Sati Savitri

The Pandavas were spending their banishment in two forests in the western edge of Haryana bordering north-eastern Rajasthan. The south forest was called the Dwaita and the north forest, Kamyaka. That year, when spring came, they moved to the Kamyaka forest. It was a bright day, but it started ominously for them. The wicked king Jayadratha was traveling through the forest, and he spotted their wife Draupadi all alone, and kidnapped her. True, the Pandavas were able to quickly rescue her and punish Jayadratha, but the whole episode made them very concerned, frustrated and angry. Bhim, Arjun, Nakul and Sahadev had enough of living in exile. They were ready to fight it out with Duryodhan. Yudhisthir, being the eldest Pandava, reasoned with them. They had to wait. Duryodhan will never come to fight alone, he will bring the mighty Kurus to fight for him. If they are to defeat them all, they would need powerful friends on their side. Therefore, they couldn’t go to battle just yet. Yudhishthir decided that they would instead spend time with the sages in the forest, and try to soothe their frayed nerves in their fellowship.

Kamyaka forest was a beautiful place, right on the bank of the river Saraswati. It also had a pretty lake famous for its lotus flowers. The lakeside was also a favorite of the sages. Yudhishthir wanted to talk with the old sage Markandeya. Sage Markandeya is an immortal, and a veritable fountain of knowledge. When they arrived where the sages were, Yudhisthir greeted everybody, and then went to visit with sage Markandeya. He said, “O sage! We are so lucky to have such a chaste and devoted wife, but in this exile, she is always in danger, and we worry for her constantly.”

Markandeya replied, “O king! Do not worry about Draupadi so much. Remember? Last time when you came here, I told you about a righteous housewife, who could brave every challenge of the world, simply because she served her husband piously. Draupadi has that kind of strength. Besides, you are in not so bad a situation. Think! When Ravana kidnapped Sita, Sri Rama suffered far more than you did. You have so much more support, Sri Rama had only the monkeys and bears for help. So, do not grieve.”

Yudhishthira could not argue, but he wanted more conversation. “Even so, O sage! Her safety remains my big worry. She is the chastest and most devoted wife in the whole world, but such is our wretched situation that we are not able to provide her a safe home!”

Markandeya said, “Yudhisthir, you underestimate her strength. Chaste wives like her can defy even death. Listen to the life story of Savitri.”

Sage Markandeya knew a thing or two about defying death himself. He was born to live only sixteen years. When the Lord of death (Yama) came, he threw his arms around a Shivalinga and did not let go. Yama threw a rope around Markandeya and bound him and the linga tight in the noose. Unfortunately for Yama, Lord Shiva manifested Himself from the linga and threatened him with his trident for bothering His devotee. Yama was defeated, and Shiva made Markandeya an immortal. For this reason, Lord Shiva is called Mrityunjaya (the one who defeated death). This happened in a place called Thirukkadavur in the southern Indian province of Tamil Nadu . If you go there, you will see a beautiful Shiva temple.

Markandeya being saved by Lord shiva

Thirukkadavur Shiva temple

Savitri by Jayalaxmi Satyendra

Savitri and Satyavan by Ardhenduprasad Banerji

Yama and Savitri by Nandalal Bose
Pictures taken from the internet without permission

Savitri is most famous as a sati. Many in the west think that ‘sati’ or ‘sutee’ is widow burning. It is such a wrong idea! Sati is a woman for whom loving her husband and leading a virtuous life is a matter of high honor. She would die rather than cheat her husband or anyone else. For this reason, when a widowed woman who chooses to end her life in her husband’s funeral pyre because she does not want to survive her husband, we call her a sati to honor her love and devotion. We also call sati the women who sacrifice their lives rather than be captured by the enemy. Sati simply means a virtuous and devoted wife. Savitri was one of the greatest satis ever, but she did not sacrifice her life. We honor her so much that we call every pious and devoted wife to be like ‘Sati Savitri’.

Let us now listen to sage Markandeya narrate the story of Savitri.

Many years ago, Ashwapati was the king of Madra desh ( Punjab ). He had several queens, but no children. He really wanted to have children. He was advancing in age. He decided that he will pray to Devi Savitri for children. He kept frequent fasts, and every day conducted havan in which he poured 100,000 scoops of ghee. If you are curious about this worship, read the Mahaa-nirvaana tantra. After eighteen years of steadfast worship, Devi Savitri manifested Herself from the havan fire. She said to him, “O king! Lord Brahma and I are pleased with you. You will soon have a resplendent daughter.”

In time, queen Malavi gave birth to a daughter. They named her Savitri, in honor of the Devi. Savitri grew up to be beautiful young princess with bright shining eyes and rare intelligence. She studied a lot of Scriptures and developed a pious determination for life. She had a quiet nature, and the few words she spoke, were all very profound. People saw her as a Divine person, born only to be a great devotee. That reputation spread widely, and when the time came for her to marry, no man came seeking her hand in marriage.

Ashwapati and Malavi were worried for their daughter. In the old days, we had the tradition of swayamvara. According to it, a girl could choose her husband. Ashwapati thought that he would encourage Savitri to be a swayamvaraa. One day, he said to her, "O my darling Savitri! We have only weak men around here, fearful of your radiant character. We do not find a suitable man for you to marry. So, go on a pilgrimage and find a man worthy of you. When you come back, I will arrange your marriage."

Savitri was an obedient daughter, so she agreed immediately. Ashwapati asked some of his ministers and soldiers to accompany and protect her. Savitri decided that she would take this opportunity to visit some holy places in India .

After visiting the temples in Madra desh, Savitri went to the neighboring Shalwa kingdom. The people of the Shalwa kingdom were suffering. Their noble king Dyumatsen had lost his eyesight and was deposed by a tyrannical invader. Dyumatsen had to flee with his wife Shaivya and their newborn son to the forest. Only a few ministers of his royal court knew where they had gone. They built a small hermitage for the king and his family in the forest, and waited for better times to bring them back. The people of Shalwa longed for their kind king very much.

When Savitri came to visit the holy places in Shalwa kingdom, their prince had grown to be a handsome and kind young man. Everyone loved him. As a child, he was fascinated by horses, and liked drawing their pictures, so he became known as Chitrashwa. He was also an extremely truthful person, which earned him another name, Satyavan.

After visiting many temples, Savitri came to the place in the forest where Satyavan lived with his parents. When Savitri was visiting a nearby temple, Satyavan came in with his parents. Savitri and Satyavan saw each other, and instantly fell in love.

Savitri ended her pilgrimage and returned home. When she got home, she found her father talking with sage Narada. They were discussing her marriage. Savitri bowed to both and stood quietly. Ashwapati asked, “O my darling Savitri! You arrived just when sage Narada and I were talking about you. Have you found a man you wish to marry?”

"Yes, father.” Savitri replied, “I met Satyavan, son of the noble Shalwa king Dyumatsen, now living in exile in the forest. I have made my mind to marry Satyavan.”

Sage Narada looked genuinely worried. "The Shalwa prince Satyavan? Princess, there is no man worthier than him, but he has a major fault.”

Ashwapati asked, “What fault does he have, O sage? Is he not a good person?”

Narada replied, “Satyavan is a most wonderful person. He is glorious like the sun, intelligent like sage Brihaspati, can fight like Indra and forgive like the earth. But alas, he only has one year left to live.”

King Ashwapati turned to his daughter and said, "O my darling Savitri! Listen to sage Narada. May be you should think about marrying someone else."

Savitri said politely, “I cannot do that, father. I have made my mind to marry Satyavan, I cannot marry anyone else.” She continued to say, “Before doing a karma, a person first makes a choice about whether or not to act, then speaks about it, and finally, does the karma. I cannot be untrue to myself as I have already completed the first two steps.”

Sage Narada was delighted to hear the wise words of Savitri. He said to Ashwapati, “O king! Your daughter is steadfast in her dharma, so let her marry Satyavan. Some good shall definitely come from it.” Ashwapati agreed.

Savitri overcome the opposition of her elders by being firm in her own determination of dharma. This was the first of three occassions she proved her strength.

As soon as the preparations for the bridal journey were complete, king Ashwapati, his queens, Savitri and important members of the royal court and the priests set out for the hermitage of Dyumatsen.

When they reached there, Dyumatsen was meditating under a Sal (Sallow-wood) tree. As was the custom, Dyumatsen welcomed Ashwapati with a gift of a cow. Then Ashwapati said, “O saintly king! We have come here to seek your approval for marrying our daughter Savitri with your son Satyavan.”

Dyumatsen said, “It would be my greatest pleasure. But can your daughter put up with the hardship of forest life?”

Ashwapati said, “O king! Both Savitri and I are familiar with hardship. We have discussed these issues before we came here. Please accept this proposal.”

Dyumatsen had no more objections, he agreed.

Savitri and Satyavan were married. They were a nice and happy couple. Everybody loved Savitri and Satyavan. Savitri never forgot the words of sage Narada. When only three days remained before the year was over, Savitri decided to keep fast and spend the whole time in worship. Her in-laws tried to persuade her out of the fast, but Savitri did not break her vow. They could not force her, as Savitri was always so nice to them.

On their anniversary day, Satyavan needed to go to the forest to gather firewood. Savitri had become weak from the fast, but she asked to go with him. Satyavan was not keen on taking her along. But Savitri insisted. Finally, Satyavan asked her to obtain his father’s permission. Savitri went up to Dyumatsen and said, “O noble Arya! My husband has not eaten well for days, and he has to go today to gather firewood. Please permit me to go with him so I can watch over him. I have never gone out for the whole year of our marriage, but now the forest flowers are in blossom, I wish to see it as well.”

Dyumatsen was happy that she wanted to go out and have some fun as a couple. He gladly gave his permission. They trusted her a lot, because they knew that everything Savitri did was entirely honorable. They blessed her, “May you never become a widow.” Again, by appealing to the good heart of her elders, Savitri prevailed. This was her second time.

Like two frolicking birds, Savitri and Satyavan walked in the forest of the Shivalik hills. The trees were green and fragrant with blossoms. Pretty birds were flying from flower to flower. They were just happy to be there, having a lot of fun. Around mid-day, they were a little tired. So they decided to sit down under the shade of a big Sal tree for a bit. Afterwards, Satyavan got up and started gathering the firewood. They knew that they had to get back home before sundown. Otherwise, his parents would worry for them. Savitri watched Satyavan do the work with admiration.

A little while later, Satyavan came back to her, complaining about a headache. Savitri knew that his end is coming. She controlled herself and asked him to lie down, putting his head on her lap. Satyavan talked about more sufferings, “I don’t know what has come over me. My body is burning!” Savitri was stroking his hair. She suggested to him that he should try to get a quick nap. Satyavan closed his eyes. Soon he was having difficulty breathing.

Then, Savitri saw Yama, the Lord of death appear before them. She bowed to Yama with folded hands. Yama had come to take the Jiva of Satyavan away. He untangled the tiny thumb-sized Jiva from his body. Satyavan’s body stopped breathing immediately.

As Yama started to go away, Savitri followed. Yama said, “O virtuous lady! Your righteous husband has finished his time on earth. I have to take him to his afterlife. But you cannot go there. So please go back.”

Savitri answerd, “O Lord of death! I have led a steadfastly righteous life, and always honored my elders. I can now go everywhere. Please hear me in friendship. When I married my husband, I took the pledge that I will follow him everywhere. It is my dharma to follow him, even in death. ”
Yama said, “O virtuous lady! I admire your steadfastness to dharma. Your pledge ended with his death. You must go back home and prepare for the funeral of your late husband. I will grant you a boon, anything you want except the life of your husband."

Savitri said, "Please restore the sight of my father-in-law."

"It will be so. Now please go back home."

But Savitri continued to follow. Thorns pricked her feet, brushes tore into her clothing, but she paid no attention to those troubles. Yama said, “O Savitri! I can see how harsh this trip is for you, yet continue to follow after me. For what purpose are you following me now? "

"Lord Yama," answered Savitri, "I feel no weariness in the company of my husband. The wise say that a moment spent with the virtuous is a great gain. My husband is virtuous; therefore, I wish to spend my life in his company."

"Savitri, I greatly admire how sweetly you say such profound words of wisdom” Yama said, “But Satyavan’s life on earth is over. And, I have to take him to a place where you cannot go yet. If you wish, I will give you another boon, anything but his life."

Savitri said, "Please grant my father in-law his kingdom back.”

"It will be so. Now please go back home." Yama said.

Savitri said, “O kind Deva! You have dominion over every man and woman, which is why we call you Yama. You are scrupulously fair, never show hostility to anyone, and are a merciful Divine being. Good people show mercy even to their enemies. Please have mercy on me.”

Yama praised her wise words again, “Your words are like water to the thirsty. What other boon you’d wish to have other than your husband’s life?”

Savitri knew how her father Ashwapati wanted more children. She said, “Please grant my father more children."

Yama said, “Savitri, your father will have more children. Are you content now? You should go back. You have already traveled quite far from home.”

Savitri said, “O Lord of death! I am in the company of my husband. Therefore, I am home. You administer dharma on everyone. For this reason, people call your Dharmaraj. People trust a dharmic person more than they trust even themselves.”

Yama said, “O noble lady! Your thoughts are indeed wonderful. I am very pleased with you. If you desire, you may ask for another boon, save your husband’s life.”

Savitri said, “Please grant that I bear many children by Satyavan."

Yama said, “After hearing your sweet words, my respect for you has increased. You will bear many children of Satyavan.”

Savitri said, “I cannot live without my husband. Like you, good people always look for ways to do good to others. You have given me the boon of bearing my husband’s children. Therefore, please grant me the life of my husband so I can fulfill your boon.”

Yama was happy to release the Jiva of Satyavan. He said, “O noble lady! You will grow old with your husband and be the queen of the Shalwa kingdom. No go back in peace.”

This was the third time Savitri demonstrated her strength. She defied even death. She knew that Yama valued dharma above everything. So she appealed to his high dharmic ideals and won back her husband. Savitri’s life is a lesson on how a virtuous person can overcome all difficulties by politely demading for the dispensation of high dharma.

Savitri came back under that Sal tree where Satyavan’s body was. She sat down and placed his head in her lap. The sun was about to set. Satyavan woke up.

"Oh! The day is all but gone. I have slept too long, my love. Why didn’t you wake me?"

"O lord of my life," said Savitri, "yes, it is fast getting dark. Your parents are probably worrying about us, if you have regained strength, let us return home. If you are still feeling weak, we can spend the night here. "

Satyavan got up and looked around a bit. Then he said, “It is dark already. My parents would be worried. I remember once I came home late, and how worried they were for me. I do not want them to worry like that ever again. It will be difficult to find the way, but I have come this way many times before. We have moonlight tonight, I should be able to find the way back. We better get back home right away.” A minute later, Satyavan asked, “Tell me, my love! Did a fierce-looking person come while I was sleeping?”

Savitri said, “Yes, Lord Yama came. But let’s get back home first. I will tell you all about it after we reach home.”

That afternoon, King Dyumatsen regained his eyesight. As they were getting late, their paretnts started to worry. Other sages of the forest told them not to worry. But when evening came, Dyumatsen set out in the nearby woods looking for them. Just as Satyavan thought, both parents were extremely worried and frightened for them. Finally, Savitri and Satyavan reached home. Everyone was relieved, also curious to know why they got so late. After Savitri told them everything, the sages blessed them and went back to their own hermitages.

Next morning, a whole bunch of people came riding horses to Dyumatsen’s hermitage. Among them was the old prime minister of Dyumatsen. The cruel invader king was killed by his greedy ministers. After that, there was chaos and fighting in the captial. All the bad people have killed each other. The people had enough. They have sent the old prime minister to bring back their blind but noble king. Dyumatsen said, “But I can see again.” Everyone was happy to hear that. Soon they left for the capital city. Dyumatsen became king again. Satyavan was appointed the crown prince. After Dyumatsen passed away, Satyavan became king. He ruled Shalwa desh for a long time. Savitri was always by his side. They had many children.

Sage Markandeya said to Yudhisthir, “O king! In this way, sati Savitri saved her family and the people of Shalwa. Your wife Draupadi has the same strengths. So do not worry for her. If it becomes necessary, she will save you from troubles.” Yudhisthir was anxious no more.

We have a long tradition of honoring sati Savitri. On the day of amavasya (new moon) of Jaishthya (May-June), wives wear new clothes, put on new jewelry and apply vermillion on their hair. Then they fast until noon and pray to Devi Savitri for long life of their husbands. In the afternoon, they bow to their husbands and the elders and eat a wet bhoga of pulses, rice, mango, jackfruit, grapefruit, bananas and sweets.