“Persistence can grind an iron beam down into a needle.” Here’s such a story of Savitri and Satyvan. 

Princess Savitri of the Madra Kingdom was as benevolent, brilliant, and bright as the Sun God she was named after. Her grace was known through-out the land, and merchants and powerful princes often flocked the royal palace to seek her hand in marriage. Despite the infinite proposals she received over the years, she did not take an ounce of bit interest in anyone of them. Men often would propose but would lose their nerve upon spectating her blinding splendor. Frustrated, the princess determined to find herself a husband. She wasn’t going to be the next victim of the cruel Fate.

Mounting her golden chariot, she traveled at a fast clip over rolling deserts, glittering cities, and snow-capped mountains rejecting many suitors on her way. Eventually, Savitri ventured into the deep tranquil forest and, amidst the play of dancing stars, she met a man chopping wood. His name was Satyavan, and like her, he loved the forest and the blissful solitude that wrapped itself around it. The princess saw he was not at peace.

After talking for hours, Satyavan told Savitri of his plight. He had been once a prince with wealthy parents who ruled over endless lands until his father had been blinded and overthrown in a violent coup. Now Satyvan worked tirelessly to support their meager new life. His youthfulness had wilted a long time ago, and he had no hopes for the future. His determination and devotion moved the princess. As they gazed into each other’s eyes, Savitri knew she had finally found an equal.

Savitri rushed back to her father to tell him the good news, only to find him conversing with Narada, a traveling sage and the wisest messenger of gods. At first, her father was thrilled to learn of Satyavan, but Narada revealed a tragic prophecy: her betrothed had only a year left to live. Savitri’s blood ran cold. She’d waited for ages to find her partner-was she already doomed to lose him? The princess refused to accept these terms.

Right before Narada, her family, and Savitr himself that she would never marry another. Satyavan was her true love, and their fates were entwined forever. Nobody, even the gods above could separate the two of them. The sky clapped with thunder, and the earth shook. Moved by her powerful words, Narada advised the princess to follow an ancient spiritual regimen. With regular prayers, periods of fasting, and preparation of special herbs and plants, she might be able to prolong Satyavan’s life. Savitri was ready in a heart-beat.

After a simple wedding, the couple returned to the jungle to live in keeping with the sage’s instructions. Life was hard. This modest existence was far away from her lavish upbringing, but her love for Satyavan was deep like the ocean and long as the wind. She wasn’t going to lose him. The couple was happy in one another’s company. A year passed, and the fated day arrived. 

On their first anniversary, the sun grew horribly hot burning everything it lay its presence upon. Satyavan’s brow began to burn, and Savitri barely had time to pull him into the shade, before he grew still and cold as the night. His eyes turned foggy, and a ghostly smile lay upon his lips. The earth grew silent only to be filled with Savitri’s sobs. Through her tears, the princess saw an immense figure on the horizon filling the sky. This was Yamraj, the God of Death, come to escort Satyavan’s soul to the afterlife.

But Savitri was not giving up yet. She followed the god for hours in the beating sun. Yamraj thundered at the princess to leave him alone in his peace. But even as her feet bled and her throat burned, Savitri would not turn back. She followed him like a devoted servant. Eventually, Yamraj paused. He would grant Savitri one wish as a reward for her persistence, but she couldn’t ask her for her husband’s life. Without any hesitation, she asked God to restore her blind father-in-law’s eyesight. The wish was granted, and Yamraj moved on. But still, Savitri’s foot-step echoed behind him. Exasperated, God granted her a second wish. This time, Savitri asked for her husband’s kingdom to be restored. Again the wish was granted, and Yamraj began his descent into his subterranean kingdom. 

But when he turned his head back, he was astonished to see the bedraggled princess stumbling around. His mouth was dry as a bone. He had never seen such devotion to the dead and honored her dedication with one final fish. Standing cool as a cucumber, the princess asked to be the mother of many children. Yamraj agreed and waved to dismiss her. But the princess only repeated the vow she’d made one year earlier: her fate was forever entwined with Satyavan. How could she bear many children, if Yamraj would not return her husband?

The God smiled knowing Savitri had beaten him to his own game. With Yamraj’s blessing and respect, Satyavan was returned to Savitri and the two walked back to the land of the living, united in a love that not even death could destroy.

Persistence and smartness lead to wonder. Thank you!