Post No. 14,938
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From Vana Parva Chapters 293 to 299
King Ashvapati who was childless for a long time prayed to Goddess Savitri and got a boon. As a result of that boon his wife a Malawa desa princess, gave birth to a daughter. She was named Savitri.
Though she was beautiful no one came forward to marry her and her father King Ashvapati said to her,
Yourself choose a man who would be worthy of you in every respect.
Scriptures say,
“A father who does not, on his daughter coming to age, give her away in marriage ; a husband who does not cohabit with his wife during her natural time; and a son who does not take care of a widowed mother – all these invites severe blame”.
Savitri found a suitable man and reported to her father,
There was in the Shalva country a famous king, Dyumatsena who lost his eyes and taking advantage of his disability, a neighbouring king dispossessed him of his kingdom. Dyumatsena and his wife with their son, the only child, made a home for themselves in a forest. Their son Satyavan although born in a town, was reared in the forest. I have chosen Satyavan as my husband
Women had so much freedom in those days to choose their husbands.
(Pronunciation guide- saavitree, satyavaan )
Narada, the inter galactic traveller, met King Ashvapati and praised Satyavan sky high and said but…………………
There is one defect. In one year from today, Satyavan will die. Stunned on hearing this, Ashvapati told his daughter what Narada told him. He also asked her to choose another man.
Savitri told her father,
Whether Satyavan is long lived or short lived, a man of qualities or no qualities, I have chosen him as my husband and shall make no other choice.
A woman chooses only once.
What is decided from one’s heart, is then expressed in words, and then acted upon. In this matter my heart is my sole authority.
Satyavan and Savitri got married. But not a single day passed, Savitri recalling Narada’s forecast. She kept count of each passing day. When three more days left, she started praying to god without taking food or water. Her father-in-law Dymatsena said to her,
“Daughter of a king! You have begun a severe penance ; it is exceedingly difficult for you to remain without food or water.”
Dyumatsena or his son Satyavan were not aware of Narada’s forecast .
All the saints in the near by ashramas in the forest also watched her vrat/ fasting and blessed her success. They also did not know that Satyavan is going to die in a few days’ time.
The final day came.
Savitri to Satyavan
Today I shall come with you. I will not le you go alone today.
Satyavan to Savitri
You have never been to the woods before. The paths there are not easy. Moreover, you have been on a fast and you have not even eaten for three days, and therefore weak.
Savitri to Satyavan
I feel neither weak nor tired. I am most enthusiastic to see the woods. Please do not say ‘no’ to me.
Satyavan to Savitri
Very well, if you are so enthusiastic about seeing he woods, then come. But first take the permission of father and mother, for I would not be blamed later.
Because it was her first wish in one year, both allowed her to go to the forest. Satyavan used to go into the forest every day to get some woods and fruits.
As Satyavan was chopping some wood, he developed a severe headache and said to her that he wanted to sleep. Savitri quickly sat down on the ground and took her husband’s head on her lap.
Final minute came. Yama appeared before them. Because of Savitri’s severe penance she was able to see him.
Yama looked fierce, yet he glowed like the sun.
Savitri said to him,
I reckon that you are some god, for your body is different from that of the humans. Should you be pleased, would you tell me who you are, and what you want to do here?
Yama said to Savitri,
Savitri! Know me as Yama, the Lord of Death. Your husband Satyavan’s life span has come to its end. I have come to claim him.
When Yama said that Satyavan was dead.
Then Savitri started a long conversation with Yama.
To be continued………………………..
Tags- good wife, Part 3, Mahabharata, Satyavan Savitri, Yama
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