Philosophy and Religion / Mahabharata

Mahabharata

Pativrata Mahatmya Parva

The history of Savitri.

Yudhishthira said:
O great sage, I do not grieve so much for myself or for these my brothers or for the loss of my kingdom as (I do) for this daughter of Drupada.

When the wicked-souled (sons of Dhritarashtra) gave us pain at the game of dice we were delivered by Krishna. (But) Jayadratha forcibly carried her off even from the forest.

Have you ever seen or heard of a lady as highly fortunate and as devoted to her husband as the daughter of Drupada?

Markandeya said:
Hear, O king Yudhishthira, how the princess Savitri attained to all the high virtues of chaste ladies.

Among the Madra there was a pious, exceedingly virtuous and a high-souled king devoted to the ministrations of the Brahmanas, firm in promise and of subdued passions.

This king, who was called Ashvapati was ever engaged in sacrifices, the foremost of the benevolent able loved by the people of the cities and provinces and was devoted to the welfare of all creatures.

But that truthful and self-controlled monarch having no offspring, was much pained when he was far advanced in years.

And in order to be blessed with children, he observed rigid vows, partook of moderate food at the proper time, led the Brahmacharya (mode of) life and subdued his passions.

That most exalted of kings (daily) offered ten thousand oblations to Savitri and partook of a moderate food at the sixth portion of the day.

He observed (all) these vows for eighteen years and when the eighteenth year was complete, Savitri was pleased with him.

And O monarch, rising from the sacrificial fire with great delight, she appeared before the king and desirous of conferring boons addressed the monarch thus,

Savitri said:
"O king, I have been pleased with your Brahmacharya life, purity, self-control, observance of vows and all your endeavours and devotion.

O Ashvapati, O king of Madra, ask for whatever boon you desire. You should, however by no means disrespect virtue.

Ashvapati said:
Desirous of attaining virtue, I have observed all these vows so that I may have children. O goddess, many numerous sons, woryour of my race, be born to me.

O goddess, if you are pleased with me, then I pray for this boon. The Brahmanas have told me that one attains to the crowning merit by having children.

Savitri said:
Aware of your intentions before hand, I spoke about your sons to the divine Grandsire (Brahma).

O virtuous one, you will, through the grace of that self-existent lord, have soon a highly-energetic daughter on earth.

I gladly tell you all this at the command of the Grandsire; you need not, therefore, make any reply.

Markandeya said:
The king then bowing assent to the words of Savitri and saying "be it so," pleased her again and said "may this soon happen."

When Savitri had disappeared the king entered his own city. And that hero began to dwell in his kingdom and govern his subjects righteously.

Some time having elapsed that king observant of vows, begot offspring in the womb of his eldest queen devoted to religion.

O best of the Bharata, the embryo in the womb of the princess Malavi began to increase like the lord of the stars in heaven, during the lighted fortnight.

And at the proper time she gave birth to a daughter with eyes resembling lotus. And that best of kings gladly performed her natal rites.

And as Savitri gladly gave (him) that daughter on account of the king (daily) offering her oblations, both her father and the Brahmanas named her Savitri.

The king's daughter (gradually) grew up like the very embodiment of Sri (Lakshmi). And that damsel, in time stepped into youth.

Seeing that slender-waisted damsel of robust hips and looking like a golden image, people thought "we have got a goddess."

And oppressed by her, energy none could marry that girl of lotus-like eyes who seemed as if blazing in splendour.

Then on a Parva day, Savitri, observing fasts, bathing her head and approaching the family deity caused the Brahmanas to offer oblations to the sacrificial fire in accordance with due rites.

Then taking the flowers and garlands with which she worshipped the deity, Savitri looking like the very embodiment of Sri, repaired to her high-souled sire.

And bowing down to the feet of her father and offering him those flowers and garlands, that highly beautiful damsel with joined-hands stood beside the king.

Seeing that his daughter (beautiful), as a goddess, attained her puberty and was not courted by suitors, the king became sorry.

The king said:
Daughter, the time for giving you away is arrived. (But) none asks me (for your hand). Do you, (therefore) seek for a husband as qualified as you.

Speak of that person, to me, whom you desire (for your husband). Choose, whom you like, for your husband. I will (afterwards) on (due) deliberation give you away (to him).

Hear, O auspicious girl, as I tell you the words, which I have heard the twice-born ones to recite from the sacred books.

That father who does not give away his daughter in marriage, is blamed. That husband who does not enjoy his wife during her courses is also blamed. And that son, who does not maintain his mother in her widowhood, meets with disgrace.

Hearing these my words do you speedily go in search of a husband. Act in such a way that we may not be blamed by the gods.

Markandeya said:
Addressing thus his daughter and his old ministers, (the king) gave orders to make preparations (for their departure) and said "go".

(Thereupon), she, (gentle and meek) as a female ascetic, bashfully bowing down to the feet of her father, set out without hesitation, in obedience to the commands of her sire.

Seated on a car of gold and surrounded by the ministers, she visited the delightful hermitage of the royal sages.

O son, there bowing down to the feet of the elders and the revered, she visited all the forests one after the other.

Thus giving away riches in all the Tirthas, the king's daughter travelled over all those places inhabited by the foremost of the twice-born ones.

Markandeya said:
O Bharata, (one day) when that monarch, the king of the Madra, joined by Narada and seated in the midst of his court, was conversing with him.

Savitri, after visiting all the Tirthas and the hermitages, came to the abode of her father together with the ministers.

That auspicious one, seeing her father seated with Narada, bowed down to the feet of both with her head.

Narada said:
O king, where did this your daughter go to and where does she come from? Why do you not bestow this youthful (damsel) on a husband?

Ashvapati said:
She was sent on that very business and she is just now come. Hear, O divine sage, from her, whom she has chosen for her husband.

Markandeya said:
That auspicious one, at the command of her father to relate everything in detail, regarded his words like those of a god and said thus,

Savitri said:
There was, in Shalya, a pious Kshatriya king, Dyumatsena by name, who lost his eyes in course of time.

That intellectual (monarch) who had an only infant son, having lost his eyes, a neighbouring enemy who bore him an old grudge, taking advantage of his blindness, seized his kingdom.

(Deprived of his kingdom), he (Dyumatsena) accompanied by his wife with the infant at her breast, retired to the woods. And having gone to a great forest, he, observant of rigid vows, began to practise asceticism.

His son, Satyavana (by name), born in the city and brought up in the hermitage, is my fit husband and I have wedded him in my mind.

Narada said:
Alas, O king, Savitri has done a very foolish act in as much as she, has through ignorance, chosen for her husband, Satyavana endued with (high) qualities.

It is because his father is (ever) truthful and his mother speaks the truth, that the Brahmanas have named him Satyavana (i.e. truthful).

In his boyhood he was very fond of horses, made horses of clay and painted them. Therefore he is (sometimes) called Chitrashva (i.e. one who paints horses)

The King said:
Is now the prince Satyavana, who is attached to his father, energetic, intelligent, forgiving and brave?

Narada said:
He is energetic as Vibhavasu (the sun), wise as Brihaspati, heroic as Mahendra and forgiving as the earth.

Ashvapati said:
Is the king's son, Satyavana, charitable, devoted to the Brahmanas, handsome, large-hearted and of amiable appearance?

Narada said:
With regard to charity commensurate with his means, he is equal to Rantideva, the son of Sankriti and he is as devoted to the Brahmanas and as truthful as Shibi, the son of Ushinara.

The heroic Satyavana is equal to Yayati in magnanimity, is as lovely to look at as the moon and is as beautiful as either of the twin Ashvinis.

He is (moreover) possessed of self-restraint, is meek, heroic, truthful, of subdued senses, faithful to his friends, free from malice, modest and patient.

To be brief, men of great asceticism and of high character say that he (Satyavana) is ever plain and firm in honour.

Ashvapati said:
O adorable one, you have described him as possessed of all noble qualities. Now tell me of his defects, if there be any.

Narada said:
He has only one defect which has eclipsed all his qualities and which even by the most vigorous exertions cannot be rooted out.

He has only one defect and no other. Satyavana who has a little of life in store for him, will, within a year from this day, breathe his last.

The King said:
O beautiful Savitri, go and seek another for your husband. He has a great defect which lies surpassing all his merits.

The divine Narada, who is honoured by the celestials, tells me that within a year, he, of short life, will give up the ghost.

Savitri said:
The die falls but once and the daughter can once be bestowed. The words "I bestow" are uttered but once and once only these three things occur.

Whether his life be long or short, whether he be gifted with (noble) qualities or destitute of them, I have for once, chosen him for my husband and will not select any other a second time.

Having (first) settled a thing in mind, it is then expressed in words and is ultimately given effect to by (external) acts. My (own) mind is a proof of this.

Narada said:
O best of men, your daughter is firm in her resolve. It is impossible to wean her away from virtue.

The qualities that are present in Satyavana are wanting in any other person. Therefore I command the bestowal of your daughter (on Satyavana).

The King said:
The words of your respectable self are true and should never be dishonoured. Since O adorable one, you are my preceptor I will do as directed by you.

Narada said:
May your daughter Savitri, be given away without any obstruction. I shall now go away. May you be all happy.

Markandeya said:
Saying this, Narada, soaring upwards, returned to heaven. And the king too began to make preparations for the marriage of his daughter.

Markandeya said:
The monarch, reflecting on the words (of Narada) with regard to his daughter's marriage, began to make preparations for the wedding.

Then, inviting all the old Brahmanas and the Ritvijas together with the priests, the king accompanied by his daughter set out on an auspicious day.

Having reached the hermitage of Dyumatsena (situate) in the sacred forest, the king (Ashvapati) accompanied by the Brahmanas advanced on foot to meet that royal sage.

And there (in the hermitage) he saw that highly wise and old king seated on a mat of Kusha grass under a Sala tree.

The King (Ashvapati) having in conformity with usage, paid his respects to that royal sage, introduced himself (to him) by an appropriate speech and the king (Dyumatsena) versed in religion, having offered to the monarch (Ashvapati) a seat, (the oblation called) Arghya and a cow asked him what brought him there.

He (Ashvapati) then expressed all his intentions and purposes in detail with regard to Satyavana.

Ashvapati said:
O royal sage, this fair damsel, named Savitri, is my daughter. O virtuous one, do you accept her for your daughter-in-law in conformity with the usage of your order.

Dyumatsena said:
Exiled from my kingdom we have taken refuge in the woods and have been, like ascetics, practising virtue with subdued passions. How will (therefore), your daughter, unworyour of a forest life, put up with (its) hardships living in the forest?

Ashvapati said:
Neither happiness nor misery has any permanence. My daughter and myself are aware of this. Therefore, O king, you should not use such words towards me. Having (previously) made up my mind. I have come here.

You should not dishearten me since I have saluted you through friendship. As I have come here actuated by love, you ought not to refuse me.

You are my and I am your equal; and we are suitable to each other. Be pleased, (therefore) to accept my daughter as your daughter-in-law and wife of good Satyavana.

Dyumatsena said:
Formerly, I cherished a desire of forming an alliance with you. (But) deprived of my kingdom (afterwards) I hesitated (to do it).

Let, what I desired before, be accomplished this very day. You are a welcome guest to me.

Then, those two monarchs, inviting all the Brahmanas dwelling in the hermitages, caused the wedding to be celebrated agreeably to the usage.

Having given away his daughter with suitable robes, Ashvapati with a merry heart left for his own abode.

Satyavana having obtained a wife graced with all the (noble) qualities and she (Savitri) too having got a husband after her own heart, rejoiced exceedingly.

Her father having departed, she cast off all her ornaments and put on barks of trees and cloths dyed red.

By her ministrations, good qualities, affections, self-control and good services to all, she pleased every one.

By ministering to her physical comforts and by (covering her with) all sorts of robes, she delighted her mother-in-law. And she pleased her father-in-law by worshipping him as a god and by controlling her words.

Similarly, by agreeable words, by skillfulness, by sweet disposition and by ministering to him in private she delighted her husband.

Thus, O Bharata, these good people engaged in asceticism continued to dwell for some time in that hermitage.

And Savitri too, whether asleep or awake, could not forget the words of Narada which were present in her mind day and night.

Markandeya said:
After the lapse of a long while, O king, the time for Satyavana's death at last arrived.

Savitri counted each days it passed away, (for) the words of Narada were always present in her mind.

Having ascertained (by calculation) that her husband's death would take place on the fourth day (thence), that observant of the Triratra vow, fasted day and night.

Aware of her vow, the king (Dyumatsena) became very sorry and rising up consoled Savitri with these words.

Dyumatsena said:
Princess, the vow you have taken is very difficult to observe, for, it is extremely hard to fast continuously for three nights.

Savitri said:
O sire, you need not be sorry. I will be able to complete the vow. I have undertaken this vow with a firm resolve; and determination is the (sole) cause of success (in every undertaking).

Dyumatsena said:
I can, by no means tell you to give up your vow. Men like us should rather encourage you to complete it.

Markandeya said:

Saying this, the high-minded Dyumatsena ceased; and Savitri thus remaining (without food) looked like a wooden doll.

O best of the Bharatas, thinking that her husband would die tomorrow, Savitri, stricken with grief and observing fasts, passed the night in great sorrow.

Then, when the sun rose a couple of hands (on the horizon), Savitri performed her morning devotions and offered oblation to the blazing fire.

She then bowed down to all the aged Brahmanas, her father-in-law and mother-in-law, one after the other and stood humbly before them with joined hands.

And all the ascetics living in the hermitage pronounced, for the welfare of Savitri, the benediction that she might never be a widow.

Savitri, who was buried in contemplation, saying in her mind "be it so" bowed down to the words of the ascetics.

And with a heavy heart, the princess, pondering on the words of Narada (anxiously) awaited the hour and the moment (of her husband's death).

Then, O best of the Bharatas, her father-in-law and mother-in-law gladly told the king's daughter who was seated alone, these words.

The Father-in-law said:
You have performed the vow as directed. It is now the time to eat. Do what you think proper.

Savitri said:
Having observed the desired vow I appointed the time when the sun would go down for my meals. (Even now) this is the determination of my heart.

Markandeya said:
When Savitri was saying this about her meals Satyavana, taking his hatchet on his shoulders, left for the woods.

(Thereupon) Savitri said to her husband "you should not go alone. I will go with you. I do not feel inclined to be separated from you.”

Satyavana said:
Dearest, you have never visited the woods before. The path is very rugged (Moreover), lean and weak as you have been by the observance of fasts and vow how will you be able to walk?

Savitri said:
Neither do I feel exhaustion nor lassitude on account of the fast. (Moreover) I am very eager to go. Do not (therefore) prevent me.

Satyavana said:
Since you are so eager to go, I will fulfill your desire. (But) take leave of my parents (first) so that no blame can be attached to me.

Markandeya said:
(Then) bowing down to her mother-in-law and father-in-law, she of great vows said (to them) "my husband is going to the great forest for gathering fruits.

It is my desire that your worshipful self and my father-in-law will (kindly) permit me to accompany him. I cannot bear to be separated (from him) this day.

As your son is going to the forest for the sacrificial fire and for his superiors, you ought not to prevent him. Had it been for any other (business) he should have been prevented.

I have not walked out for a little less than a year. Great indeed is my desire to witness the woods.

Dyumatsena said:
From the very time that Savitri was made my daughter-in-law by her father, I do not remember her to have ever made any request to me.

So, let what my daughter-in-law desires be fulfilled. Daughter, act in such a manner that Satyavana does not neglect his business on the way.

Thus permitted by both, the renowned (Savitri) with a smiling (countenance) though with a sorrowful heart accompanied her husband (to the woods).

And that large-eyed lady beheld, on all sides romantic and charming forests frequented by swarms of peacocks.

And Satyavana said these sweet words to Savitri "behold these streams of sacred waters and these excellent blossoming trees."

That blameless girl, however, began to watch all the movements of her husband; but remembering what the sage (Narada) had said, she considered him as already dead.

With her heart divided into two parts, she (with one of these) replying to her husband and (with the other) awaiting the (fatal) hour, followed him slowly.

Markandeya said:
Accompanied by his wife the powerful Satyavana (first) gathered fruits and filled his bag; he then began to cut down the trees.

As he was felling the branches he began to sweat and had an headache in consequence of the labour. Oppressed with toil, he came to his dear wife and said to her thus.

Satyavana said:
I have a headache on account of this exercise. And, O Savitri, my limbs and heart are aching. O lady of restrained speech, I feel unwell. It seems (to me) that my head is being pierced by arrows. Therefore, O blessed lady, I feel inclined to sleep; for I am quite unable to stand.

(Thereupon), Savitri coming up to her husband, sat down on the ground with his head on her lap.

Then that devout lady, remembering the words of Narada, began to calculate the moment, the hour, the time and the day.

And in a moment she saw a person attired in red garments, wearing a diadem, of an enormous structure, having the splendour of the sun of a dark and yellow complexion, endued with red eyes, with a noose in his hands, dreadful to look at, standing beside Satyavana and gazing at him.

Beholding him she gently placed her husband's head on the ground. Then rising suddenly she, with a trembling heart and joined palms, said these words in a great sorrow.

Savitri said:
From your superhuman appearance I know you to be a god. Kindly tell me, O god of gods, who you are and what is your desire.

Yama said:
O Savitri, you are devotedly attached to your husband and are of ascetic virtue. And it for this reason that I address you. Know me, O auspicious girl, to be Yama.

The years of this prince, your husband, being numbered, I will bind (him with this noose) and take him hence. Know this to be my intention.

Savitri said:
We hear, O god, that your emissaries come to take away men. How is it that your worshipful self has come in person?

Markandeya said:
Thus addressed by her, the divine lord of the Pitris, in order to please her, began faithfully to relate everything about his intentions.

And he said, “I have come here personally considering that my emissaries are not fit to bring such a devotional and handsome person, endued with qualities, vast as a sea."

Then Yama powerfully drew out of the body of Satyavana a person of the measure of the thumb, bound him with the noose and brought him under control.

The life being taken out, the body deprived of breath, destitute of lustre and devoid of motion, became disagreeable to the eye.

Binding it thus, Yama proceeded towards the south; and weighed down with grief, the exalted Savitri also, devotedly attached to her husband and successful in her vow, followed him.

Yama said:
Go back, O Savitri and perform the last rites of your husband. Your debt to your husband is discharged. You have come as far as is possible (for you) to do.

Savitri said:
I ought to follow my husband thither where he is being carried to or whither he goes of his own accord. (Because) this is the eternal duty.

There shall be no obstacle to my course on account of my asceticism, my devotion to superiors, my affection for my husband, my observance of vows and your grace.

It is asserted by the wise, versed in true knowledge, that one contracts a friendship with another by going only seven paces with him. I will tell you something keeping this friendship in view. Pray listen to it.

Men, wanting in self-control do not observe (the proper rites and sacrifices) even in the forest. Nor do they go through and discharge the necessary duties of these three modes of life, namely conjugal or domestic life, life of celebacy and study in the house of the preceptor and thirdly a life of the total renunciation of the world. Conjugal life or domesticity leads to true religious merit. It is for this reason that the wise assert that domestic (which leads to righteousness) is the best of all (other modes of life).

By discharging faithfully the necessary duties of this one mode of life (i.e. conjugal life) we have all attained to the path (of righteousness) and therefore we do not covet the second and the third modes of life (i.e. celebacy and renunciation of the world). It is therefore that domesticity with its necessary duties is considered by the wise as the foremost of all (other lives).

Yama said:
Do go back. I have been delighted with your words couched in (proper) letters and accents and resting on reason. Do you ask for a boon with the exception of your husband's life. O lady of faultless proportions, I will give any boon (you desire).

Savitri said:
My father-in-law has been driven away from this kingdom and has lost his eyes. He now leads a forest life in our hermitage. Let that king, through your grace, be restored to his sight and be as powerful as the sun or fire.

Yama said:
O blameless girl, I give you this boon, that, what you have asked of me, will take place. I see you are wearied with your journey. Do not proceed further. Go back. Do not take any more trouble.

Savitri said:
I do not feel fatigue as I am with my husband. I will surely follow the same path as my husband does. I will surely go thither where you are taking my lord to. O best of the celestials, listen again to what I say.

(It is asserted by the wise) that even a single interview with the virtuous is highly desirable. Friendship with them is much more so. Communion with the righteous is never without fruit. So one should always associate with the virtuous.

Yama said:
The words spoken by you are pregnant with great import. They augment the wisdom of even the learned and are delightful to the mind Therefore, O damsel, with the exception of Satyavana's life to you ask for a second boon.

Savitri said:
Let that king, my intellectual father-in-law, regain his kingdom that he lost before. And may that worshipful one never fail to properly discharge his duties. This is the second boon that I pray for.

Yama said:
That monarch will be soon restored to his kingdom and be ever firm in his duties Princess, I have now gratified your wish. Do not proceed further; go back; do not allow yourself to be any more weary.

Savitri said:
You have controlled all the creatures by your ordinances and you carry them away not according to your caprice but those regulations. Therefore, O god, you are styled Yama (i.e. one who governs by ordinances). Hear (again) these my words.

The eternal duty of the righteous is mercy and charity, benevolence and favour towards all creation in thought, word and deed.

In this world, it is generally the case that men here are destitute of energy and skill. (But) the righteous show mercy even to their enemies when the latter throw themselves into the protection.

Yama said:
The words uttered by you appear (to me) as delicious as water to a thirsty person. (Therefore), O auspicious girl, do you ask again for any other boon that you like than the life of Satyavana.

Savitri said:
My royal father is childless. Let him have one hundred sons, begotten by him, who will perpetuate his family. This is the third boon that I ask of you.

Yama said:
O auspicious girl, your father shall have one hundred highly-energetic sons, the perpetuators of his race. Princess, your desire is now gratified. Do retrace your steps. You have come too far.

Savitri said:
It appears no distance to me since I am beside my husband. My mind travels a greater distance. (Now) listen, as you proceed on, to the words that I will presently utter.

You are the powerful son of Vivasavata and are therefore called by the wise Vaivasvata. You judge all the creatures impartially and rightfully and for this reason, O lord, you are stylet the lord of justice.

People do not place so much reliance on their own selves as on the virtuous. Therefore everybody wishes particularly to cultivate intimacy with the righteous.

And friendship alone generates the confidence among all creatures. It is therefore that people repose confidence specially in the virtuous.

Yama said:
O auspicious and fair damsel. I never before heard such words as you have (just now) spoken from any other person than you. I am pleased with these. Do you ask for a fourth boon with the exception of Satyavana's life and then retrace your steps.

Savitri said:
Let me have one hundred strong and powerful sons, born of Satyavana's loins and begotten of both of us, who will perpetuate our line. This is the fourth boon I pray for.

Yama said:
Lady, you shall have one hundred strong and powerful sons who will cause your delight. Princess, do not take any further trouble; go back; indeed you have come a great way.

Savitri said:
The pious are ever unceasingly devoted to religion. They do neither feel lassitude nor affliction. The intercourse of the pious with the virtuous is (ever) productive of good. And the righteous apprehend no fear from the virtuous.

Indeed, the righteous by their truthfulness make the sun move and it is the pious who by asceticism support the earth. O king, it is the righteous that are the cause of the past and the future. And the pious remaining in the midst of the righteous do never feel languor.

Knowing that this is the eternal custom of the good and the virtuous, pious people devote themselves to acts of self-sacrifice for others without expecting any return.

Good acts done to the virtuous are never fruitless. Such acts never destroy our honour or interest. Since the righteous are characterised by such (noble) conduct they become protectors (of all creatures).

Yama said:
The more you address me in words pregnant with religious meaning, delightful to the mind, full of sweet phrases and of grave import, the more I am inclined to respect you. O lady, devotedly attached to your husband, crave an incomparable boon.

Savitri said:
The boon that you have (just) given me cannot bear fruit (without my union with my husband). Therefore, O bestower of honour, among other boons (that you have already granted me) I crave this boon that Satyavana may be brought back to life. I am as good as dead without my husband.

I do not want happiness bereft of my husband. Without my lord I do not crave heaven itself. Deprived of my husband I do not long for prosperity. And bereft of my husband I am unable to bear life.

You have granted me the boon that I shall have one hundred sons and yet you are carrying away my husband. Now I pray for this boon that Satyavana may be alive again and then your words will prove true.

Markandeya said:
Thereupon, Yama, the son of Vivasvata and the lord of justice saying "be it so" and unloosing his noose, cheerfully spoke to Savitri thus,

"O chaste and gentle lady, I release your husband. You will be able to take him back. He will be free from disease and (ever) successful (in his undertakings).

He as well as you will live four hundred years. By his devoutness and by celebrating many sacrifices he will win a great renown in the world.

And Satyavana will beget on you one hundred sons. And those Kshatriya sons (of you) together with their sons and grandsons will be kings;

And bearing your name will ever be renowned. Your father also will beget a hundred sons on your mother Malavi and those Kshatriya brothers of you resembling the celestials, together with their sons and grandsons will be celebrated under the name of the Malavas."

Having conferred these boons on her and having thus made her retrace her steps, the lord of justice (Yama) returned to his own abode.

Then Savitri having regained her husband, returned to the place where her husband's ashy pale corpse lay.

Beholding her husband on the ground she approached and took hold of him. She then sat down placing his head on her lap.

Having regained his consciousness, he looked at her again and again like one returned from a distant clime (after a long time) and (then) endearingly addressed her thus.

Satyavana said:
Oh, I have slept for a long time. Why did you not awaken me? Where is that dark-complexioned person who was dragging me away?

Savitri said:
O best of men, you have (indeed) slept long on my lap. That god, the divine Yama, who governs all creatures, has departed.

O blessed one, you are (now) soothed and O prince, you have awakened from sleep. If you are able, rise up. Look, the night is far advanced.

Markandeya said:
Having regained his consciousness, Satyavana got up like one who had enjoyed an undisturbed sleep; and seeing all the sides covered with woods he said:

"O slender-waisted damsel, I set out with you for gathering fruits. And when I was hewing down the woods my headache.

Sorely distressed with headache I could not stand up long and (therefore) lay down on your lap. O auspicious girl, I remember all this.

Embraced by you, sleep gently came upon me. I then saw it was intensely dark and also a highly effulgent person.

O slender-waisted lady, tell me, if you are aware of all that happened whether what I saw was a dream or a reality."

Thereupon Savitri replied to him "prince, the night is deepening tomorrow, I will disclose to you faithfully all that occurred.

Get up, get up, may you be all hale, O you of good devotion, come and see your parents. The sun has long gone down and the night is deepening.

The night-wandering creatures of harsh voices are joyfully roving about. And the rustling of leaves consequent on the footsteps of beasts are heard.

Jackals of frightful appearance stationed in the south and east have set up terrible howls which make my heart tremble.

Satyavana said:
The forest, enveloped with a dense darkness, has worn a dreadful appearance. You will therefore neither be able to discern the paths nor to go.

Savitri said:
There is a withered tree in a burning state in this forest which caught fire today. And the flames stirred up by the wind are seen now and then.

Fetching some fire (from that tree) I will kindle a fire all around. There are plenty of logs here. (So) give up your uneasiness.

If you do not venture to go. (I will do all this). I see you are unwell. You will not be able to discern the paths as a dense darkness is hanging over these woods.

We shall, with your leave, go tomorrow when the forest will be visible. O sinless one, we shall remain here for the night if you wish.

Satyavana said:
I have recovered from the headache and my limbs are in a sound condition. I am therefore, through your favour, desirous of seeing my parents.

Never before did I return to the hermitage after the lapse of the proper time. My mother is used to shut me up in the asylum even before the evening sets in.

Even if I go out during the day my parents are filled with anxiety. And my father together with all the inhabitants of the hermitages searches for me.

Several times before this my parents afflicted with grief rebuked me saying "you have been long out."

I am now reflecting as to what a state they will be reduced for my sake. Surely, they will be sorely afflicted on account of my absence.

Sometimes ago, one night, the cheerful old couple, being greatly distressed and weeping profusely said to me repeatedly,

"Dear son, bereft of you, we cannot endure life for a single moment. Surely we must not survive you.

You are the only support of these blind ones. The perpetuity of our line, our funeral oblations, our fame, our descendants, (all) depend on you."

My father is old and so also is my mother; and surely I am their only stay. To what a state will they be reduced if they miss me during the night?

I blame that sleep in consequence of which my harmless parents are in agonising suspense for my sake.

And (on account of which) I also placed in this critical position am filled with anxiety. Without my parents I do not care to bear life.

I am sure, that by this time my blind father with his mind torn with grief is inquiring of the dwellers of the hermitages about me.

I do not, O auspicious girl, grieve so much for myself as for my father and my weak mother (ever) devoted to her husband.

Surely, they will experience a deep sorrow for my sake. I know that my life will last so long as theirs, that I should support them and do only such acts as are agreeable to them.

Markandeya said:
Saying this, that virtuous one devoted to and fond of his parents, raising his arms began to bewail loudly in great sorrow.

Seeing that her husband was oppressed with such a deep sorrow, the virtuous Savitri wiping the tears from his eyes spoke to him thus, "If I have practised asceticism, if I have done charitable acts, if I have offered oblations (to the fire), then, may this night be conducive to the welfare of my father-in-law, mother-in-law and my husband.

I do not remember to have offered a falsehood even in jest. By virtue of that truth may my father-in-law and mother-in-law remain alive this day.

Satyavana said:
I am impatient to see my parents. (Therefore), O Savitri, let us start immediately.

If I find my parents overtaken by any calamity, then, O fair girl, I swear by my own self I shall not bear life.

If you are devoted to virtue, if you wish to see me alive, if it is your duty to do what is agreeable to me, (then) let us return to the hermitage (at once).

Thereupon, the fair Savitri rose up and adjusted her hair. She (next) taking her husband by his arms made him arise.

Satyavana too having risen, rubbed his limbs with his hand. Then looking around all sides, he cast his eyes on the fruit bag.

And Savitri said to him "gather fruit tomorrow. I shall carry your hatchet which is conducive to your devotion and welfare."

(Having said this), she hanging the bag on the branch of a tree and taking the hatchet, returned to her husband.

Then that lady of fair thighs, placing her husband's left hand on her left shoulder and embracing him by her right hand proceeded slowly like an elephant.

Satyavana said:
Timid girl, the paths are well known to me as I go by them often. Further, by the moonlight falling between the trees I can discern them.

We have now reached the path we came by for gathering fruits. O auspicious girl, go along the way we took (in the morning) without hesitation.

Near yonder Palasa tree the road has branched off into two. Follow the path that lies to the north of it; be quick. I am now all right, have regained my strength and am very desirous of seeing my parents.

Saying this, he quickly proceeded towards the hermitage.

Markandeya said:
In the meantime, the highly-powerful Dyumatsena, being restored to his sight, could behold everything with a clear vision.

O most exalted of the Bharatas, accompanied by his wife Shaivya he visited all the hermitages (in search of his son) and was greatly afflicted for his sake.

The (old) couple, at that night walked about searching (for their son) in all the hermitages, rivers, woods and lakes.

And as soon as they heard any sound, considering that it was (caused by the footsteps of) their son they raised up their heads and said "there comes Satyavana accompanied by Savitri."

And with their feet torn, cracked, wounded and bleeding and pierced by thorns and Kusha blades they ran about like mad men.

Then all the twice-born ones, dwelling in the (neighbouring) hermitages approached and surrounded them, And soothing the old couple they brought them back to their own hermitage.

There the aged ascetics surrounding the old man together with his wife began to console him with stories of wonderful import about the kings of by gone ages.

Although the old couple, eager to behold their son, was thus comforted, the remembrance of the youthful days of their son again awakened deep sorrow in them.

And weighed down with affliction, they again began to give vent to their grief in mournful accents saying "Alas, O son, O chaste daughter-in-law, where are you?" Then a truthful Brahmana told them these words.

Suvarcha said:
"Satyavana is surely alive, because his wife Savitri is devoted to asceticism, is self-controlled and is well behaved."

Gautama said:
"I have read the Vedas together with all their branches and have laid up a great store of asceticism. I have led a life of celebacy, have gone through the Brahmacharya mode of life and have appeased the fire and my superiors.

I have observed all the vows with a devout spirit; and agreeably to the ordinances I have very often subsisted on air alone and observed fasts.

By virtue of this asceticism I am aware of the doings of other people. Know this to be certain that Satyavana is alive.

The disciple of Gautama said:
The words that have come out of the mouth of my preceptor can never be false. Therefore, Satyavana is (surely) alive.

The Rishis said:
As his wife Savitri bears all the auspicious signs indicative of her exemption from widowhood, it is certain that Satyavana lives.

Bharadvaja said:
As his wife Savitri is possessed of devotion, self control and good behaviour, it admits of no doubt that Satyavana is alive.

Dalbhya said :
Considering that you have regained your sight and that Savitri has gone out without meals after the performance of her vow, it is certain that Satyavana is alive.

Mandyavya said:
From the manner in which birds and beasts are sending forth their voices in the still atmosphere and since you have regained your sight making you useful for worldly purposes, it is sure that Satyavana lives.

Dhaumya said:
Your son Satyavana is surely alive in as much as he is endued with all the noble qualities, beloved by all and bears signs indicative of a long life.

Markandeya said:
Thus consoled by those truthful sages and reflecting on the words they said, Dyumatsena became a little pacified.

A moment after, Savitri accompanied by her husband Satyavana arrived at the asylum during the night and entered it cheerfully.

The Brahmanas said:
O lord of the earth, we all congratulate you heartily on your union with your son and your recovery of eye sight.

Your meeting with your son, your sight of Savitri and your restoration to sight, these three blessing will make you prosper.

What we have said, shall undoubtedly come to pass. You will soon rapidly grow in prosperity.

Markandeya said:
Then, O Partha, all those twice born ones kindled a fire and took their seats before the king Dyumatsena.

Shaivya, Satyavana and Savitri who all stood on one side, gladly sat down with the permission of them all.

Then O Partha all those inhabitants of forest, who were seated with the king, actuated by curiosity asked the kings son.

The Rishis said:
O renowned prince, why did you not make your appearance with your wife earlier? Why did you come so late at night? What obstacle stood in your way?

O Prince, we can not make out why you have given so much pain to your father, mother and ourselves also. You ought to relate all this.

Satyavana said:
Taking leave of my father I went out with Savitri. While cutting down the woods in the forest my head began to ache.

Afflicted with the pain I slept a long while. Thus far only do I remember. Never before did I sleep for so long a time.

Considering that you all should not be troubled on my account, I came so late at night. There is no other reason (for my late arrival).

Gautama said:
You, then, do not know how your father Dyumatsena has suddenly recovered his eyes. Let, therefore, Savitri relate it.

We are desirous of learning all this from you who are surely acquainted with the mysteries of good and evil. For, O Savitri, we know you are as resplendent as Savitri herself (the wife of Brahma).

You are (undoubtedly) aware of the cause of this. Therefore speak truly. If you have nothing to conceal, then relate it to us.

Savitri said:
It is as you know it to be. Your desire can never prove fruitless. I have nothing to conceal from you. Now hear the true cause of this.

The high-souled Narada had fore told the death of my husband. Today being the appointed time, I did not leave his company.

When he fell asleep Yama in person together with his attendants approached him and tying him (with the noose) proceeded towards the region inhabited by the Pitris.

I then began to eulogise that lord god, with truthful words, who conferred on me five boons. Hear of these (boons) form me.

I have obtained two boons for my father-in-law viz. recovery of his sight and kingdom. I have (further), obtained for my father a hundred sons and an equal number of sons for myself.

(Again) my husband Satyavana has been blessed with a life of four hundred years. I observed the vow for the sake of my husband's life.

I have now faithfully described to you in detail the cause which ultimately turned my great sorrow into a crowing bliss.

The Rishis said:
O chaste girl, you are of gentle disposition, observant of vows, possessed of virtue and have sprung from a noble line. And it is by you that the line of this best of kings, overwhelmed with calamities and drowned in a deep gulf (of obscurity) has, (at last), been rescued.

Markandeya said:
The assembled sages, then, having eulogised and paid their adorations to that most exalted lady and having taken leave of that most excellent of kings together with his son, soon left for their respective asylums in peace and with merry hearts.

Markandeya said:
The night having come to a close, when the sun's disc had appeared (on the horizon), all those ascetics, whose only wealth was devotion, having performed their matins, congregated (at the asylum of Dyumatsena).

Those great sages were never satisfied in relating again and again of the high fortune of Savitri, to Dyumatsena.

Then, O king, it so chanced that all the subjects came from Shalva and informed Dyumatsena of the death of his enemy at the hands of his own minister.

And they related to him all that had taken place saying "hearing the death of the usurper together with his friends and allies at the hands of his own minister and of the dispersion of his troops, all the subjects have in one voice declared for you, their legitimate king and they have also said whether you are blind or not you shall be (their) king.

O king, we have been dispatched to you on the strength of this determination (on the part of your subjects to install you king). These cars and these four kinds of troops have arrived for you.

(Therefore), O monarch, do set out. May you prosper. Your restoration has been proclaimed in the city. May you for ever occupy the portion filled by your sire and grandsire."

And seeing the king restored to sight and healyour, they with their eyes expanded in wonder, bowed down their heads to him.

Then the king having greeted all the aged Brahmanas inhabiting the hermitage and in his turn being greeted by them, set out for his capital.

And Shaivya together with Savitri surrounded by troops, went in a palanquin, adorned with splendid sheets and carried by men.

Then the priests joyfully installed Dyumatsena as king and his high-souled son as prince regent.

After a long time Savitri was deliver of a hundred heroic and illustrious sons who never retreated from battle.

She had also one hundred highly powerful uterine brothers begotten by Ashvapati, the king of Madra, on Malavi.

Thus Savitri rescued from misfortune, her own self, her father, mother-in law, father-in-law and her husband's line.

Similarly, the auspicious Draupadi of excellent character, will deliver you all from your misfortune as the virtuous Savitri did.

Vaishampayana said:
Thus, O monarch, instructed by that high-souled one ((Markandeya), the Pandava (Yudhishthira) devoid of grief and affliction continued to dwell in Kamyaka.

The man who listens with a devout spirit, to the excellent history of Savitri ever meets with happiness and success and never experiences sorrow.

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