The Story of Satyavan and Savitri

Once upon a time, there happen to be a wise and powerful king who for all his wealth and lands had one great sorrow. He had no child. So he prayed to the Gods and one fine day Goddess of the world came to him and told her that he would soon be bestowed with a child. A beautiful daughter was born to the queen and she was named Savitri. As the years passed, fame of Savitri's beauty spread through the land but she refused marriage offers of many princess. The king was very distressed at this behaviour of his daughter and asked her to get married at the earliest. Savitri replied that she would herself go out in the world and search a husband for herself. So the king who loved her daughter very much, chose the best warriors to protect her, and the princess wandered through out the country searching for a prince of her choice.

One day tired and weary she entered a huge forest that looked cool and green. There dwelt in the forest a king who had lost his kingdom and fallen into his bad days. Old and blind he lived in a tiny hut with his wife and his son. The son now grown to manhood, was the sole comfort of his parents. He chopped wood and sold it in the countryside, and with the money he would bring food for his parents. His father and mother and he lived in happiness, for there was so much love and understanding among them. Savitri was strongly drawn towards them, and she knew her search had come to an end. Savitri's father became downcast when he heard that she had chosen a penniless prince. Since she was so determined to marry that he gave his consent.

A wise sage who was passing by, went to the king and told him that he knew the young prince. He is called Satyavan and is known for his generosity. But there is a fatal curse laid upon him. He is to die within a year. Turning to his daughter who stood by his side he said "Choose another. You cannot marry this prince who is doomed to die". But Savitri refused, and stood firm in her determination to marry the same prince. King finally agreed with a heavy heart. The wedding took place with lot of fanfare and Savitri and Satyavan went to their simple hut in the forest. For a whole year they lived happily. The last day of the year came. Savitri rose early and when Satyavan picked up his axe to go into the forest to chop wood she requested him to take her also along. Satyavan was only too glad to have her in the forest.

Under the tall trees he made a seat of soft green leaves and plucked flowers for her to weave into a garland while he chopped wood. Towards noon Satyavan felt a little tired, and after a while he came and lay down placing his head in Savitri's lap. Suddenly the whole forest grew dark, and soon Savitri saw a tall figure standing before her. She asked "Who are you". " I am Yama the God of Death. I have come to take your husband. He looked down at where Satyavan lay and the youth's sprit left his body and went to the God. Yama turned to go but Savitri ran swiftly after him.

"Take me also to the land of the dead or give back the life of Satyavan", Savitri pleaded to Yama. Seeing her grief Yama replied, "your time has not yet come, child. Go back to your home." Yama turned and told her to ask for any boon except Satyavan's life. Savitri asked, "let me have wonderful sons." "So be it", replied Yama. But Savitri replied," how can I have sons without my husband, Satyavan? Therfore I beg of you to give back his life." Yama gave in! He had to. Savitri hastened back to the forest where Satyavan's body lay. He slowly woke up as though from a long sleep and the two walked back through the forest back to their home, where there was much rejoicing.