Savitri and Satyavan: The legend of the princess who outwitted Death

Princess Savitri of the Madra Kingdom was as benevolent, brilliant, and bright as the sun god she was named for. Her grace was known throughout the land and many powerful princes and wealthy merchants flocked to her family's palace to seek her hand in marriage. But upon witnessing her blinding splendour in person, the men lost their nerves.

Unimpressed with these suitors, the princess determined to find a husband herself. Mounting her golden chariot, she travelled through rolling deserts and glistering cities, rejecting men along the way. Eventually, Savitri ventured into a deep jungle where she meet a young man chopping wood. His name was Satyavan, and like her, he loved the tranquil forest- but the princess saw he was not at peace. After talking for hours, Satyavan told her of his plight.

His parents had once been wealthy rulers, until his father was blinded and overthrown in a violent coup. Now Satyavan worked tirelessly to support their meager new life. His determination and devotion moved the princess. As they gazed into each other's eyes, she knew she'd finally found an equal.

She rushed home to tell her father but found Narada, the messenger from god who told her that her betrothed has only one year to live. Savitri's blood ran cold. She refused to marry any one else and said their fates are entwined forever.

Moved by her powerful words, Narada deceided to help. With a combination of fasting, praying and some ancient herbs, she might be able to prolong Satyavan's life. After their marriage ceremony, they went to live a modest lifestyle in the jungle. They kept practising what the messenger told them. Quickly the year passed, and the fateful day arrived.

On their anniversary, the sun was so bright it burned Satyavan's eyebrows off. His wife rushed to help him but it was too late. Savitri looked up and saw an immense figure on the horizon, it was Yamraj, the god of death. He has come to escort Satyavan's soul to the afterlife.

But Savitri was not giving up yet. She followed Yamraj through the hot desert sands, crying and pleading with him. Yamraj decided to grant her one wish but she could not ask for her husband's life. Without hesitation, Savitri asked Yamraj to restore her father-in-law eyesight. Her wish was granted yet she did not give up. She kept on pleading with the death god to grant her another wish. He agreed on the same condition. She asked that her husband's kingdom be restored. Her wish was again granted.

She followed the death god into the land of the afterlife and kept on pleading with him. Yamraj has never seen such a strong devotion to the dead. He would grant her one last wish for her persistence and dedication, again with the same condition. Savitri wished to be the mother of many children. The god agreed and dismissed her. She then repeated the vow she said earlier to her father; that her fate is forever entwined with Satyavan. How could she bear many children, if Yamraj would not return her husband? Hearing this clever question, the god relented, knowing he has been beaten. With Yamraj's blessing and respect, Satyavan was returned to Savitri and the two walked back to the land of the living together, united in a love that not even death could destroy.

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Enjoy your weekend folks!!!

[INSPIRATION: TED-EX]