The Story of Savitri and Satyavan
Once upon a time, in a kingdom ruled by King Ashwapati, there was a beautiful and intelligent princess named Savitri. She was known for her wisdom, strength of character, and deep devotion to dharma (righteousness). Many suitors came to her father seeking her hand in marriage, but Savitri was determined to marry a man who was righteous, brave, and virtuous.
One day, while Savitri was on a pilgrimage with her parents, she saw a handsome young prince named Satyavan. Satyavan was the son of a blind and elderly king, and despite his noble birth, he lived a humble life in the forest. He was known for his courage and goodness. His life, however, was marked by a tragic prophecy: it was said that Satyavan would live only for a short time—he would die within a year of his marriage.
When Savitri learned of this prophecy, she was deeply moved. Despite the knowledge that Satyavan’s life would be brief, she decided to marry him, believing that true love and devotion could overcome any challenge. She went to her father and said, “I wish to marry Satyavan. His short life will not deter me, for love and righteousness guide my heart.”
King Ashwapati was hesitant, but he knew that his daughter’s decision was made with great wisdom. After some reflection, he gave his consent, and Savitri and Satyavan were married in a beautiful ceremony. They lived happily in the forest, where Savitri and Satyavan built their life together with love and care.
However, the prophecy loomed over them. A year passed, and one day, Satyavan suddenly felt weak. He was lying in his wife’s arms when, as foretold, he breathed his last. Savitri, though devastated, did not give up. With great strength, she stayed calm and determined to bring her husband back to life.
Savitri followed the soul of Satyavan as it was taken by Yama, the god of death. Yama, walking with his messengers, did not see Savitri following him, but she walked silently, undeterred, her love for her husband giving her the strength to endure.
When Savitri reached Yama, she bowed respectfully to him. “Lord Yama,” she said, “I have followed you as my husband’s soul was taken away. Please, I ask for his life in return for my devotion and love.”
Yama, seeing the sincerity in Savitri’s eyes, replied, “Princess Savitri, you are a noble soul, but death is inevitable. Your husband must go. However, I will grant you three wishes. Ask, and I will grant them.”
Savitri thought carefully and said, “First, I wish for my father-in-law, King Dyumatsena, to regain his eyesight and his kingdom.”
Yama granted her first wish, and the king regained his vision and his throne. Savitri then said, “My second wish is for Satyavan’s kingdom to be restored and his people to be happy and prosperous.”
Again, Yama granted her wish, and the people of Satyavan’s kingdom flourished.
Savitri then made her final wish, “Lord Yama, I ask for the life of my husband, Satyavan. His death has caused great sorrow, but my heart cannot rest without him.”
Yama, moved by her love and devotion, smiled and said, “You have asked for noble and just wishes, but your heart is filled with pure love. You have proven that true love can overcome even death. I grant your final wish. Satyavan shall live.”
With that, Satyavan was revived, his soul returned to his body, and he opened his eyes to find his wife standing beside him. Yama, pleased with Savitri’s devotion and bravery, blessed the couple and disappeared.
Savitri and Satyavan returned to their home, where they lived a long and prosperous life. Their love and devotion became legendary, and their story was passed down through generations as a testament to the power of love, righteousness, and devotion to duty.
Savitri, by her determination, not only saved her husband but also earned the respect of all the gods and beings of the universe. She was revered as a symbol of strength, wisdom, and the ultimate power of love.
More stories:
- English Short Stories of Raja Harishchandra
- English Short Stories of Lord Hanuman
- English Short Stories of Shivaji
- English Short Stories of Lord Ram
- English Short Stories of Lord Brahma
- English Short Stories of Vyomakesh Bakshi
- English Short Stories of Lord Vishnu
- English Short Stories of Nagraj
