SAVITRI
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SAVITRI was an ideal wife who brought her dead husband back to life by her power of virtue.
She is one among the Seven Great Women. Orthodox Hindu wives observe a vow in her name
(Savtiri Vrata ) every year for the long and healthy life of their Husbands.
Savitri was born a princess, the beloved daughter of king Ashwapathi.She grew up in striking
beauty, charming modesty and matchless virtues. One day while coming through a forest she saw a
young man carrying an axe on his shoulder and a bundle of wood in his arms. The youth's dignity
and brave looks impressed Savitri at the very first sight. He was the son of king Dyumatsena.
As the king became blind, his enemies attacked the kingdom and drove him out. The king, along
with his wife and son, retired to the forest. They had been living there practising austerities and
meditation. The youth's name was Satyavan. He was living with his parents and taking care of them.
The princess returned from the forest. She narrated to her father about Satyavan and expressed
her wish to become his wife, Sage Narada was also in the palace at that time. Narada could read the
past and the future. He told the king that Satyavan's life was short. He would pass away exactly one
year from that day. But Savitri was firm in her resolve to marry Satyavan. Ultimately the marriage
took place.
After marriage Savitri lived with her husband and his parents in the forest. She dressed herself
like a simple woman and tenderly served her parents-in-However, Savitri could not forget the
prediction of Narada. When there were only four days left for the completion of the one year, she
took up the very difficult vow of Triratra or penance of three nights. She worshipped Goddess Savitri
day and night and begged her to protect her husband. In the midst of her heart-breaking misery and
agony, Savitri did not forget to do her daily round of duties, She touched the feet of the parents-in-
low and they blessed her saying, 'May you live long with your husband'. Savitri hoped and prayed
that their blessing would come true.
On the fateful day Savitri accompanied Satyavan to the forest. Suddenly Satyavan developed a
terrible while cutting wood. Savitri made him lie on the ground with his head on her lap. The next
moment she saw a dark, mighty figure with a noose, standing before her and looking at Satyavan.
He was Yama, the Lord death. As Savitri was watching, Yama, drew out the soul from Satyavan's
body and proceeded towards the south. After travelling a short distance, he notice that Savitri was
following him. He was surprise. He told Svitri, 'Dear daughter, do not follow me any more. You
should go back and perform the last rites of your husband' . But Savitri replied, "O Lord! if one
walks seven steps with another, the two become friends. Now you have become my friend . Listen
to me. Allow me to follow my husband. A chaste wife cannot remain parted from her husband. That
is the eternal law of Dharma".
Yama said, " I am pleased with your words and devotion. Ask me any boon except that of
Satyavan's life . Savitri prayed, "O Lord! Restore the eyesight of my father -in-law". Yama
granted her prayer and asked her to go back as she was tired. Savitri replied, "O Lord! When
I am with my husband how could I be tired? Wherever he goes is surely my destination too".
Savitri's wisdom filled Yama with admiration. He granted her one more boon. This time Savitri
asked for the restoration of Dyumatsena's kingdom. This too was granted. But still she followed
Yama with pleasing words. Again, Yama told her to ask for one more boon, save that of Satyavant's
life. Savitri did not want to lose the chance anymore. She politely prayed, "O Yama! Please grant me
worthy sons to carry on the name of their father's dynasty". And, lo, Yama granted that too without
pausing to pausing to think about the deeper implications of Savitri's request.
Savitri still followed Yama. Yama requested her to depart for no human is allowed to cross that
place. Savitri, with folded hands told Yama, "O Lord! just now you granted me that I will have
worthy sons. But this cannot be fulfilled unless Satyavan comes back to life and joins me . I don't
want heaven or wealth without my husband". Yama found that he was defeated by Savitri's
arguments. He had to grant back Satyavan's life.
Dyumathsena had got back his eyesight and had become king again. All lived happed.
The story of Savitri is the story of love, single-minded devotion and rock-like determination
triumphing over even death. It is a story that enshrines also India's respect for womanhood.
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