What is the story of Savitri and Satyavan? Savitri married Satyavan knowing he would die within a year. When Yama came for him she followed, and won his life back with her wisdom.
The story
Savitri, daughter of King Ashwapati, chose Satyavan, a prince living in exile in the forest. The sage Narada warned that he would die within a year. She married him all the same, and gave up palace life to care for him and his blind father.
As the day drew near she fasted for three days and went with him to the forest. There he fell, and Yama himself came for his life. Savitri followed. Yama was so moved by her words that he offered her boons, anything but her husband’s life.
She asked for her father-in-law’s sight and kingdom, then for sons for her own father. For her third boon she asked for sons of her own. Yama agreed, and she pointed out that she could have none without her husband. Yama smiled and gave Satyavan back. Married women remember this on Vat Savitri.
What it teaches
Sources
- Mahabharata, Vana Parva.
The puja families link with this story
Questions devotees ask us
Where does the story of Savitri and Satyavan come from?
It is told in the Mahabharata, Vana Parva. Retellings differ in small details from region to region.
What does this story teach?
Patience, love and a clear mind can change what seems fixed.