Complete Savitri Story

नारायणं नमस्कृत्य नरं चैव नरोत्तमम्

 देवीं सरस्वतीं चैव ततो जयम् उदीरयेत्

महाभरत

Mahābharata

As retold by

Michael Dolan, B.V. Mahāyogi

The Story of Savitri

One day, when Markandeya Rishi was visiting the Pandavas, Yudhisthira said, “I do not mourn for myself or my brothers, but for Draupadi. She has suffered greatly. And for my sake. For my foolish sin of gambling we are now condemned to exile. Never has the earth seen such a true and faithful queen.”

Draupadi 

The Sage Markandeya  replied,  “Draupadi is indeed a true and faithful queen.  Allow me to tell you the story of another such noble lady, that you may appreciate the exalted merit  of your chaste and faithful lady.

“In days of old, there was a pious King of Madras, wise and true.   He was a gentle soul, given to study and meditation. His  word was his bond; he controlled his senses through yoga practice, performed sacrifice according to the Vedic rituals, and gave charity to the brahmanas.    He was respected and loved  in town and country.  His name was Ashwapati.  He was generous to all.

“And as he passed  his days dedicating himself to the worship of God, Vishnu, he avoided starting a family. His self abnegation  was such that he observed rigid  vows  of celibacy.  He lived very simply.  Until at last  he grew old.  And understanding the need for an heir to the kingdom he prayed to the goddess  Savitri, a manifestation of Saraswati, consort to Brahma the creator, goddess of learning.  

Savitri the goddess, manifestation of Saraswati, goddess of learning

"And when the goddess was pleased with him she blessed him with a  lotus-eyed daughter.  He named her Savitri  in honor of the goddess.  Now the Princess Savitri   was beautiful as Lakshmi herself, the goddess of fortune.  As years passed she grew into a young lady full of grace.   Her eyes were like lotus petals. And, with her complexion of dark gold, a fine waist,  full breasts,  and rounded limbs,  she moved like an Apsara  descended from Heaven.  

 “And so it was that  on  an  auspicious  day, having fasted and bathed,  and having worshiped Vishnu properly, she came before her father and offered her respects, bowing before his feet.

“King Ashwapati,  seeing her, could understand that she was of age and knew that it was time for her to marry and carry on the line.  

So he  advised her as follows: “My dear daughter, it is time for you to be wed.  I confess that I have not served you well. I should have found you a life partner. You are the fairest maiden in the land. And yet despite your beauty no one has come forth to seek your hand. I have failed you my child, for I have not found you a proper match. And so you yourself must find a suitable husband. Go forth and find yourself a proper match.  Take care that in so doing you incur no sin. I have faith that you will make the right choice. Go now.”

Markandeya  said  “The old King  gave instructions  to the elders  and ministers in attendance.  And so it was that Savitri  mounted a golden chariot pulled by white horses.  She rode through forest groves  to the ashram  where the sages lived.  Having taken their blessing, she departed the kingdom.”

“Princess Savitri  gradually roamed from forest to forest  and through different holy places where she made offerings, based in the different holy rivers, and visited the royal palaces of kings and princes throughout the realm.

“And by-and-by,  after visiting various sacred regions and ashrams, Savitri returned to  the city of Madras, where she found  her father in Council with the great sage Narada,  in the midst of his court, engaged in  a deep conversation  on the nature of transcendental reality. 

Savitri  bowed before her father and Narada,  who said, “Arise my child.  I can see that you have traveled far. Tell us of your pilgrimage. I understand your father has sent you to choose a worthy husband for yourself. What news do you have?”

And the Princess said,  “I have traveled far and wide and have made a decision. In Shalva there is a kshatriya King by the name of Dyumatsena.  This king was blind and deeply wise but was betrayed by an enemy who usurped his throne.  Dyumatsena had an only child, a son, Satyavan. 

"And when they were deposed, Dyumatsena and his Queen fled to the forest with his son, banished in exile. There in the woods, he led  a holy life, this philosopher-king. His son, nobly-born, grew up in the ashram of saints in the woods. Saintly and humble, Satyavan is a man of excellent qualities. That Raja’s son has won my heart. He will be my lord. I have chosen him as my husband.”

“Alas, poor child.” Said Narada, sadly. “You have given your heart to one who is not worthy.”

And King Ashwapati said, “Tell us O Narada of this Satyavan. How is he?”

And Narada replied, “He is noble, it is true. And he loves truth. For this reason, the brahmanas have called him “Satyavan” which means, “Truthful One.” He is faithful both in word and deed.  He is a man of great virtue. Both his father and mother are also virtuous. As a boy he loved horses and used to make sculptures  of horses and for this reason is sometimes called Chitraswa.”

Savitri and Satyavan

Ashwapati said, “Is this Prince Satyavan generous?”

And Narada said,  “Satyavan is as generous as he is true.  He  is as magnanimous as Yayati, who gave his youth to his father.   He is like the sun for grace and glory.  He is wise  as Brihaspati. As for beauty, Satyavan is like the moon, or the twin Ashwins.”

Narada Muni, saint among the gods

 And the king said,  “But Is he self-controlled?  Is he proud and arrogant?”

 And Narada replied, “He has full control over his senses, and while highly educated and possessed of many good qualities he is humble.  He is devoted to his friends, free from malice, modest, and patient.”

 And the king said,  “Yes, but is he honest?”

And Narada said,  “as honest as soul as I’ve ever seen.”

The king said, “but when  my daughter mentioned  this prince Satyavan,  you said ‘alas poor child.’”

“Indeed,” said Narada. “You should have helped her find a suitor, my dear King. She has chosen most unwisely.”

“But with all these good qualities,” said the king,  “why you say she has chosen unwisely? I see no defect in his character.”

 “He has only one defect,” said the saint.  “ And like a drop of ink and a glass of milk, it darkens all his good qualities.  His fault is huge. It cannot be overcome.”

“What fault is this?” Said the King. “If a man is honest and truthful, generous and wise, modest and humble, noble, possessed of a great fortune, and an expert ruler who controls his senses, why shouldn’t my daughter  marry him?”

“It pains me to tell you this, my dear  King, but  this prince’s days are numbered.  He has but one year to live. And while he is possessed of many virtues, is one vice is this: at the end of the year he must surely face his death. You see my friend, no one lives  longer than the time allotted him. And  it is the will of the gods that 12 months from now, Prince Satyavan  shall die.”

And with these words, the King shook his head. And looking up at his daughter, he said  “O Savitri,  my darling child you must choose another. This man cannot be your husband. He is fated to die within a year. Choose  again. Find another suitor.”

Yamaraja comes for Satyavan

But   Savitri said,   “ O father, you asked me to choose and I did. I gave my heart to the young prince  and cannot take it back.  In this life, death comes but once; and a  maiden gives her heart but once.  What has been given cannot be taken back. I cannot choose again for I have already chosen.   When you did not arrange a suitable husband, you sent me to roam throughout the realm. I  did so and found the best of all men. I chose him and no other. I want Prince Satyavan  as my husband.  I cannot change my will. First there is will, then words, then deeds. Deeds have consequences; such is the law of karma.  None can change their  destiny.  If my Prince is destined to die, so be it. But I have chosen,  and my word is my bond.  I shall have Prince Satyavan  as my husband and Lord. I shall make no other choice.”

And Narada said, “Oh King,  your daughter is virtuous.  Having made her choice, she is faithful. It is not wise to turn her from the path of truth.  I bless her decision. Let us abide by her choice.  She shall never find another man as virtuous as Satyavan.  Give your daughter’s hand in marriage to that noble Prince.  You have my blessing.”

Markandeya said, “And so saying, the sage among the gods rose up into the sky to heaven. The King for his part accepted his daughter’s choice and the judgment of the saint.  And so it was that King Ashwapati went about making preparations for his daughter’s wedding.”

नारायणं नमस्कृत्य नरं चैव नरोत्तमम्

 देवीं सरस्वतीं चैव ततो जयम् उदीरयेत्

महाभरत

Mahābharata

As retold by

Michael Dolan, B.V. Mahāyogi

Story of Savitri: Part Two

And so it was that King Ashwapati on an auspicious day set forth with his daughter to make the nuptial arrangements. He gathered the brahmanas, the wise men and sages of the court and went with his daughter into the sacred forest. And after some time on foot they arrived at the ashrama of Dyumatsena,  the old blind king.

Finally they saw a great Banyan tree  whose branches stretched to the sky. And beneath the canopy of leafy branches at the foot of that tree sat the blind  King  in meditation on a mat made of kusha straw.  The old man could hear footsteps although he could see no one. And folding his hands in reverence,  he said, “Who’s there?  What brings you to this part of the forest? You are welcome here in this ashram. Satyavan,” he said, calling for his son,  “Bring our guests sitting places and water.” 

Savitri could see the blind king’s son,  the handsome prince, as he offered sitting places and water to all. He was indeed a fine man.

“My hospitality is humble,” said the old blind king. “But please make yourself at home. How can I serve you?”

And King Ashwapati  replied, “Your hospitality is more than sufficient. We come in peace on a noble mission.”  And bowing low, he said “Accept my humble obeisances.”

Dyumatsena the blind said, “I can tell from your accent that you are noble. Please tell me the purpose of your visit. Ask anything, and I shall surely grant it if I can.”

  As she spoke to Dyumatsena, Ashwapati looked at Satyavan, who attended his father, “This my daughter, Savitri,” he said.  “It is my wish that you accept  her as wife  to your son. The old blind King said, “you are indeed noble, but how can we accept such an offer? Here we have no Royal Palace. We live humbly. These trees are  our only shelter.  We have been forced from our throne.   We sit on mats of straw, not silk cushions.   We wear humble garments.  How could we make a proper home for such a fine lady? The  forest is a place of hardship, of simple living and high thinking. How could she dwell here with us?”

King Ashwapati replied, “My daughter is wiser than she appears.  She knows that both happiness and sorrow are temporary; they come and go in the course of our human existence. You were once a great King who lived in luxury and are now living simply with only the trees and the stars for a roof.  Wealth and poverty come and go; my daughter has no interest in material things. And as she is noble minded she will make a fine match for your son Satyavan, who is dedicated to seeking the truth and living simply.”

 Ashwapati said, “Therefore  please accept Satyavati  as your daughter-in-law and as the wife of your son Satyavan.”

 And Dyumatsena said,  “To tell you the truth, I had always thought that your daughter would make a fine match for my son.  But I hesitated, thinking of my lowly station, now that I have been deprived of my kingdom.  Now that you come to me and friendship I can see that my wish  shall be fulfilled. If Satyavan will your daughter,  then let them be joined in matrimony.  And let us be friends.”

And so it was those priests gathered there in the forest bound the royal houses of Dyumatsena and Ashwapati  in matrimony.  The union of Satyavati and Satyavan was  celebrated with the ritual fire sacrifice,  and the appropriate mantras recited.  The King Ashwapati  gave his daughter fine robes and golden ornaments, and she was wed as befits a princess.  All rejoiced.

Satyavan was a humble man,  but he was glad to have such a fine wife. Ashwapati  returned home in great short, and Satyavati  rejoiced that her wish had been granted.  She had married her soulmate. She had chosen her own husband. He was humble but virtuous. When her father had departed, she stripped off her fine robes and golden ornaments and dress herself in  rough cloth. She endeared herself to everyone in the ashram by her service,   her sweet words, and kindness. She took care of her father-in-law the old blind King  and listened carefully  to his instructions.   She spoke with words of honey to her husband,  and was pleasing in word and deed. She was even-tempered  in public, and loving in private. And so it was, O son of Bharata,  that she lived  in that ashram in the woods with Satyavan,  in great peace,  dedicating herself to the simple life.

And yet, as she lived her life  in love and holiness,  from time to time  she remembered the words  of the saint among the gods Narada: “Alas, for Satyavan’s days are numbered.”  And she would become sorrowful.  The moons came and went  and the earth circled round the sun  and the day of doom approached.

The pleasant days had come and gone and the hour of death came closer for Satyavan. And the words of Narada echoed in Savitri’s mind. “He will live 12 months; no more.”

  At last the day arrived. Savitri   had kept a careful count of days. She knew that her husband would die on the fourth day of the moon.  And knowing this she began to fast and observe the vow of Triratra,  which is extremely austere.   She would fast for three days and three nights.

When he learned of this, her father-in-law said, “Oh Princess, why are you practicing such extreme hardship?  It grieves me to know that you have undertaken such a vow.”

Savitri said, “Please do not worry dear father. I have grown accustomed to such austerity. Perseverance  brings success in the observance of vows.   I gave my word  and I shall keep my vow.”

And her father-in-law said, “Very well my dear. If you have given your word you must keep your vow.”

 And so it was that fasting and fasting Savitri  wasted away.  She was as  thin as a stick of wood.  Three days came and went. When the third night passed and brought the morning, she rose early.   She bathed and lit the sacred fire  before the altar. She offered her respects to all. She came and bowed before the  wise blind king,  her father-in-law.  And then she bowed  before his wife the queen.  With folded hands she offered her obeisances  to the gray-haired brahmanas present  and asked their blessings  that she would not be a widow.  And before the holy fire, those saints and sages blessed her that she would not be a widow in her lifetime.

And knowing that she had been fasting for three days her father-in-law n-law invited her  to break  her fast,  saying, “You have kept your vow.  Come, my daughter, eat.”

But Savitri  said, “ I have completed my vow, but I will eat when the sun goes down. We shall all eat together this evening.” 

 For his part, Satyavan  was on his way to the words,  carrying his axe  on his shoulder.  In the mornings he would go to the  forest  to cut firewood.  But Savitri  stopped him saying,  “Don’t go into the woods alone today.  Let me go with you.”

And Satyavan said, “Why should you go to the woods?  These paths are dangerous  and too rough for your tender feet.  Besides, you were weak from fasting.  How will you keep up with me?”

 “My fast  has refreshed  me,” she said.  “Don’t leave me alone. I need to be with you today. I have made up my mind.”

“So be it.” He said. “But let’s ask permission.”

They went to the king and queen. And Savitri once again bowed before them and said, “Satyavan is going to the forest to cut firewood and gather fruits and flowers.  I know it seems unusual, but today I wish to go with him.  Please allow me. It’s been so long since I have taken a walk in the blossoming woods.”

The blind king heard the trembling voice of his daughter-in-law. He knew she must have some deep purpose. And so he spoke, “It has been  a year  since the wedding.  And all this time, my daughter-in-law has served us well. She is not spoken so much as a harsh word.  Let her do as she wishes.” He smiled. “Go my child; take good care of Satyavan and  help him gather many flowers and fruits in the blossoming woods. Return here with firewood that we may keep the sacrificial fire lit.”

Having received permission, Savitri smiled graciously and took her leave of the King and Queen along with Satyavan who carried his axe on his shoulder.  And that lotus-eyed princess went with her husband into the blossoming woods. But while her face was bright, her heart was heavy, for she knew that Satyavan’s time had come.

  As they passed through those charming woods  the peacocks  fled the path before  them.  They passed the sacred river whose currents carried lotuses. As the mist lifted  with the early sun, the jasmine bloom  perfumed the  morning air.  And Satyavan said, “Behold the opulence of the Lord. God is everywhere, in the fragrance of the flowers, the light of the sun, and the crystal waters of the sacred river.”

And Savitri smiled and beamed, but her shining face hid the sorrow of her aching heart, for she knew that every step drew them nearer to Satyavan’s final moment. “Where was death hiding?” she thought.  “Behind the next tree, or perhaps in the bowers of jasmine blossoms only minutes ahead?”

She looked at Satyavan and calculated the time according to the sun. He stopped  where woodland fruits did grow.  Together they  plucked the fruits and filled the basket.  He found  the fallen branches of an old tamarind tree and with his axe  he chopped the wood  in finer pieces.  And as he swung his axe  with his powerful arms,  his brow began to sweat.  He rested the axe  against a tree. 

Satyavan said,  “I’ll stop a bit.  Suddenly I feel weak.”

He sat. “My head aches,” he said. “I feel a great weight pressing on my heart. My arms throb. I feel as if my head were pierced with  arrows and my limbs were on fire. Let me rest  a bit.”

 And lying down, he said, “I’ll sleep a while.”

She  sat next to her husband on the ground as he slept and placed his head upon her lap. She thought of the words of Narada and calculated the time, to the hour and the minute and the moment.

Satyavan’s time had come.

 All at once a strange figure appeared before clad in red.  On his head was a crown.  He was huge; a giant, fiery as the sun.  Yet while he glowed, his complexion was dark.   His eyes were red and shined  like burning coals.  In his hand he carried a rope  coiled  in a hangman’s noose.

“I am Death.” He said. “My name is Yama.”

नारायणं नमस्कृत्य नरं चैव नरोत्तमम्

 देवीं सरस्वतीं चैव ततो जयम् उदीरयेत्

महाभरत

Mahābharata

As retold by

Michael Dolan, B.V. Mahāyogi

Story of Savitri: Part Three

Death Meets a Lady:

Savitri and Yamaraja

"Who are you,¨ said Savitri?

“I am Death. I come for Satyavan. His numbered days have run out. I shall bind his soul in my noose and remove him from this world.”

The shadowy form fixed his gaze upon Satyavan as he came closer with his noose. The Princess folded her hands and kneeled before him.

Yama said, “You are a faithful wife, O Savitri. You are always true to your vows, pious, and dutiful. Do not be afraid for your time has not come. But your prince, here will leave this world now. I shall bind his subtle body and take him from life. It is my duty.”

“Forgive me sir,” she said, “But I have heard that the Lord of death has messengers called the Yamaduttas, who serve his purpose. It is their duty to come for us mortals when we die and fetch us away to the next life. Why then are you here? Why come in person?”

And Death said, “He was an unparalleled prince. I did not send my messengers for him. He deserved better.” 

He dangled his noose above the prince’s heart until a subtle body began to emerge, a mere thumb in length. This he trapped within his noose as a spider traps an insect in his web. And binding Satyavan’s vital essence, Death withdrew. 

Savitri held her Prince within her arms. The Prince looked pale. His breath had stopped. His skin was cold as stone. His grace was gone. His lifeless heart beat no more. Savitri saw the shade of death bearing the shining essence of Satyavan in his silken noose.  She arose and followed, leaving the stony cadaver.

Walking southward, the Shadow of Death bore the Prince’s soul trapped in his noose. Savitri was afraid. Her heart fluttered like a tiny bird flapping her wings. And yet, her purity made her bold. She followed Death towards the South.

“Wait!” she said.

And Death turned.

“Go back,” he said. “Pay him his funeral rites.”

But still, she followed.

"Turn Back!"

“Turn back,” he said. “You may follow me no farther.”

And Death began to wander further South. He entered a strange part of the woods that she had never seen before. All was quiet. She hadn’t noticed how the time had passed. The Sun was beginning its decline. The afternoon had faded.

“Stay awhile.” She said.

And Death turned again. “You may come no farther. Follow me at your own peril. I shall now travel towards the underworld where no mortal can go. Turn back.”

And Savitri said, “Wherever my love goes, I shall follow. Wherever my Prince is borne I shall go. This is my duty and my vow. I have never broken a vow. My word is true. I have no other duty than to serve him. This is Sanåtana Dharma. And if he travels to the land of death, I shall follow. My service to my guru stands for nothing if I cannot practice my vows.”

“Go back. There is nothing for you here.”

“The sages teach that if you walk seven steps with another, you become friends. We have now walked together quite a ways. I do not know this place. But now that we have walked together, we are friends, you and I.”

“RETURN!”

Savitri was firm. She said, “Allow me to recite two verses in Sanskrit before I leave you:

 नानात्मवन्तस् तु वनेचरन्ति॑ 

धर्मं च वासं च परिश्रमं च  |

विज्ञानतो धर्मम् उदाहरन्ति॑ 

तस्मात् सन्तो धर्मम् आहुः प्रधानम् ||२४||

nānātmavantas tu vane caranti; 

dharmaṃ ca vāsaṃ ca pariśramaṃ ca  

vijñānato dharmam udāharanti; 

tasmāt santo dharmam āhuḥ pradhānam  

एकस्य धर्मेण सतां मतेन॑ 

सर्वे स्म तं मार्गम् अनुप्रपन्नाः  |

मा वै द्वितीयं मा तृतीयं च वाञ्छे॑ 

तस्मात् सन्तो धर्मम् आहुः प्रधानम् ||२५||

ekasya dharmeṇa satāṃ matena; 

sarve sma taṃ mārgam anu-prapannāḥ  

mā vai dvitīyaṃ mā tṛtīyaṃ ca vāñche; 

tasmāt santo dharmam āhuḥ pradhānam 

Be thou master of your own self;

If you would follow the path of dharma.

Seek truth, live simply, control the mind; Do this: 

Wherever you live or work,  do good.

The science of true dharma is this: 

Wise men know that dharma is bliss.

And dharma is chastity, wisdom, wimple living,

And above all this: surrender.

(Mahābhārata, Vana-Parva, 3.281.24-25) 

Savitri said, “There is really only one path of dharma. (ekasya dharmeṇa satāṃ matena) Others say there is the twofold path, or the threefold path. This is good. One may follow the four ways of dharma, by offering charity, being truthful, maintaining chastity, and leading a clean and simple life. This is good. Mercy (or Charity), Cleanliness, Chastity, and Truth are the four-fold path of dharma. (This is worshipful). 

“We know that violence to living creatures and flesh-eating destroy charity and mercy. Gambling and speculation destroy truth-seeking. Unfaithful sex destroys chastity. And intoxication destroys clean living. The threefold and fourfold paths of dharma are good. mā vai dvitīyaṃ mā tṛtīyaṃ ca vāñche)

Savitri said, “And yet even greater than all these religious principles is the idea of surrender, prapanna. (sarve sma taṃ mārgam anu-prapannāḥ ) The highest path is surrender to God. This is the greatest truth I know. This is what the saints call dharma.”

 She looked at the dark figure who held the soul of her husband in his noose and said,  “Now that I have walked with you on the path, I tell you this as a friend. This is what I have learned.”

And Death turned to her and said, “Fair Lady. Enough. I have taken many souls from this world to the next. None have offered me friendship. My task is cold. No one speaks to Death with such sweet words as these. I am moved. Your fine words are proper and correct. Ask me anything. Except for the life of your husband, I shall give you whatever you like.”

Savitri said, “My father-in-law is just and wise. While he is a king, he lives in the forest like a saint. And yet he is blind. Restore his sight, that he may see the blossoming woods and the crystal waters of the holy river. Let him be strong and healthy again.”

And Death said, “So be it. And yet I see you are weary with fasting. You are tired with your journey. Go home now to your father-in-law. Even now his sight has been restored.”

But Savitri said, “As long as I am near my husband I feel no fatigue. Wherever you are taking him I shall follow. Very few understand dharma as you do. I am glad of your company. Take me with you.”

“Your words move me, Princess.” Said Yamaraja, Lord of Death. “You are as wise as you are fair. Ask again. You have been too generous. You asked for your father-in-law. Ask something for yourself. Ask anything except the life of Satyavan. What else can I give you?”

And Savitri said, “My father-in-law lost his kingdom and was exiled. Restore his kingdom to him, for he is a wise ruler and would do much good to his citizens.”

“So be it.” Said Death. “Your father-in-law’s kingdom is restored. Even now messenger are arriving in the forest with the news. And still you ask nothing for yourself. Ask again. But do not ask for the life of your husband.”

“Then let me have a hundred children born of Satyavan; let them be strong and healthy and live a long life.”

“So be it,” said the Lord of Death. “Now go. Return to your father-in-law and live in peace. He awaits you now, his sight and kingdom restored. Follow me no longer into the world of darkness.” He continued on his path, still holding the soul of Satyavan, trapped within his noose. “Leave me.”

But Savitri persisted. “O god. O Yama, my friend, Death. The eternal duty of good souls is compassion towards the others. We should never injure others in thought or deed but treat them with love and kindness.”

And Death said, “Yes, this is a lesson that many never learn. I want to bid you farewell, and yet your words are like honey.”

Savitri said, “Many are cruel. They have neither truth nor devotion. And yet the good show them compassion.”

They walked on a bit further. It was getting darker. The sun could no longer be seen through the treetops. The shadows thickened.

“Return,” said Death. “It is time.”

Savitri said, “Here, by my husband’s side I have lost track of time. We have passed so little time together. A year has passed and it seems only a day. I know you have prohibited me from asking you a favor, but I am only a woman.”

Death paused, dangling his noose. “Woman, you are wise. Ask again, but guard your words.”

“You are the son of Vivasvat and are called Vaivasvata. You give justice equally to all and are known as Yamaraja, the lord of Justice. No one is as true or righteous as you.  The earth rejoices as the righteous pass, for they are the protectors of all.  I asked for sons and you have granted my wish. But how can I have sons without my husband? What righteousness is there in raising a hundred sons if they have no father? Without my husband I have no life, even with a hundred sons. He is my prince. How can I leave him now, bound in your noose, to wander into the next life? You grant me a hundred sons but take away their father. How can this be righteous? Therefore, O righteous one, I ask you now for a great favor. I ask you for an incomparable boon. Restore my husband’s life. If my vows have been fulfilled, if I have done any service to my guru, please, restore Satyavan to life.”

Never before had Death seen such a saintly woman speak so sweetly and with such reverence. Never before had a plea been made with such grace and righteousness. Never before had Death been addressed with such friendship and erudition by a fair and gentle princess.

“So be it,” said Yamaraja, the Lord of Death. With this, he loosened the noose that held Satyavan’s soul in limbo. 

“O auspicious and chaste lady.” He said, “Your husband is freed. He shall attain success. Along with you he shall live a long life of fame and fortune and together you shall have a hundred sons. These kshatriyas with their sons and grandsons shall also be famous kings. Your father also shall beget a hundred sons upon your mother Malavi. They shall be known as the Malavas and history will remember their names for thousands of years.”

With this, Death departed for his abode and the shadows lifted. It was not night at all. The sun was still high in the sky. Savitri returned to the place where Satyavan’s ashen body lay.  She sat next to him and again took his head on her lap. Satyavan moaned and turned over. He blinked. His cheeks were rosy as his color returned. He sighed. At once, rubbing the sleep from his eyes, he smiled. Awake at last, he looked at Savitri and said, “How long have I been asleep?”

“Just a moment, my dear,” she said. “You took a little rest from chopping wood. Now we must hurry and finish collecting the firewood before the sun goes down.”

“Yes, I remember now,” said Satyavan. “I had a headache and rested. Let us return now with what wood we have, for my father will miss us if we arrive late.”

And so Satyavan and Savitri gathered their basket of fruits and flowers along with the wood that Satyavan had chopped and began the long way home.