Let us immerse ourselves in the timeless tale of Devi Savitri, whose unwavering devotion and profound wisdom challenged the very Lord of Death, Bhagwan Yamaraj, and brought her beloved husband back to life. This sacred Katha beautifully illustrates the power of a wife’s steadfast Pativrata Dharma.
The valiant King Ashwapati of the Bhadra kingdom was childless. Longing for a child, he performed yagnas with continuous chanting of Mantras, offering a lakh oblations daily for eighteen long years. Pleased by his unparalleled penance and unwavering devotion, Devi Savitri manifested before him and bestowed a boon — “O King! You shall be blessed with a radiant daughter.” It was due to this divine boon that the celestial daughter was named Savitri.
Savitri was exceedingly beautiful, radiant, and a treasure trove of virtues. When no suitable groom could be found for her, King Ashwapati himself sent her to the forest to choose her own husband. While wandering through the sacred groves of the hermitage, Savitri met Satyavan, the son of the exiled and blind King Dyumatsena of the Salva kingdom. Savitri chose him as her husband.
When Devarshi Narada came to know of this, he immediately went to King Ashwapati and said, “O King! What is this you are doing? Satyavan is undoubtedly virtuous, righteous, and strong, but he is short-lived — his death is certain within one year.”
Hearing the words of Rishi Narada, King Ashwapati was plunged into deep sorrow. Lines of worry clearly appeared on his face. Seeing this, Savitri lovingly asked the reason. Then the King said, “My daughter! Satyavan, whom you have chosen as your life partner, is short-lived. His death is foretold within one year. Therefore, it is my wish that you choose another suitable groom.”
To this, Savitri replied with immense firmness and dignity, “Father! Noble maidens choose their husbands only once. A king gives his command only once, a scholar makes a vow only once, and Kanyadaan (giving away of the daughter) happens only once.”
Savitri, steadfast in her decision, insisted, “I shall marry only Satyavan.” Witnessing his daughter’s unwavering devotion, courage, and love for truth, King Ashwapati finally honored her wish, and Savitri’s marriage to Satyavan was solemnized according to sacred rites.
When Savitri arrived at her in-laws’ home, she wholeheartedly embraced serving her parents-in-law as her supreme Dharma. Time passed slowly. As the prophesied day by Narada Muni drew near, Savitri commenced a rigorous three-day Vrat (fast) and, on the appointed day, performed the Puja for her ancestors according to sacred rituals.
On that fateful day, as was his daily routine, Satyavan set out into the forest to gather wood. Savitri too accompanied him. Upon reaching the forest, as Satyavan climbed a tree to cut wood, he suddenly felt an intense pain in his head. Distraught with pain, he descended and lay down, resting his head in Savitri’s lap. At that very moment, Savitri understood that the destined moment had arrived.
With Satyavan’s head in her lap, Savitri gently caressed him. Just then, she saw Bhagwan Yamaraj approaching — the Lord of Death, who had come to take Satyavan’s soul. Yamaraj took the soul and began to depart, and Savitri, with unwavering resolve, followed closely behind him.
Yamaraj tried to persuade Savitri, saying, “O Devi! This is the decree of destiny; no one can escape it.” But Savitri replied with great humility and firmness, “The true essence of a wife lies in being her husband’s shadow, ever ready to serve him. To follow him is my Dharma as a woman.”
Hearing Savitri’s devotion, unwavering dedication to her husband, and righteous words, Yamaraj was exceedingly pleased. He reverently said, “O Devi! You are the very embodiment of a woman’s Dharma. You are blessed. I am extremely pleased with your penance and devotion; you may ask any boon from me.”
Savitri humbly requested Yamaraj, “My parents-in-law are forest dwellers and live in darkness. Please grant them divine sight.” Yamaraj compassionately replied, “Evam astu — So be it.” Then he said, “Now you must return, Devi.”
However, Savitri, with steadfast and unwavering determination, continued to follow Satyavan’s soul. Yamaraj again said, “O Devi! You must return now.” To this, Savitri calmly and firmly replied, “Bhagwan! Following my husband is no hardship for me; rather, it is my supreme Dharma.”
Witnessing Savitri’s patience, dedicated service, and unwavering Pativrata Dharma, Yamaraj was exceedingly pleased and said, “O ascetic one! I am delighted with your devotion. You may ask for one more boon.”
Savitri then made another request, “My father-in-law, King Dyumatsena, has lost his kingdom. Please restore his lost kingdom to him.” Yamaraj, with compassion and justice, said, “Evam bhavatu. This boon is also granted to you.” And then he added, “Now you must return, Devi.”
However, Savitri remained unswayed from her Pativrata Dharma and devotion, continuing to follow Satyavan’s soul. Seeing this, Yamaraj again said, “O Devi! You have become exceedingly dear to me. Now ask for a third boon.”
Savitri humbly said, “Bhagwan! Please grant me the boon of being the mother of a hundred sons.” Yamaraj smiled and said, “Tathastu. You are granted the boon of a hundred sons.” Then Yamaraj gravely told Savitri, “O Devi! Do not proceed further. I have granted you your desired boon. Now return.”
Savitri replied in a calm yet logical tone, “Prabhu! You have granted me the boon of a hundred sons, but how can I obtain them without a husband? If my husband is not in my life, how can both my good fortune (suhag) and motherhood be possible?”
Yamraj was deeply impressed by Savitri’s devotion, her dedication to her husband, and her righteous words. He said, “O virtuous one! I bow to your penance, faith, and unwavering resolve.” Saying this, he returned Satyavan’s life to her.
After this, Savitri went near the same banyan tree and circumambulated it with deep devotion. At that very moment, Satyavan’s life returned to his body. By the blessings of Yamraj, the eyesight of his parents was also restored, and they regained their lost kingdom. Savitri herself became the glorious mother of one hundred sons.
Just as Savitri protected her husband’s life from Yamraj, may all husbands be blessed with long life, and may the sacred marital fortune of all devoted wives remain eternal.
Say with devotion: Glory to Satyavan and Savitri!