The Three Wishes of Savitri                                                                                                          by ‘Ryan’s girl,’ age12                                                                                                                                       adapted from the neopets.com web site by Radha Damodar dasa

Narrator: Savitri was the name of a princess whose devotion to her husband went far beyond the realms of normal human experience, for she was prepared to face Death Himself to regain her love. Although there are those today who would call her “old-fashioned,” in her own time she was much admired as a woman and a wife. When she became a young woman, probably about 16 years of age, her father, the pious king Ashwapati, suggested she marry, as was the custom. He was, in truth, a little concerned that his daughter had received no proposals, for she was a quiet girl who preferred to read and study her devotions than go out dancing. But, Savitri gently declined her father’s suggestion. 
Savitri: My dear father, I am not yet ready to marry. First, let me travel for a year and maybe I will find the man that is perfect for me.
King Aswapati: But Savitri, you are at the traditional age to marry! I won’t always be around and who will provide for you and love you like I  do?
Savitri: (laughs) I am 	not experienced enough. When I come back from my pilgrimage, if nobody has turned up you’ll be welcome to arrange something for me. But, perhaps these matters are best left to destiny. You’ll see, if I am to be married, destiny will find me a husband!
Narrator: And so it was. Savitri wandered for a year, meeting with noble persons and great saints up and down the coast of India (which art that time was known as Bharatavarsa). She even spent a few months searching the small villages of the  interior regions. 
She ate the simplest of foods and slept under the stars. To meet her, none would have guessed that she was a princess, for she had left the fineries of the palace far, far behind her. Eventually, her travels brought her to a forest, where she chanced to see a handsome young man carrying an ax in one hand and a bundle of firewood in the other. At first, she thought him nothing more than a hunter or a forester, but there was something about him - the nobility of his bearing made her think again. Despite the roughness of his clothes and the meanness of his occupation, she could not help but wonder if he, like herself, was royally born, and, out of sheer curiosity (or, at least she hoped it was out of sheer curiosity), she asked him to tell her about himself. 
Satyavan: My name is Satyavan, madam. Once, I lived in a great palace surrounded by servants. My father was a king, but in his old age he lost his sight. Then, his courtiers were able to conspire against him, and I was not old enough to defend him because I had no abilities then. He was overthrown and banished. Now, we live in poverty in a small cottage in the forest. It is a hard life, not so much for me, but it is very hard for my poor father. I am taking him this wood, now. I wish I could bring him something that would comfort him more!

Narrator: Narada Muni, the greatest of the sages, who sees everything and therefore knows everything was visiting  King Aswapati when Savitri returned to her own palace. The joy of her arrival turned to astonishment when she announced that she intended to marry and then to dismay when Savitri announced that she had met the man that she wished to marry. 
Savitri: O Father, there was a righteous king among the Shalwa people named Dyumatsena but after some time, he went blind. Then, one of his enemies took away his kingdom, forcing that king, along with his wife and only child, to live in the forest. That son is now a young man worthy of becoming my husband. I have taken him to my heart as my Lord.

Narada Muni: That's too bad; Savitri has made a wrong choice!

Ashwapati: Wrong?

Narada Muni: Yes, the youth she is referring to is Satyavan and he does have exceptional qualities. Both his father and mother are always truthful; that is why the brahmanas call him Satyavan.

Ashwapati: And, is he energetic, intelligent, forgiving and courageous?

Narada Muni: Yes, his energy is like the Sun's, his wisdom like Brhaspati, his courage like that of the king of the gods and his forgiveness like the Earth's.

Ashwapati: But, is he generous in gift-giving and devoted to the Brahmanas? And is he handsome, unselfish and stunning to look at?

Narada Muni: In gift-giving, he is like King Rantideva, who fed innumerable beggars. 
In truthfulness and devotion to the Brahmanas, he resembles King Shibi, who offered his own body as a sacrifice to protect a pigeon from a hawk. 
In unselfishness, he is like King Yayati, in handsomeness like the Moon and in physique like the stunning Ashwins.

He restrains his senses and is humble, courageous and truthful.With controlled passion, he is dedicated to his friends, devoid of hatred, unassuming and forbearing. Indeed, great sages say that Satyavan’s behavior is always proper and that his honor is already firmly established.

Ashwapati: Those are his good qualities, but what about his flaws? Does he have many?

Narada Muni: He has only one flaw and it overpowers all his virtues. You must not marry this Satyavan, Princess Savitri. 
Savitri: (politely)And why not, your Holiness?
Narada Muni: Because this unfortunate young man, Satyavan, you speak of is living under a curse. One year from now, you will not be a wife, but a widow. Yes! Satyavan has only twelve months to live.
Ashwapati: Well, my daughter, you heard what the sage said. It will best for you to choose a different man.

Savitri: Death can only come once. A daughter can only be given away once. And a person can only say once, "I give this away." Similarly, whether Satyavan's life is short or long, virtuous or evil, I’ll only choose my husband once and I have done so!

Narada Muni: King, your daughter's mind is firm. It is not possible to dissuade her from this virtuous course. As no else has Satyavan's virtues, I approve of this marriage.

Ashwapati: I will do as you say, for you are my teacher.

Narada Muni: May Savitri's marriage be peaceful and may you all be blessed! Farewell!
(Narada Muni leaves.)

Narrator: Savitri had already plighted herself to Satyavan and did not intend to break her word. She insisted on going ahead with the marriage. And so the wedding was proclaimed. An iron ring was bound on Savitri’s left wrist and her veil was tied to Satyavan’s cloak, as custom dictated. A sacred fire was lit and hand in hand they walked around the fire seven times while the brahmanas chanted the ancient marriage prayer. Then, she put away all her jewels and fine clothes and went to live in the forest as the devoted wife of Satyavan and the dutiful daughter of his parents. 
Never once did she tell her husband what Narada Muni had foreseen, but not for a moment could she forget it. It is often said in Bharatavarsa that Lord Yamaraja is the only demigod who never breaks her word, and that is something absolutely certain. For this same reason, Lord Yamaraja is also known as the demigod of Truth and Faith. If Satyavan had an appointment with Lord Yamaraja, so be it. Nothing could come between the two of them.
And, sure enough, after twelve months, Lord Yamaraja kept his appointment. It was a beautiful summer day and Savitri and Satyavan were walking in a forest together. The grass was very soft. It was as if Mother Earth was tending to her garden right in front of them and the sun was shining upon them as if Surya, the Sun God, had appeared right beside them. 
Savitri was carrying a basket filled with wild fruit. Satyavan, as always, carried his ax, for even in warm weather he liked to keep their supply of firewood well supplied. He had been working while Savitri sang to him, when suddenly he stopped and complained that he felt dizzy. A moment later, he dropped the ax and staggered. Suddenly cold with dread, Savitri ran to him and caught him just as he fell into her lap. As Satyavan lay in the shade of a banyan tree, there was a rustle in the undergrowth, and it seemed as if a cloud had passed across the face of the sun, for the glade was thrown into shadow. When Savitri looked up, she saw a figure dressed in black, a noose of rough rope clasped in one hand. The figure looked at her with a sad expression and nodded. Savitri then knew that here was Lord Yamaraja, and he had come for her husband. 

Bravely, she moved the prince's head from her lap to the ground and, rising to her full height, she faced the giant. Joining her hands together, she said with a trembling voice:

Savitri: My Lord, from your mighty form I know you to be no mortal but a god. Tell me who you are and what you desire? 

Lord Yamaraja: I am Yama, the god of Death. The prince's hours were numbered from his birth and, with the noose in my hand, I shall bind his soul and drag him away.

Savitri: Lord Yamaraja, how is it that you have yourself come to drag away the soul of Satyavan and not, as is your custom, sent one of your messengers? 

Lord Yamaraja: A prince so great and so noble as Satyavan deserved that I should come in person to take him away. It is only by the merits of your fasting and the purity of your chastity that you are able to see me.

Savitri, I claim the soul of Satyavan as is my right. Do not be afraid for him; all his sorrows are now over. Princess, you must return home now, and there honor the dead prince with the last rites.

Narrator: Lord Yamaraja leaned down and fastened the rope around the Satyavan. At the touch of the rope, the soul of Satyavan separated from his body, standing up to follow the Lord of Death.

Lord Yamaraja: Farewell, and remember … I come to one and all. One day, you and I will meet again.
Narrator: Lord Yamaraja turned and walked away, but driven by a commitment that made her forget her fear, Savitri followed. 
She followed Lord Yamaraja through the forest and into a second clearing where a waterfall splashed down into a rocky pool. Hearing her, Lord Yamaraja turned again, and Savitri could have sworn that she saw a flame flicker in each of the fierce demigod’s eyes, but she was not afraid. 
Lord Yamaraja: Still here!? I see that you have more courage than I thought! Very well, I will give you a gift to help soothe the grief. You may wish for anything you like, except for the life of Satyavan.
Savitri: Then, I ask for my father-in-law’s sight to be returned. 
Lord Yamaraja: It is granted. Now, farewell again!
Narrator: For a second time, Lord Yamaraja walked away, carrying the soul of Satyavan. Now, the forest grew into a jungle. Thistles sprang up and thorns pressed in on the path. Wild sparrows flitted in the air and owls screeched mysteriously in the shadows. But still, Savitri followed her husband. 
Lord Yamaraja: I admire your determination and I will give you yet another wish. But, I am but an inch away from anger! It is as much to dissuade you from this folly as to reward you for your devotion to your husband, but once again, you may not ask for his life. Ask for anything but that. 
Savitri: Then, I would like my father-in-law’s kingdom and his wealth returned to him. 
Lord Yamaraja: It is done. Now, leave me, Savitri! 
Savitri: You control all beings and carry them away, not by your fancy but by justice. That's why you are called Yama - the Lord of Justice or Death. Kindly listen to this: The constant responsibility of the virtuous is to never harm anyone in thought, word or deed, but to love them and to give them what they deserve. To me, everything in this world is like my husband now - dead. People are empty of both devotion and grace but the virtuous are merciful even to enemies who ask for protection.

Yamaraja: As water is to a thirsty person, so are your words to me. Therefore, ask me for a third blessing - except Satyavan's life.

Savitri: My father, Ashwapti, has no sons. But, to continue our family line, I'd like him to have one hundred sons.

Yamaraja: Granted. Now that I have satisfied your wish, please stop following me. You have walked far enough. 
Savitri: Walking beside my husband, I have not noticed how far I've walked. Please hear what I say now: You are the mighty son of the Sun god, Vivaswata. Giving equal justice to all, you are called the Lord of justice. One is not as confident of himself as he is of the virtuous. Thus, everyone especially desires friendship with the virtuous. It is virtue alone that inspires confidence in all beings. That is why people depend especially on the virtuous. 

The virtuous always practice goodness. And, when they associate with each other, this is always productive. Neither person jeopardizes the other. By the truth of the virtuous, the Sun moves across the sky. By their austerities, the Earth is maintained and the past and future depend on them. The virtuous are always cheerful in the company of the virtuous. The virtuous help each other without expecting any reward. Therefore, serving the virtuous is never a waste. It never hurts one's interest and dignity. Because of such service, the virtuous often become the protectors of everyone. 

Yamaraja: Savitri, I have not heard anyone but you speak such words. They greatly delight me. The more you speak such significant words - full of sweet phrases, invested with virtue and pleasing to the mind - the more I feel respect for you. Now, stop following me! You already have gone too far!

Narrator: But, Savitri followed on. The jungle grew darker and more savage. Now, strange figures could be seen gliding silently between the trees. Savitri could have sworn she saw a huge pink spider rush to hide behind a bush. A foul smelling swamp bubbled nearby. Tentacles of a white mist spread out over the ground. 
Lord Yamaraja: (furious) Still here! Never has a mortal so defied me! You are a woman with the courage of ten warriors, it seems! Very well, I will grant you one last wish! What will you have this time? So far, you have only favored your father and your father-in-law. What can I give you for yourself?
Savitri: Only this - grant that I may have 100 sons and that I should live to see my grandchildren grow up in health and happiness. Will you give me this, your Holiness?
Lord Yamaraja: (smiling) It is a good wish and I grant it.
Savitri: (also smiling) You have forgotten, that according to law of Manu, which those in the royal order strictly follow, a widow does not remarry.
Narrator: Lord Yamaraja thought for a moment. If Savitri could not remarry, then how could she have children and grandchildren? And yet, that is what he had promised Savitri, and he never broke his word. Lord Yamaraja reached down and pulled the rope from Satyavan. 
Lord Yamaraja: So be it! (He takes the noose off Satyavan's soul.) Savitri, I have freed your husband and he has no illness anymore. He will achieve prosperity and, along with you, live for four hundred years. When Satyavan performs sacrifices, he will attain great renown. Moreover, he will have a hundred sons with you. All of their sons and grandsons will become celebrated monarchs. 

Your father will also have a hundred sons with your mother, Malavati. These sons will look like gods. They will be known as the Malavas. Along with their sons and daughters, they will be very famous. Go back to your cottage and live in peace, Savitri, for your mortal intelligence has defeated me! Now, I will depart for my own abode.                                                                                                                                               (Lord Yamaraja strides off the stage. There should be wild applause. Savitri and Satyavan embrace and walk to the other side of the stage.)
Narrator: Savitri and Satyavan returned to their cottage to discover the restored sight and fortunes of the old king. Savitri narrated how Narada Muni had foretold the death of Satyavan even before her marriage. She then described her Triratra vow, her pleadings with Lord Yamaraja and the boons the latter granted. The sages were astounded by the single-minded devotion of Savitri and praised and blessed her.
As the dawn broke, a company of riders came from the Salwa country with the report that the usurper to the throne of Dyumatsena was murdered by his people and with the request that Dyumatsena should take over the reigns of the kingdom again. The riders were joyous to find out that Dyumatsena had regained his eyesight.
Dyumatsena was installed again as the king and Satyavan as the crown prince. Savitri came to get a hundred brothers and a hundred sons. Satyavan ultimately ruled the Salwa kingdom and led a happy life for 400 hundred years on earth. Then, they passed gently away and their subjects sorrowed over them for many years afterwards. 

Even today, many thousands of years later, the story of Savitri’s chastity and wisdom is told and retold in every Indian family and they hold an annual festival in her honor called Vata Purnima. Satyavan had lain under a banyan tree on the full moon day of Jyeshtha (March), thus this day came to be celebrated as Vata (banyan) Purnima when married women, sometimes decked out in their bridal finery, observe a fast and pray for the long life of their husbands. 

They take a ritual bath, then put on new clothes and visit a banyan tree. They ceremonially water the tree, tie a raw cotton thread around the tree trunk and worship the tree by offering mangoes and bananas. They go around the tree seven times and pray that they may get the same good husband for the next seven lives. 
        
On returning home, they paint a banyan tree on the wall of their temple room with turmeric powder and sandalwood paste and worship it. After breaking their fast, fruits, clothes and other articles are placed in a bamboo basket and given in charity. Throughout the day and night, the glorious story of Chaste Savitri’s devotion to her husband, Satyavan, is narrated. 

Savitri is famed as a glorious example of a chaste wife. A tragic fate befell her husband but, by her steadfast perseverance, she completely reversed the situation. Likewise, in our pursuit of wisdom and virtue, although we may encounter many obstacles or difficulties, we must manifest similar perseverance to succeed.

It is said that whoever listens reverently to this account of Savitri's determination achieves happiness, success in all pursuits and never experiences anguish.
(Bhajan)