The Divine Blessing
In ancient times, the kingdom of Madra was ruled by a righteous and highly learned king named Ashwapati. Yearning for a child, he and his queen devoutly observed the Savitri Devi Vrat (vow) with full faith and proper rituals. Pleased with their sincere devotion, the goddess blessed them with a divine daughter—graceful in beauty, virtues, character, and wisdom. She was named Savitri, in honor of the goddess.
Time to Choose a Husband
When Savitri came of age, King Ashwapati lovingly told her to choose a suitable husband for herself. With his permission, she set out on a journey across the lands to find a worthy companion. After her search, she chose a noble youth named Satyavan as her husband.
Coincidentally, Sage Narada arrived at King Ashwapati’s court during this time. Savitri respectfully greeted him, and upon his inquiry about her chosen groom, she replied:
“I have chosen Satyavan, the son of King Dyumatsena. His kingdom has been usurped, and now, blind and exiled, he dwells in the forest with his wife. Satyavan is their only son—obedient, virtuous, and devoted.”
A Fateful Revelation
After deep contemplation and astrological calculation, Narada said to the king:
“O King, your daughter has indeed made a wise choice. Satyavan is noble, righteous, and full of virtues. However, there is one grave concern—he is short-lived. Within a year, on the very day Savitri turns twelve, he is destined to die.”
This revelation left King Ashwapati deeply troubled. He urged Savitri to reconsider her choice and find another groom. But Savitri, composed and resolute, replied with unwavering faith:
“Father, Arya women choose their husbands only once in life. I have accepted Satyavan with heart, word, and deed. Whether his life is short or long, I cannot give any other man a place in my heart.”
Moved by her firm resolve, King Ashwapati consented and arranged her marriage with Satyavan.
Forest Life and the Turning Point
Savitri then went to live in the forest with her husband and his parents. She served them with utmost dedication and love. As time passed, the day foretold by Narada drew near. The thought of losing her husband began to weigh heavily on her. Three days before the fated day, Savitri undertook a strict fast and performed ancestral rituals as prescribed.
On the destined day, Satyavan set out to collect wood from the forest, as usual. With her in-laws’ permission, Savitri accompanied him.
While in the forest, Satyavan offered her some fruits and climbed a tree to cut wood. Suddenly, he experienced severe pain in his head and descended with great difficulty. Lying in her lap, his body weakened and grew still.
A Dialogue with Yama – The Lord of Death
In that very moment, Savitri saw Lord Yama, the god of death, approach from the southern direction to claim Satyavan’s soul. As Yama began to depart with Satyavan’s life force, Savitri began following him.
Yama tried to dissuade her, asking her to return. But Savitri, with humility and devotion, replied:
“O Lord of Dharma! It is the sacred duty of a devoted wife to follow her husband like a shadow. To walk behind him is my path of righteousness.”
Impressed by her determination and wisdom, Yama said:
“You may ask for any boon—except your husband’s life.”
Savitri requested the restoration of her in-laws’ eyesight and longevity. Yama granted the boon and continued his journey.
Steadfast Devotion and Boons
Yet Savitri persisted in following him. Once again, Yama offered her another boon. She said:
“May my in-laws regain their lost kingdom, and may I be blessed with a hundred brothers.”
Yama granted this too. But Savitri still didn’t stop.
On being offered a third boon, she humbly said:
“If you are truly pleased with me, then bless me to become the mother of a hundred sons.”
Yama, still impressed, said “So be it” and resumed walking.
Victory of Dharma and Wisdom
At this point, Savitri wisely questioned:
“O Dharmaraj, you have granted me the boon to become the mother of a hundred sons. But how can I bear children without my husband? If I am to fulfill your boon, I must have my husband back.”
Hearing this, Lord Yama was overwhelmed by her unwavering chastity, spiritual wisdom, and righteous conduct. He restored Satyavan’s life and blessed them both before disappearing.
read also: Vat Purnima 2025: Significance, Rituals, and How to Celebrate for Prosperous Married Life
Restoration of Life and Joy
Savitri returned to the banyan tree where Satyavan’s body lay lifeless. As she completed the circumambulation of the tree and sat beside him, life returned to Satyavan. Filled with joy, the couple returned home.
Back in their forest dwelling, Satyavan’s parents’ vision was restored, and King Dyumatsena regained his lost kingdom. Meanwhile, King Ashwapati was blessed with a hundred sons, making Savitri the sister to a hundred brothers.
Conclusion
Thus, through firm faith and unwavering dedication to her dharma as a wife, Savitri reclaimed her husband from the jaws of death. Her love, patience, wisdom, and virtue continue to inspire women across generations in Sanatan Dharma.
The immortal tale of Savitri and Satyavan reminds us that with righteousness, love, and devotion, even destiny can be changed, and life can triumph over death.
click here to read in hindi: वट पूर्णिमा व्रत कथा
