Savitri, daughter of King Ashwapati, was admired for her beauty and wisdom. Yet no man dared to seek her hand. On her father’s counsel, she set out to choose for herself — and in the forest, she found Satyavan, a noble youth caring for his blind, exiled parents.
Though a sage revealed a prophecy that Satyavan would die in a year, Savitri’s resolve was unshaken. She married him and embraced a simple life in the forest.
When the foretold day arrived, Savitri fasted and followed her husband to the woods. As Satyavan collapsed in her lap, Yama, the god of death, came to claim his soul.
Unyielding, Savitri walked behind Yama, her words weaving wisdom about love, duty, and truth. Moved, Yama granted her boons — her father-in-law’s sight and kingdom restored, her own father blessed with heirs.
For her final boon, Savitri asked to be mother to a hundred sons. Yama had already sworn it — but she reminded him that as faithful wife only Satyavan could father them. Realizing her brilliance, Yama returned Satyavan’s life.
Thus, through love, patience, and wit, Savitri triumphed even over death, and she and Satyavan lived long in joy and honor.