Introduction:
Savitri, written by Toru Dutt, is based on a popular story from the Mahabharata, an ancient Sanskrit epic. Toru Dutt's story is not about a goddess, but about a human being. Savitri's character is inspirational since she succeeds in resurrecting her husband from Yama, the god of death. Satyavan's life is returned to her by Yama, who also bestows three boons on her, including the blessing of a happy married life. Yama states that Savitri possesses all mental and emotional traits.
Savitri, Madras' Princess:
Savitri was the sole child of Ashwapati, Madra's wise and powerful king. Savitri was unfettered in all matters, big or small, because her father never concerned about her safety. He was completely convinced of her snow-white purity. She was free to go wherever she pleased, just like a boy. Savitri was free to go wherever she wanted, for as long as she wanted, with her companions. She used to go to gardens or hermit's cottages to meet saints who were glad to see her. They used to share the best of what they knew. Her father and the Queen hoped that Savitri would discover her husband on her own.
Her Distinctive Attractiveness:
She always wore a cheerful expression and moved slowly. Unknown strangers would turn around and stare at her for a long time, wishing her happiness. Her own unique charm was that she was pure, lovely, and innocent in the way that a child is. No ill-intentioned man could see her beauty because he was embarrassed by her simplicity. Her face had a beautiful purity to it. In her growing youth, there was a mirror of divine grace.
Love at First Sight: Her Romanticism:
Savitri was a romantic girl who had been raised with complete freedom. She went to a field one morning in the summer. She noticed some young men having fun there. They were the sons of the local hermits. One of them was tall, intelligent, and regal in demeanour. His smile was contagious, and he had a very lovely face. Savitri's eyes refused to avert their gaze. She breathed a sigh of relief as she glanced at his face. Her tranquility was shattered. Her state implied that she was in love. It's referred to as "love at first sight" by poets. It's a fact of life. Savitri's heart had finally opened since love had knocked on her door. She returned home after hearing the temple's evening bells, leaving her virgin heart behind and thinking of her. She walked away exchanging love with her heart. True love is undeniably a divine inspiration. All objects appeared brighter to her under its influence. All of the huts were adorned with a vivid rainbow, and the fields became more vibrant.
A Hermit Prince was Savitri's choice:
Savitri was not blind to love because she possessed both heart and head traits. She made an attempt to find out where that boy was. Satyavan was the boy's name, according to a saint. His father was a former Salva king. He couldn't defend himself because he was elderly and blind, and his foes grabbed his sceptre from his grasp. He now lived there with his wife and only son. He was the kindest of all the hermits. The tragic story of Satyavan's suffering was told and heard through tears, as the narration made the audience cry. It brought Satyavan's praise to light. Savitri's face was affected and changed as a result of it.
Savitri, the Dutiful Daughter:
Savitri's first duty was to inform her mother of her feelings of love. All of this was told to the king by the queen. He was interested in learning more about Satyavan's family. It was impossible for him to consider a marriage partner without knowing everything. Narad arrived to assuage the King's doubts. The sole concern, according to King, was Savitri's marriage. For that, he sought the wise counsel of Narad, the wise man. She had seen a hermit adolescent whom she admired. The match was not approved by Narad. Narad asked her to choose another boy to marry. The Muni described the decision as regrettable.
Savitri: A Determined Girl:
True love inspired Savitri, and she refused to give up her choice, for Satyavan was her spouse at heart. She did not have the power to forget him. It is not permitted by God. She was well aware that it was a fatal sin. She refused to breach her commitment since it would cause her an unbearable amount of pain in her heart. She was heartbroken at the prospect of abandoning Satyavan. Satyavan was worthy, according to Narad, and no one could refute this claim. He was a Suryavansi. He was a member of the Soorasen family. Dyumatsena his father was blind. Their ancestors were well-known. Dyumatsena was the most powerful of the rulers. Narad disclosed the truth that according to the nativity Satyavan would survive only a year. The king's opinion was altered after hearing it. He was concerned and decided to persuade Savitri to reconsider her mind. He asserted that no girl was allowed to choose her marriage without the consent of her parents. She hadn't made any promises to Satyavan, after all. Her feelings for the young man were very fleeting. She would not be considered a sinner if she gave up the thought. Savitri's father warned her about the terrible existence of a widowed woman. A widow's life is nothing but a burden, one that is tedious, perplexing, and depressing.
Savitri’s Philosophic Nature:
Savitri begs everyone to bow to Destiny, as no one can avoid their fate. It's unavoidable, as if He's given the order. A woman only has one chance to choose her husband. She's content to be single for the rest of her life. She inquires as to whether anyone has the ability to change what is written in his fate book. If she is destined to be a widow, she will be unable to avert those hardships; human efforts cannot prevent ruin, and no man can fight his fate.
Savitri's Success: An Ideal Daughter in Law:
She stared at her father and Narad after she finished speaking. Her father approved Satyavan. He promised Savitri that she would marry the man of her choice and that person would be Satyavan. This success leads to their marriage with pomp and show, Satyavan's love for her enables her to adjust with her circumstances. She strives to please her in-laws by working hard. She keeps fast for long life of her husband. In this state, a year passes, and the day of Satyavan's death arrives, just as Narad predicted.
Savitri's Endurance:
The courage of Savitri is inspiring. On Satyavan's last day, she spent the entire day praying. When Satyavan told his mother he was going to collect fruit and fuel, Savitri assumed he was being summoned by fate to the death destination he had chosen. Satyavan's parents agreed to let her accompany her husband because of Savitri's determination. Satyavan noticed tree branches while walking through the wilderness. The sound of branches being cut shattered the forest’s tranquilly. The sound of branches being cut came to a halt. Satyavan's axe fell on the ground. Savitri knew what was going on. Satyavan became blind and wondered aloud if he was going to die. She consoled him saying that perhaps he was fainting. His senses quit operating after a single start. Despite this, she did not feel threatened or like a common woman burst into tears.
Savitri's Spiritual and Intellectual Enlightenment:
Savitri shows her intellectual and spiritual illumination in front of Yama. She confronts a battle between Love and Death, and due to her intellectualism and spiritualism, she emerges victorious. Savitri followed Yama to his kingdom after he received Satyavan's soul. According to Yama, a widow's responsibility is described in the Shastras, and she should spend the remainder of her life doing so.
Sublime Thoughts of Savitri:
Savitri stated it was her obligation to accompany her husband everywhere he went. Nothing is permanent in this world, which is simply an illusion. She had no desire for her husband to return for worldly pleasures. All of these emotional relationships are made to be broken, and death is the ultimate truth of life. Sufferings test our steadfast faith in Him, just as gold must be tested by fire. Suffering is the result of our own actions or thoughts. She understood that no rites or prayers could save Satyavan's life, because human efforts could not change God's decision. Duty is the only true friend in making significant progress. Yama was fascinated by Savitri's beautiful thoughts. She had, in fact, told her everything Yama had said to her. The first boon was granted by him.
Exhortation of Savitri:
Savitri claimed she didn't feel fatigued because she was with Satyavan. Husband and wife are sworn to be together in joy and sorrow when they marry. As a result, she had to accompany Satyavan to his destination. Savitri said that all humans desire to be influenced by goodness. She was willing to accompany Yama in order to hear his genuine and loving words. The worldly scene had vanished under his divine presence, and the air had become fresh. Savitri claimed that once people comprehended death's actual essence, they would realise that Yama is superior to all gods. Yama triumphs over all through his patience and merciful love. Savitri's statements were correct, Yama said. Yama requested her to take another boon, but he was unable to grant Satyavan's life and take her own.
The Purity of Savitri's Soul:
Savitri felt obligated to Yama for bestowing boons on her. She refused to give up Yama and Satyavan's delightful company. Being in the company of the great is a blessing. She should be free to live with the good for as long as she wants; it doesn't matter where the good is. God's blessings are never in vain, and they always inspire virtue, whether visible or not. All fasts and prayers elevate a person spiritually, resulting in noble delights. Yama claimed that Savitri possessed all mental and emotional abilities. Her soul's purity was obvious on her face, and all gods should grant her peace of mind. Yama, too, wished to bestow one more favour upon her.
Savitri's Selfless Nature: The Triumph of Love:
Yama was unable to both return Satyavan's life and take Savitri's. Yama pledged to bestow a favour on her. Savitri was overjoyed. She requested Yama to restore her father-in- law's sight and reign. It was approved. Savitri requested that Yama should grant the boon that her father should beget one hundred children. The boon was bestowed by Yama. Her previous boons were for her father and father-in-law; now she should seek for a boon for personal happiness. Savitri was observant enough to see Yama's hint and mercy, as no restrictions were applied at this time. Yama, she asserted, is omniscient and knows everything. To obtain his mercy, there was no need to talk. She only wanted Satyavan to live and have children from him. Yama blessed that she would give birth to a hundred families and all sons shall be kings.
Savitri's Mental Presence:
Yama released Satyavan's soul and blessed them with a blissful life after bestowing the boon. It symbolized the triumph of love over death. She hurried to Satyavan's body after taking his soul. Satyavan awoke with a start as Savitri removed his lifeless corpse and propped his head on her breast. She then placed his soul on his heart, where it entered the body. He gazed about, perplexed, as if his lengthy slumber had been disturbed. Savitri proved that true love is everlasting.
An Ideal Wife:
Savitri proves that she is an ideal wife. Savitri exemplifies the Indian idea that a wife is a source of strength for her husband.