Sati narrated the whole story to her parents. Both of them became very happy with this news. Lord Shiva then instructed Brahma to put a formal proposal to Daksha regarding his marriage with Sati. Lord Brahma went and informed Daksha about lord Shiva’s proposal. Daksha was very happy at the proposal. Brahma then came back to lord Shiva.
Lord Shiva was anxiously waiting for his arrival. When Lord Brahma arrived he curiously asked about Daksha’s response. When lord Brahma told him about Daksha’s approval of the marriage. Shiva was very pleased at this.
Lord Shiva proceeded towards Daksha’s abode on the auspicious moment of Phalgun, Krishnapaksha and on the thirteenth day of Phalguni Nakshatra. Sitting on the back of Nandi and accompanied by all the deities including lord Brahma, Vishnu he reached Daksha’s residence.
The marriage-procession was received by Daksha with great respect. Shiva narrated Sati in an auspicious lagna. Being pleased, all the deities eulogised Shiva and danced in joy.