Savitri Satyavan Katha – Chapter 6: Yamaraja Bestows Boons

Yamraj's Boon Giving

Compelled by Savitri's unwavering devotion and love, Yamraj, the god of death, was now forced to stop her. Yamraj was moving forward with Satyavan's soul, and Savitri, the devoted wife, was following him with firm resolve. Her sacrifice and love had forced Yamraj to think whether she was really just an ordinary woman?

Savitri's Praise

Yamraj turned and looked at Savitri. His face, despite being the god of death, was now filled with wonderful respect and admiration. An unwavering flame of love for Satyavan was burning in Savitri's eyes, and the fragrance of devotion was emanating from every pore of her body. Yamraj addressed Savitri in his divine voice, saying, "O Goddess! Your devotion, your love, and your resolve are unique. I have never seen such a devoted wife before. I am extremely pleased with your penance."

Savitri humbly replied, "O Yamraj! I am just an ordinary wife, who is fulfilling her duty towards her husband. The sole purpose of my life is to serve Satyavan. Separating me from my husband is like taking away my life."

Beginning of the Boons

Yamraj was moved. He knew that hurting Savitri's feelings was against Dharma. He said, "O Savitri! Pleased with your devotion, I am ready to grant you a boon. But, remember, I cannot return Satyavan's life to you. You can ask me for anything except Satyavan's life." Savitri immediately replied, "O Yamraj! If you are pleased, then I ask you for this boon that my blind father-in-law, Dhyumatsen, may regain his sight and regain his lost kingdom."

Yamraj's Boons and Savitri's Wisdom

Yamraj immediately said, "So be it! O Savitri, your father-in-law will regain his sight from today and he will run his kingdom efficiently." Savitri thanked Yamraj, but she did not stop. She said, "O Yamraj! I ask you for another boon. My father, Ashwapati, has no son. I ask you for this boon that he may get a radiant son." Yamraj then said, "So be it! Your father will soon have a son." Savitri bowed her head in gratitude, then said, "O Yamraj! Now my last boon. I ask you for this boon that I may have the good fortune to become the mother of a hundred radiant sons from Satyavan."

Cycle of Boons and Satyavan's Rebirth

Yamraj was stunned for a few moments. He was amazed to see Savitri's wisdom. He realized that Savitri had bound him in a web of words. How could Savitri become a mother without Satyavan? Yamraj reluctantly said, "So be it! O Savitri, you will have a hundred sons from Satyavan." And at that moment, Satyavan's soul was freed from Yamraj's hand. Satyavan came back to life. Yamraj disappeared, and Savitri happily walked towards the forest with her beloved husband, where fate had brought a new dawn for them. In the next chapter, we will see how the love of Savitri and Satyavan gives a new dimension to their lives.