Long ago in a kingdom of Madra ruled a king named Asvapati. Though he was a righteous king, he did not have any children. His counselors advised him to pray to God Savitr. So, Asvapati prayed to Savitr. Then Savitr pleased with his devotion, appeared before him. He told the king his desires will be fulfilled. Soon, Asvapati's wife delivered a girl child. Asvapati was overjoyed! He named the child Savitri to show his respect towards the God Savitr and celebrated her birth with pomp and ostentation. Soon, Savitri grew into a beautiful maiden and it was time to get her married. So, Asvapati made arrangements to find a suitable match for her. But, none agreed as she was both beautiful and intelligent. So, Asvapati asked Savitri to choose a husband for herself. She agreed and visited various kingdoms. On the way through one of the forest, she saw a handsome hermit and fell for him. She could not forget his face. Later when she visited the forest again she found out that he was not a hermit but the son of an exiled king and his name was Satyavan. She returned to her kingdom and told her father that she was interested to marry Satyavan. At that time Sage Narada told Asvapati that Satyavan was destined to die in a year's time. Asvapati was not happy with this news and conveyed Savitri the same. But Savitri was adamant and wanted to marry only Satyavan. Eventually, Asvapati gave in and she married Satyavan. They lived happily for a year and finally the time of Satyavan's death arrived. Lord Yama with his noose tied around Satyavan's neck began to pull him. Savitri who saw this asked Yama to take her along with him. But Yama was reluctant as it was not the time of her death yet. He was impressed with her and granted her a boon. She asked for giving her father in law sight and his kingdom back. Yama granted her this wish and was astonished that she didn't ask any boon for herself and offered her two more boons. She told that her father had no sons to carry his lineage and asked for a boon that her father have sons and that she also wanted a hundred sons. Yama granted her these boons. He saw Savitri still waiting and asked her why she was waiting. She told him that without her husband she cannot have a hundred sons. Yama was wonderstruck with her cleverness and finally granted her these boons. Soon, Satyavan's life returned and he and Savitri lived happily ever after with their hundred sons.
Comments
Post a Comment