Savitri's Victory over Yama:
Introduction:
Even before Savitri's marriage with Satyavan, Narad disclosed the truth that according to the nativity Satyavan would survive only a year.
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| Toru Dutt’s Poem Savitri—Manners and Stages of Savitri’s Conquering Yama |
“Since thou insistest, King, to hear
The fatal truth, I tell you, I
Upon this day as rounds the year
The young Prince Satyavan shall die.”
Still Savitri's reply was harsh that all submit to Destiny for none can escape his fate. It is inevitable like a command by Him. A girl chooses her husband but only once.
“Once, and once only, all submit
To Destiny, tis God's command:
Once, and once only, so tis writ.
Shall woman pledge her faith and hand.”
She asked Narad if anybody has power to avoid what is written in the book of his fate. If it is her fate to lead the life of a widow, she would not be able to avoid those miseries. Human efforts can't avoid ruin and no man can struggle against his fate . All desires are not fulfilled in human world. Death is inevitable. But when Satyavan died she decided to change what was written in the book of fate. The manner and the steps in which she conquers Yama is highly inspiring.
Savitri: Respectful to Yama:
Savitri impresses Yama by paying high respect to him. As still Savitri vas sitting beside her dying husband, she saw Yama who wore a bright crown, a dark red gown and a belt round his waist. His skin was dark, his face, serious yet bright, his eyes were full of love and mercy but their brightness was horrible. Supporting her husband's head at a branch she bowed before Yama in respect. She requested the stranger to give his introduction for he looked like a god . She asked the purpose of his visit. He replied considering her religious nature that he was the god of death.
Savitri's Non - interfering Attitude:
Yama told Savitri that he had come to take Satyavan away and he would make Satyavan pass the river of forgetfulness that ends all worldly joys and sorrows. Yama bound Satyavan's soul not bigger than a thumb to take away with him. Savitri saw it all like a statue. She did not create any disturbance by bursting into tears. She did not interfere in Yama's action. It pleased him.
Savitri's Non - fearing Love for Satyavan:
Savitri's non - fearing love for Satyavan was an extraordinary experience for Yama. When Yama moved to his kingdom Savitri followed him. It surprised Yama and he asked her not to follow him but go home. Yama warned her that the place was not for the living. The duty of a widow is mentioned in the Shastras and accordingly she should pass the rest of her life. But Savitri was not ready to be departed from her husband.
The First Step to Victory:
Savitri's first step of victory came in form of the first boon. Yama had full sympathy with Savitri's true love for her husband. He pointed out that now she must be guided by her duty. Savitri claimed that it was her duty to follow her husband wherever he went. Yama should have pity on a suffering woman like her and he must permit her to follow her husband in any condition. Savitri told that the world is only an illusion in which nothing is permanent.
“I know that in this transient world
All is delusion, nothing true,
I know its shows are mists unfurled
To please and vanish. To renew
Its bubble joys be magic bound
In Maya's network frail and fair,
Is not my aim!”
She did not wish her husband back for worldly pleasures. All these emotional ties are made to be broken and death is the ultimate truth of life and it makes all senses dull. It is the conclusion of life. Duty is the only true friend to make great progress. Savitri's sublime thoughts impressed Yama. Yama could not give back Satyavan's life and could not take Savitri's life. Yama promised to grant her a boon. Savitri welcomed it. She asked Yama to restore her father in law's lost sight and throne. It was granted.
The Second Step to Victory:
The first step to victory encourages Savitri. Yama asked Savitri to go back for the night was growing dark and the way was rougher. Savitri claimed that she was not tired for she was with Satyavan. It was vowed at marriage that husband and wife should be together in joy and sorrow. Accordingly she had to go where Satyavan was being taken. Savitri claimed all human beings wish to feel the influence of goodness. She was willing to go with Yama to hear his true gentle words.
“But I would fain with thee go on,
And bear thy voice so true and kind;
The false lights that on the objects shone
Have vanished and no longer blind,
Thanks to thy simple presence.
Now I feel a fresher air around,
And see the glory of that brow
With flashing rubies fitly crowned."
Under his divine influence, worldly scene has disappeared and now the air was fresh. She is able to see his glorious face crowned with rubies. Savitri claimed if people understand death's true nature, they would find that Yama is above all gods. Yama wins all with patience and merciful love. Yama remarked that Savitri's words were true. Yama asked her to take another boon, but he could not grant Satyavan's life and take her life. Savitri requested that Yama should grant the boon that her father should beget one hundred children. Yama granted the boon.
The Third Step to Victory:
Savitri felt obliged to Yama for granting her boons. She was sure if she wished for one more boon that too would be granted but she was not willing to give up sweet company of Yama and Satyavan. In their company she felt no way was long. It is a blessing to be in the company of the best.
“Oh let me let me ever dwell
Amidst the good, where'er it be
Whether in lowly hermit - cell
Or in some spot beyond the sea.”
She should be allowed ever to live with the good for it is unimportant where the good resides. Boon granted by gods never go in vain and inspire virtue whether it is visible or not. All fasts and prayers make the person spiritually sublime that lead to noble joys. Yama declared that Savitri was blessed with all qualities of head and heart. The purity of her soul was visible on her face and all gods should bless her with peace of mind. Yama too wished to give her one more boon. Her former boons were related to her father and father in law, now she should ask a boon for personal joy.
“Ask something for thyself, and live
Happy, and dear to' all below,
Till summoned to the bliss above.
Savitri ask, and ask unblamed.
She took the clue, felt Death was Love,
For no exceptions now he named.”
Savitri was intelligent enough to catch the hint and mercy of Yama for no restriction was imposed now. She claimed that Yama is omniscient and knows all. There was no need to speak to attain his mercy. She had only one wish to have Satyavan alive and children from him. Yama blessed that she would give birth to a hundred families and all sons shall be kings.