We have been watching our mother and married woman around our neighbors and relatives celebrating the tale of 'Savitri and Satyavan' from time as widely known with the name “Savitri brata” in the state of Odisha, West Bengal, “Vat Savitri brat” in Bihar, UP, Gujarat, some parts of himachal (Kullu), “Vat Purnima” in Maharastra, “Savitri habba” in Karnataka and in many more names around other states in India. This is the celebration where all married women together perform the age-old tradition and as always I would assist my mother in this puja and waiting eagerly for pandit ji (the one who perform rituals) to read the famous savitri purana. As intrigued by myself, I would love to narrate this tale and pass it to all of you.
The tale of Savitri and Satyavan is found in the Vana Parva (Book of the Forest) of the Mahabharata. In the ancient land of Madra, there lived a king named Ashwapati. For many years, he and his queen longed for a child and their prayers were finally answered when the goddess Savitri blessed them with a daughter, who they named Savitri as blessed by Goddess herself. As Savitri grew up, she became known for her unparalleled beauty, intelligence, and piety.
When the time came for Savitri to choose a husband, she embarked on a journey, traveling far and wide. One day, in a secluded forest, she encountered Satyavan, a handsome prince who lived in exile with his blind father, King Dyumatsena. Despite the harsh conditions they endured, Satyavan's noble spirit shone through. Savitri's heart was moved, and she decided that he would be her husband.
Savitri returned to her father's court and announced her decision. However, the wise sage Narada, who was present at the court, revealed a grave prophecy: “Satyavan was destined to die exactly one year from that day”. Despite this ominous forewarning, Savitri's love and resolve remained steadfast and she married Satyavan and become the wishful wife she ever dreamt of.
As the days turned into months, the fateful year drew to a close. Savitri, mindful of the prophecy, began a severe penance, fasting and praying for three days and nights. On the morning of the predicted day, she accompanied Satyavan into the forest. As Satyavan was chopping wood, he suddenly collapsed, his life force ebbing away.
At that moment, Yama, the god of death, appeared to claim Satyavan's soul. Undeterred, Savitri followed Yama as he carried Satyavan's soul away. She walked with unwavering determination, her steps steady and her resolve unbroken. Impressed by her devotion, Yama spoke to her, "Savitri, your love and loyalty are admirable and I grant you three boons, but I must remind, you cannot ask for Satyavan's life."
An excerpt from the 'Savitri Purana' where Savitri and Yama exchange the 3 wishes
ସାବିତ୍ରୀ କହିଲେ, "ମୋର ପ୍ରଥମ ବର, ମୋର ଶଶୁରଙ୍କ ଅନ୍ଧତା ଦୂର ହେଉ।" ଯମ ମନ୍ଦହାସ କରି କହିଲେ, "ତଥାସ୍ତୁ।"
ସାବିତ୍ରୀ ପୁନି କହିଲେ, "ମୋର ଦ୍ୱିତୀୟ ବର, ମୋର ଶଶୁରଙ୍କ ରାଜ୍ୟ ପୁନଃ ପ୍ରାପ୍ତ ହେଉ।" ଯମ ପୁନି କହିଲେ, "ତଥାସ୍ତୁ।"
ସାବିତ୍ରୀ ଚତୁରତାର ସହ କହିଲେ, "ମୋର ତୃତୀୟ ବର ହେଉ, ମୁଁ ଏବଂ ସତ୍ୟବାନଙ୍କର ଏକ ଶତ ପୁତ୍ର ହେଉ।" ଯମ ଏହା ସୁଣି ଅଚମ୍ଭିତ ହେଲେ, କିନ୍ତୁ ସେ ବର ଦେଇଥିଲେ ତା'ର ପାଳନ କରିବାକୁ ବାଧ୍ୟ ହେଲେ। ସେ କହିଲେ, "ତଥାସ୍ତୁ। ତୁମ ପତି ପୁନଃ ଜୀବନ ପାଇବେ।
As stated, with her first boon, Savitri asked for her father-in-law, King Dyumatsena's sight to be restored. With her second, she requested the restoration of his kingdom. Yama granted both boons. For her third boon, Savitri cleverly asked for a hundred sons with Satyavan. Yama, bound by his promise, had no choice but to restore Satyavan to life so that the boon could be fulfilled.
God Yama, moved by Savitri's wisdom and perseverance, blessed the couple and departed. Satyavan's life was restored, and he awoke as if from a deep sleep. The forest seemed to burst into bloom around them, the air filled with the scent of flowers and the songs of birds, as if nature itself rejoiced in their reunion.
Savitri and Satyavan returned home, where King Dyumatsena's sight was miraculously restored, and his kingdom was regained. The people celebrated the return of their prince and the remarkable strength of his devoted wife
In the native land of Odisha, this tale of Savitri and Satyavan became more than just a story. It grew into a living tradition, with married women observing the Savitri Brata each year. They fasted and prayed, invoking Savitri's name, hoping to emulate her devotion and secure the well-being of their own husbands.
Through songs, dances, and the retelling of this ancient tale, the story of Savitri and Satyavan lived on, inspiring countless generations with its timeless message of love, faith, and the indomitable strength of the human spirit. The folklore of Savitri and Satyavan holds a special place in the cultural and religious traditions of Odisha.
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