Savitri Satyavan Story – Chapter 3: Life in the Forest

Life in the Forest

When Savitri chose Satyavan as her husband, Maharaja Ashwapati's heart was filled with sorrow and worry. He was disturbed by Narada Muni's prediction of Satyavan's short life, but Savitri's resolve was unwavering. The wedding preparations began, as if destiny was writing a decree that could not be averted.

Marriage and Exile

There was an atmosphere of joy and celebration in the palace, but anxieties about the future loomed in Savitri's mind. She married Satyavan and renounced royal clothes and jewelry. She decided to live with Satyavan in the forest, where they would serve his parents, who had become blind and were exiled from the kingdom. Life in the forest was difficult, but Savitri's love and sacrifice made it like heaven. The trees were tall and dense, the chirping of birds was constantly heard, and wild flowers spread their beauty.

Savitri said to Satyavan, "My lord, life in the palace was full of comforts, but living with you in this forest is the greatest happiness for me. Serving your parents and your company are making my life meaningful." Satyavan replied, "Savitri, your love and sacrifice are incomparable. You have taken on the burden of serving my elderly parents and have given me immense happiness. Your companionship is no less than a throne for me."

Service and Devotion

Savitri's day was spent in serving Satyavan and his parents. She would wake up early in the morning, take a bath, worship God, and cook food for everyone. Satyavan would go to the forest to cut wood, and Savitri would take food for him. She would collect herbs in the forest all day and serve the sick. At night, she would read ancient stories and religious texts to Satyavan. Savitri's mind was always fixed on God, and she constantly prayed. Yet, Narada Muni's prediction kept pricking her mind like a thorn. She saw every day as the last day spent with Satyavan.

One day Savitri thought in her mind, "Narada Muni had said that Satyavan would die within a year. Only a few days are left for the marriage to complete a year. I have to be alert every moment and protect Satyavan. May God give me the strength to succeed in this difficult test."

Counting Down to Death

Savitri had started counting down the days to Satyavan's death. She was spending each day counting it down. After the marriage, she stayed with Satyavan every moment, becoming his shadow. She started observing fasts and vows, and began praying to the gods and goddesses for Satyavan's protection. A sea of fear and worry was rising in her mind, but she controlled her emotions and did not let Satyavan realize this. She knew that if Satyavan found out about this, he would be very sad.

Time passed, and that unfortunate day drew near. Savitri's heart was trembling with fear, but she gained strength from her devotion and penance. She knew that she would have to go to any extent to protect Satyavan, even if it meant confronting Yamaraja. Her nights were spent in restlessness, thinking about what would happen the next day.