Post No. 14,948
Date uploaded in London – 6 September 2025
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Satyavan-Savitri story from Vana Parva of Mahabharata continued…………………
Savitri to Yama
I have heard it said that ordinarily it is your messengers who come to take away the mortals. This time, Lord, how have you come yourself?
Yama
This Satyavan was rooted in truth, and possessed rare qualities in a still rarer combination. He was not to be taken away like other mortals, by my messengers. For him, I have to come myself.
Now go back, and do the last rites. You have discharged your husband debt. You have followed your husband as far as you should have.
Savitri
Where my husband is being taken, there I should go too. That is the abiding dharma (scriptural law). By your grace, and with the strength of my love for my husband, nothing can obstruct my way.
The wise say that on walking even seven steps together, a friendship is established. From such friendship, I shall say to you a few things. Kindly, listen to me.
(Savitri explained what dharma is)
Yama
Now go back. The tings that you have said, in such perfect combination of word, tone, diction and logic have pleased me very much. Excepting the life of Satyavan, I can give you everything else.
Savitri
My father in law, deprived of his kingdom, now lives in forest. He is blind. I pray that by your grace his eye sight restored to him, and regain his strength, he may again shine like the sun.
Yama
What you have wished shall happen in that way, I give you the boon. Go back now, and do not put yourself to the rigour of further travel , you are tired.
Savitri
Being near my husband, I feel this travel no rigour. Wherever you take him, I shall come there too. And I have something more to say. Please listen to me.
Even a fleeting time with those rooted in truth is greatly desirable, their friendship even more. It is said that the company of such people never in vain. Therefore, one should always seek their nearness.
Yama
What you have said is to the good of all , most pleasing to me. Excepting the life of Satyavan, ask a second boon.
Savitri
The second boon I seek from you is that the lost kingdom of my father-in-law Dyumatsena is restored to him, and he, who I venerate as my guru, may never swerve from the path of dharma.
Yama
Dyumatsena will soon regain his kingdom and without struggle he will never swerve from the path of dharma.
The second wish of yours granted also, now go back. And do not tire yourself more.
Savitri
You keep all living beings within bounds of an eternal discipline and therefore, Deva you are universally known as Yama. Listen to what I will say.
In acts, speech and thought (Mano, Vak, Kaya), not to bear enmity towards any being; to have compassion to all; and giving; are considered the abiding dharma of the good.
Generally, the people of this world are short lived, and human helplessness is well known. Therefore, saints like you show compassion even to an enemy seeking refuge.
Yama
Blessed one! Hearing you say this is to me like water to the thirsty. Excepting the life of Satyavan, ask whatever you wish.
Savitri
My father Ashvapati has no son. May be he blessed with his own hundred sons who will continue his family line This is the third boon I seek from you.
Yama
Blessed one! Your father will have hundred sons that will keep his family line unbroken. Princess! Your third wish also has been granted. Now go back! You have already come too far.
Savitri continued to speak……………………………..
To be continued. ….
Tags – Savitri, Yama, Dialogue, Mahabharata, Good wife, Part 4
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