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Chapter 6 (Mahābhārata 3.298)
Chapter 6 (Mahābhārata 3.298) of 8. Read it here for reference, or continue through the entire work without leaving the reader.
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298.1 मार्कण्डेय उवाच।अथ भार्यासहायः स फलान्यादाय वीर्यवान्।कठिनं पूरयामास ततः काष्ठान्यपाटयत् ।।
298.2 तस्य पाटयतः काष्ठं स्वेदो वै समजायत।व्यायामेन च तेनास्य जज्ञे शिरसि वेदना ।।
298.3 सोऽभिगम्य प्रियां भार्यामुवाच श्रमपीडितः।व्यायामेन ममानेन जाता शिरसि वेदना ।।
298.4 अङ्गानि चैव सावित्रि हृदयं दूयतीव च।अस्वस्थमिव चात्मानं लक्षये मितभाषिणि ।।
298.5 शूलैरिव शिरो विद्धमिदं संलक्षयाम्यहम्।`भ्रमन्तीव दिशः सर्वाश्चक्रारूढं मनो मम'।तत्स्वप्तुमिच्छे कल्याणि न स्तातुं शक्तिरस्ति मे ।।
298.6 सा समासाद्य सावित्री भर्तारमुपगम्य च।उत्सङ्गेऽस्य शिर कृत्वा निषसाद महीतले ।।
298.7 ततः सा नारदवचो विमृशन्ती तपस्विनी।तं मुहूर्तं क्षणं वेलां दिवसं च युयोज ह ।।
298.8 `हन्त प्राप्तः स कालोऽयमिति चिन्तापरा सती'।मुहूर्तादेव चापश्य्पुरुषं रक्तवाससम्।वद्धमौलिं वपुष्मन्तमादित्यसमतेजसम् ।।
298.9 श्यामावदातं रक्ताक्षं पाशहस्तं भयावहम्।स्थितं सत्यवतः पार्श्वे निरीक्षन्तं तमेव च ।।
298.10 तं दृष्ट्वासहसोत्थाय भर्तुन्यस्य शनैः शिरः।कृताञ्जलिरुवाचार्ता हृदयेन प्रवेपती ।।
298.11 दैवतंत्वाभिजानामि वपुरेतद्ध्यमानुषम्।कामया ब्रूहि देवेश कस्त्वं किंच चिकीर्षसि ।।
298.12 यम उवाच।पतिव्रताऽसि सावित्रि तथैव च तपोन्विता।अस्त्वामभिभाषामि विद्धि मां त्वं शुभे यमम् ।।
298.13 अयं ते रसत्यवान्भर्ता क्षीणायुः पार्थिवात्मजः।नेष्यामि तमहं बद्ध्वा विद्ध्येतन्मे चीकिर्षितं ।।
298.14 सावित्र्युवाच।श्रूयते भगवन्दूतास्तवागच्छन्ति मानवान्।नेतुं किल भवान्कस्मादागतोसि स्वयं प्रभो ।।
298.15 मार्कण्डेय उवाच।इत्युक्तः पितृराजस्तां भगवान्स्वचिकीर्षितम्।यथावत्सर्वमाख्यातुं तत्प्रियार्थं प्रचक्रमे ।।
298.16 अयं च धर्मसंयुक्तो रूपवान्गुणसागरः।नार्हो मत्पुरुषैर्नेतुमतोस्मि स्वयमागतः ।।
298.17 ततः सत्यवतः कायात्पाशबद्धं वशंगतम्।अङ्गुष्ठमात्रं पुरुषं निश्चकर्ष यमो बलात् ।।
298.18 ततः समुद्धृतप्राणं गतश्वासं हतप्रभम्।निरविचेष्टंशरीरं तद्बभूवाप्रियदर्सनम् ।।
298.19 यमस्तु तं ततो बद्ध्वा प्रयातो दक्षिणामुखः।सावित्री चैव दुःखार्ता यममेवान्वगच्छत ।।
298.20 `भर्तुः शरीररां च विधाय हि तपस्विनी।भर्तारमनुगच्छन्ती तथावस्थं सुमध्यमा'।नियमव्रतसंसिद्धा महाभागा पतिव्रता ।।
298.21 यम उवाच।निवर्त गच्छ सावित्रि कुरुष्वास्यौर्ध्वदैहिकम्।कृतंभर्तुस्त्वयाऽऽनृण्यं यावद्गम्यं गतं त्वया ।।
298.22 सावित्र्युवाच।यत्र मे नीयते भर्ता स्वयं वा यत्र गच्छति।मया च तत्र गन्तव्यमेष धर्मः सनातनः ।।
298.23 तपसा गुरुभक्त्या च भर्तुः स्नेहाद्व्रतेन च।तव चैव प्रसादेन न मे प्रतिहता गतिः ।।
298.24 प्राहुः साप्तपदं मैत्रं बुधास्तत्त्वार्थदर्शिनः।मित्रतां च पुरस्कृत्य किंचिद्वक्ष्यामि तच्छृणु ।।
298.25 नानात्मवन्तस्तु वने चरन्तिधर्मं च वासं च परिश्रमं च।विज्ञानतो धर्ममुदाहरन्तितस्मात्सन्तो धर्ममाहुः प्रधानम् ।।
298.26 एकस्य धर्मेण सतां मतेनसर्वेस्म तं मार्गमनुप्रपन्नाः।मा वै द्वितीयं मा तृतीयं च वाञ्छेतस्मात्सन्तो धर्ममाहुः प्रधानम् ।।
298.27 यम उवाच।निवर्त तुष्टोस्मि तवानया गिरास्वराक्षरव्यञ्जनहेतुयुक्तया।वरं वृणीष्वेहविनाऽस्य जीवितंददानि ते सर्वमनिन्दिते वरम् ।।
298.28 सावित्र्युवाच।च्युतः स्वराज्याद्वनवासमाश्रितोविनष्टचक्षुः श्वशुरो ममाश्रमे।स लब्धचक्षुर्बलवान्भवेन्नृप-स्तव प्रसादाज्ज्वलनार्कसंनिभः ।।
298.29 यम उवाच।ददानि तेऽहं तमनिन्दिते वरंयथा त्वयोक्तं भविता च तत्तथा।तवाध्वना ग्लानिमिवोपलक्षयेनिवर्त गच्छस्व न ते श्रमो भवेत् ।।
298.30 सावित्र्युवाच।श्रमः कुतो भर्तृसमीपतो हिमेयतो हि भर्ता मम सा गतिर्ध्रुवा।यतः पतिं नमेष्यसि तत्र मे गतिःसुरेश भूयश्च वचो निबोध मे ।।
298.31 सतां सकृत्संगतमीप्सितं परंततः परं मित्रमिति प्रचक्षते।न चाफलं सत्पुरुषेण संगतंततः सतां संनिवसेत्समागमे ।।
298.32 यम उवाच।मनोनुकूलं बुधबुद्धिवर्धनंत्वया यदुक्तं वचनं हिताश्रयम्।विना पुनः सत्यवतोस्य जीवितंवरं द्वितीयं वरयस्व भामिनि ।।
298.33 सावित्र्युवाच।हृतंपुरा मे श्वशुरस्य धीमतःस्वमेव राज्यंलभतां स पार्थिवः।कजह्यात्स्वधर्मान्न च मे गुरुर्यथाद्वितीयमेतद्वरयामि ते वरम् ।।
298.34 यम उवाच।स्वमेवं राज्यं प्रतिपत्स्यतेऽचिरा-न्न च स्वधर्मात्परिहीयते नृपः।कृतेन कामेन मया नृपात्मजेनिवर्त गच्छस्व न ते श्रमो भवेत् ।।
298.35 सावित्र्युवाच।प्रजास्त्वयैता नियमेन संयतानियम्य चैता नयसे निकामया।ततो यमत्वं तव देव विश्रुतंनिबोध चेमां गिरमीरितां मया ।।
298.36 अद्रोहः सर्वभूतेषु कर्मणा मनसा गिरा।अनुग्रहश्च दानं च सतां धर्मः सनातनः ।।
298.37 एवंप्रायश्च लोकोऽयं मनुष्याः शक्तिपेशलाः।सन्तस्त्वेवाप्यमित्रेषु दयां प्राप्तेषु कुर्वते ।।
298.38 यम उवाच।पिपासितस्येव भवेद्यथा पय-स्तथा त्वया वाक्यमिदं समीरितम्।विना पुनः सत्यवतोऽस्य जीवितंवरं वृणीष्वेह शुभे यदिच्छसि ।।
298.39 सावित्र्युवाच।ममानपत्यः पृथिवीपतिः पिताभवत्पितुः पुत्रशतं तथौरसम्।कुलस्य संतानकरं च यद्भवे-त्तृतीयमेतद्वरयामि ते वरम् ।।
298.40 यम उवाच।कुलस्य संतानकरं सुवर्चसंशतं सुतानां पितुरस्तु ते शुभे।कृतेन कामेन नराधिपात्मजेनिवर्त दूरं हि पथस्त्वमागता ।।
298.41 सावित्र्युवाच।न दूरमेतन्मम भर्तृसन्निधौमनो हि मे दूरतरं प्रधावति।अथ व्रजन्नेव गिरं समुद्यतांमयोच्यमानां शृणु भूय एव च ।।
298.42 विवस्वतस्त्वं तनयऋ प्रतापवां-स्ततो हि वैवस्वत उच्यसे बुधैः।समेन धर्मेण चरन्ति ताः प्रजा-स्ततस्तवेहेवर धर्मराजता ।।
298.43 आत्मन्यपि न विश्वासस्तथा भवति सत्सु यः।तस्मात्सत्सु विशेपेण सर्वः प्रणयमिच्छति ।।
298.44 सौहदात्सर्वभूतानां विश्वासो नाम जायते।तस्मात्सत्सु विशेपेण विश्वासं कुरुते जनः ।।
298.45 यव उवाच।उदाहृतंते वचनं यदङ्गनेशुभे न तादृक् त्वदृते श्रुतं मया।अनेन तुष्टोस्मि विनाऽस्य जीवितंवरं चतुर्थं वरयस्व गच्छ च ।।
298.46 सावित्र्युवाच।ममात्मजं सत्यवतस्तथौरसंभवेदुभाभ्यामिह यत्कुलोद्वहम्।शतं सुतानां बलवीर्यशालिना-मिदंचतुर्थं वरयामि ते वरम् ।।
298.47 यम उवाच।शतं सुतानां बलवीरय्शालिनांभविष्यति प्रीतिकरं तवाबले।परिश्रमस्ते न भवेन्नृपात्मजेनिवर्त दूरं हि पथस्त्वमागता ।।
298.48 सावित्र्युवाच।सतां सदा शाश्वतधर्मवृत्तिःसन्तो न सीदन्ति न च व्यथन्ति।सतां सद्भिर्नाफलः संगमोस्तिसद्भ्यो भयंनानुवर्तन्ति सन्तः ।।
298.49 सन्तो हि सत्येन नयन्ति सूर्यंसन्तो भूमिं तपसा धारयन्ति।सन्तो गतिर्भूतभव्यस्य राज-न्सतां मध्ये नावसीदन्ति सन्तः ।।
298.50 आर्यजुष्टमिदं वृत्तमिति विज्ञाय शाश्वतम्।सन्तः परार्थं कुर्वाणा नावेक्षन्ति प्रतिक्रियाः ।।
298.51 न च प्रसादः सत्पुरुषेषु मोघोन चाप्यर्थो नश्यति नापि मानः।यस्मादेतन्नियतं सत्सु नित्यंतस्मात्सन्तो रक्षितारो भवन्ति ।।
298.52 यम उवाच।यथायथा भाषसि धर्मसंहितंमनोनुकूलं सुपदं महार्थवत्।तथातथा मे त्वयि भक्तिरुत्तमावरं वृणीष्वाप्रतिमं पतिव्रते ।।
298.53 सावित्र्युवाच।न तेऽपवर्गः सुकृताद्विना कृत-स्तथा यथाऽन्येषु वरेषु मानद।वरं वृणे जीवतु सत्यवानयंयथा मृता ह्येवमहं पतिं विना ।।
298.54 न कामये भर्तविनाकृता सुखंन कामये भर्तृविनाकृता दिवम्।नकामये भर्तविनाकृता श्रियंन भर्तृहीना व्यवसामि जीबितुम् ।।
298.55 वरातिसर्गः शतपुत्रता ममत्वयैव दत्तो ह्रियते च मे पतिः।वरं वृणे जीवतु सत्यवानयंतवैव सत्यं वचनं भविष्यति ।।
298.56 मार्कण्डेय उवाच।तथेत्युक्त्वा तु तं पाशं मुक्त्वा वैवस्वतो यमः।धर्मराजः प्रहृष्टात्मा सावित्रीमिदमब्रवीत् ।।
298.57 एष भद्रे मया मुक्तो भर्ता ते कुलनन्दिनि।`तोषितोऽहं त्वया साध्वि वाक्यैर्धर्मार्तसंहितैः' ।।
298.58 अरोगस्व नेयश्च सिद्धार्थः स भविष्यि।चतुर्वर्षशतायुश्च त्वया सार्धमवाप्स्यति ।।
298.59 इष्ट्वा यज्ञैश्च धर्मेण ख्यातिं लोके गमिष्यति।त्वयि पुत्रशतं चैव सत्यवाञ्जनयिष्यति ।।
298.60 ते चापि सर्वे राजानः क्षत्रियाः पुत्रपौत्रिणः।ख्यातास्त्वन्नामधेयाश्चभविष्यन्तीह शाश्वताः ।।
298.61 पितुश्च ते पुत्रशतं भविता तव मातरि।मालव्यां मालवा नाम शाश्वताः पुत्रपौत्रिणः।भ्रातरस्ते भविष्यन्ति क्षत्रियास्त्रिदशोपमाः ।।
298.62 एवं तस्यै वरं दत्त्वा धर्मराजः प्रतापवान्।निवर्तयित्वा सावित्रीं स्वमेव भवनं ययौ ।।
298.63 सावित्र्यपि यमे याते भर्तारं प्रतिलभ्य च।जगाम तत्र यत्रास्या भर्तुः शावं कलेवरम् ।।
298.64 सा भूमौ प्रेक्ष्यभर्तारमुपसृत्योपगृह्य च।उत्सङ्गे शिर आरोप्य भूमावुपविवेश ह ।।
298.65 संज्ञां चस पुनर्लब्ध्वा सावित्रीमभ्यभाषत।प्रोष्यागत इव प्रेम्णा पुनःपुनरुदीक्ष्यवै ।।
298.66 सुचिरं बत सुप्तोस्मि किमर्थं नावबोधितः।क्व चासौ पुरुषः श्यामो योसौ मां संचकर्षह ।।
298.67 सावित्र्युवाच।सुचिरं त्वंप्रसुप्तोसि ममाह्के पुरुषर्षभ।गतः स भगवान्देवः प्रजासंयमनो यमः ।।
298.68 विश्रान्तोसि महाभाग विनिद्रश्च नृपात्मज।यदि शक्यं समुत्तिष्ठ विगाढां पश्य शर्वरीम् ।।
298.69 मार्कण्डेय उवाच।उपलभ्यततः संज्ञां सुखसुप्त इवोत्थितः।दिशः सर्वा वनान्तांश्च निरीक्ष्योवाच सत्यवान् ।।
298.70 फलाहारोस्मि निष्क्रान्तस्वया सह सुमध्यमे।ततः पाटयतः काष्ठं शरिसो मे रुजाऽभवत् ।।
298.71 शिरोभितापसंतप्तः स्थातुं चिरमशक्नुवन्।तवोत्सङ्गे प्रसुप्तोस्मि इति सर्वं स्मरे शुभे ।।
298.72 त्वयोपगूढस्य च मे निद्रयाऽपहृतं मनः।ततोऽपश्यं तमो घोरं पुरुषं च महौजसम् ।।
298.73 तद्यदि त्वं विजानासि किं तद्ब्रूहि सुमध्यमे।स्वप्नो मे यदिवा दृष्टो यदि वा सत्यमेव तत् ।।
298.74 तमुवाचाथ सावित्री रजनी व्यवगाहते।श्वस्ते सर्वंयथावृत्तमाख्यास्यामि नृपात्मज ।।
298.75 उत्तिष्ठोत्तिष्ठ भद्रं ते पितरौ पश्य सुव्रत।विगाढा रजनी चेयं निवृत्तश्च दिवाकरः ।।
298.76 नक्तंचराश्चरन्त्येते हृष्टाः क्रूराभिभाषिणः।श्रूयन्ते पर्णशब्दाश्च मृगाणां चरतां वने ।।
298.77 एता घोरं शिवा नादान्दिशं दक्षिणपश्चिमाम्।आस्थाय विरुवन्त्युग्राः कम्पयन्त्यो मनो मम ।।
298.78 सत्यवानुवाच।वनं प्रतिभयाकारं घनेन तमसा वृतम्।न विज्ञास्यसि पन्थानं गन्तुं चैव न शक्ष्यसि ।।
298.79 सावित्र्युवाच।अस्मिन्न वने दग्धे शुष्कवृक्षः स्थितो ज्वलन्।वायुना धम्यमानोत्र दृश्यतेऽग्निः क्वचित्क्वचित् ।।
298.80 ततोऽग्निमानयित्वेह ज्वालयिप्यामि सर्वतः।काष्ठानीमानि सन्तीह जहि संतापमात्मनः ।।
298.81 यदि नोत्सहसे गन्तुं सरुजं त्वां हि लक्षये।न च ज्ञास्यसि पन्थानं तमसा संवृते वने ।।
298.82 श्वः प्रभाते वने दृश्ये यास्यावोऽनुमते तव।वसावेह क्षपामेकां रुचितं यदि तेऽनघ ।।
298.83 सत्यवानुवाच।शिरोरुजा निवृत्ता मे स्वस्थान्यङ्गानि लक्षये।मातापितृभ्यामिच्छामि संयोगं त्वत्प्रसादजम् ।।
298.84 न कदाचिद्विकाले हि गतपूर्वोहमाश्रमात्।अनागतायां सन्ध्यायां माता मे प्ररुणद्धि माम् ।।
298.85 दिवाऽपिमयि निष्क्रान्ते सन्तप्येते गुरू मम।विचिनोति हि मां तातः सहैवाश्रमवासिभिः ।।
298.86 मात्रा पित्रा च सुभृशं दुःखिताभ्यामहं पुरा।उपालब्धश्च बहुशश्चिरेणागच्छसीति हि ।।
298.87 कात्ववस्था तयोरद्य मदर्थमिति चिन्तये।तयोरदृश्ये मयि च महद्दुःखं भविष्यति ।।
298.88 पुरा मामूचतुश्चैव रात्रावस्रायमाणकौ।भृशं सुदुःखितौ वृद्धौ बहुशः प्रीतिसंयुतौ ।।
298.89 त्वया हीनौ न जीवाव मुहूर्तमपि पुत्रक।यावद्धरिष्यसे पुत्र तावन्नौ जीवितं ध्रुवम् ।।
298.90 वृद्धयोरन्धयोर्दृष्टिस्त्वयि वंशः प्रतिष्ठिः।त्वयि पिण्डश्च कीर्तिश्च सन्तानश्चावयोरिति ।।
298.91 माता वृद्धा पिता वृद्धस्तयोर्यष्टिरहं किल।तौ रात्रौ मामपश्यन्तौ कामवस्थां गमिष्यतः ।।
298.92 निद्रायाश्चाभ्यसूयामि यस्या हेतोः पिता मम।माता च संशयं प्राप्ता मत्कृतेऽनपकारिणी ।।
298.93 अहं च संशयं प्राप्तः कृच्छ्रामापदमास्थितः।मातापितृभ्यां हि विना नाहं जीवितुमुत्सहे ।।
298.94 व्यक्तमाकुलया बुद्ध्या प्रज्ञाचक्षुः पिता मम।एकैकमस्यां वेलायां पृच्छत्याश्रमवासिनम् ।।
298.95 नात्मानमनुशोचामि यथाऽहंपितरं शुभे।भर्तारं चाप्यनुगतां मातरं भृशदुःखिताम् ।।
298.96 मत्कृते न हि तावद्य सन्तापं परमेष्यतः।जीवन्तावनुजीवामि भर्तव्यौ तौ मयेति ह ।।
298.97 तयोः प्रियं मे कर्व्यमिति जीवामि चाप्यहम्।`परमं दैवतं तौ मे पूजनीयौ सदा मया।तयोस्तु मे सदाऽस्त्येवं व्रतमेतत्पुरातनम्' ।।
298.98 मार्कण्डेय उवाच।एवमुक्त्वा स धर्मात्मा गुरुभक्तो गुरुप्रियः।उच्छ्रित्य बाहू दुःखार्तः सुस्वरं प्ररुरोद ह ।।
298.99 ततोऽब्रवीत्तथा दृष्ट्वाभर्तारं शोककर्शितम्।प्रमृज्याश्रूणि पाणिभ्यां सावित्री धर्मचारिणी ।।
298.100 यदि मेऽस्ति तपस्तप्तं यदि दत्तं हुतं यदि।श्वश्रूश्वशुरभर्तॄणां मम पुण्याऽस्तु शर्वरी ।।
298.101 न स्मराम्युक्तपूर्वं वै स्वैरेष्वप्यनृतां गिरम्।तेन सत्येन तावद्य ध्रियेतां श्वशुरौ मम ।।
298.102 सत्यवानुवाच।कामये दर्शनं पित्रोर्याहि सावित्रि माचिरम्।`अपिनाम गुरू तौ हि पश्येयं ध्रियमाणकौ' ।।
298.103 पुरा मातुः पितुर्वाऽपियदि पश्यामि विप्रियम्।न जीविष्ये वरारोहे सत्येनात्मानमालभे ।।
298.104 यदि धर्मे च ते बुद्धिर्मां चेज्जीवन्तमिच्छसि।मम प्रियं वा कर्तव्यं गच्छावाश्रममन्तिकात् ।।
298.105 मार्कण्डेय उवाच।सावित्री तत उत्थाय केशान्संम्य भामिनी।पतिमुत्थापयामास बाहुभ्यां परिगृह्य वै ।।
298.106 उत्ताय सत्यवांश्चापि प्रमृज्याङ्गानि पाणिना।सर्वा दिशः समालोक्य कठिने दृष्टिमादधे ।।
298.107 तमुवाचाथसावित्री श्वः फलानि हरिष्यसि।योगक्षेमार्थमेतं ते नेष्यामि परशुं त्वहम् ।।
298.108 कृत्त्वा कठिनभारं सा वृक्षशाखावलम्बिनम्।गृहीत्वा परशुं भर्तुः सकाशे पुनरागमत् ।।
298.109 वामे स्कन्धे तु वामोरूर्भर्तुर्बाहुं निवेश्य च।दक्षिणएन परिष्वज्य जगाम गजगामिनी ।।
298.110 सत्यवानुवाच |अभ्यासगमनाद्भीरु पन्थानो विदिता मम।वृक्षान्तरालोकितया ज्योत्स्नया चापि लक्षये ।।
298.111 आगतौ स्वः पथा येन फलान्यवचितानि च।यथागतं शुभे गच्छ पन्थानं मा विचारय ।।
298.112 पलाशखण्डे चैतस्मिन्पन्था व्यावर्तते द्विधा।तस्योत्तरेण यः पन्थास्तेन गच्छ त्वरस्व च ।।
298.113 स्वस्थोस्मि बलवानस्मि दिदृक्षुः पितरावुभौ।ब्रुवन्नेव त्वरायुक्तः सम्प्रायादाश्रमं प्रति ।।
Musean translation
Mouseia’s complete machine-assisted Musean translation, made directly from the Sanskrit, passage for passage, covering the whole Savitri episode of the Mahabharata (Book 3, chapters 293–300 of the vulgate), 321 verses.
298.1 Markandeya said:With his wife helping him, the strong man gathered fruit,filled his basket, then began splitting wood.
298.2 As he split the wood, sweat broke out on him;the exertion brought on a pain in his head.
298.3 Weary and afflicted, he went to his beloved wife and said,“This exertion has given me a headache.
298.4 My limbs, Savitri, and my heart seem to ache;I do not feel well, gentle speaker.
298.5 My head feels pierced with spikes;all directions seem to spin, and my mind whirls like a wheel.I want to sleep, dear one; I have no strength to stand.”
298.6 Savitri went to her husband,placed his head in her lap and sat on the ground.
298.7 Pondering Narada's words, the ascetic womanreckoned the hour, the moment, the instant and the day.
298.8 “Now the appointed hour has come,” she thought in anguish.In a moment she saw a man in red garments,crowned, magnificent, brilliant as the sun.
298.9 Dark yet luminous, red-eyed, bearing a noose, terrifying,he stood beside Satyavan and gazed straight at him.
298.10 Seeing him, she gently lowered her husband's head and rose at once;with hands folded, grieving and trembling at heart, she spoke:
298.11 “I know you are a god; your form is not human.Tell me, lord of gods, who are you and what do you intend?”
298.12 Yama said:“You are faithful to your husband, Savitri, and endowed with austerity;therefore I speak to you. Know me, gracious woman, as Yama.
298.13 Your husband Satyavan, son of a king, has exhausted his life;I shall bind him and take him. That is why I have come.”
298.14 Savitri said:“Lord, I have heard your messengers come to take human beings;why have you come yourself, master?”
298.15 Markandeya said:Thus addressed, the divine king of the ancestors began,for her sake, to explain his purpose in full:
298.16 “He is devoted to dharma, handsome and an ocean of virtues;my attendants are unworthy to take him, so I came myself.”
298.17 Then from Satyavan's body Yama drew forth by forcea man the size of a thumb, bound in the noose and subject to his power.
298.18 With life drawn out, breath gone and radiance extinguished,the body lay motionless, dreadful to behold.
298.19 Having bound him, Yama set off toward the south;in her grief Savitri followed Yama.
298.20 “Having laid out her husband's body, the ascetic woman,slender-waisted, followed her husband in that state,”the noble wife, faithful and perfected through her vows.
298.21 Yama said:“Turn back, Savitri, and perform his funeral rites;you have discharged your debt to your husband and gone as far as you should.”
298.22 Savitri said:“Where my husband is taken, or where he goes himself,there I too must go. This is the eternal dharma.
298.23 Through austerity, reverence for my elders, love for my husband, my vow,and your own favor, my way is not barred.
298.24 The wise, who see truth, say seven steps together make a friendship;in the name of that friendship I have something to say. Hear me.
298.25 Those without self-mastery roam the forest in vain,enduring its dharma, dwelling and toil;the wise expound dharma from understanding,and so the good call dharma supreme.
298.26 Through the dharma of one good person, approved by the good,we have all entered upon that path.I seek no second or third path;therefore the good call dharma supreme.”
298.27 Yama said:“Turn back. Your speech delights me: its tones and wordsare clear, its reasoning apt.Choose a blessing here, blameless woman, except his life;I shall grant you any such blessing.”
298.28 Savitri said:“My father-in-law, driven from his kingdom, lives in the forest,blind, in a hermitage.By your grace may he regain his sight and strength,a king radiant as fire and sun.”
298.29 Yama said:“I grant you that blessing, blameless woman;it shall be exactly as you have spoken.I see that the journey is tiring you;turn back now, lest you suffer.”
298.30 Savitri said:“How could I tire when I am near my husband?Where my husband goes is surely my path.Where you carry him, there I must go;lord of gods, hear me speak again.
298.31 Even one meeting with the good is supremely desired;what follows is called friendship.A meeting with a good person is never fruitless;therefore let us remain in the company of the good.”
298.32 Yama said:“Your helpful words delight the mind and increase wisdom;I am pleased with what you have said.Choose a second blessing, radiant woman,but not Satyavan's life.”
298.33 Savitri said:“May my wise father-in-law recover the kingdomthat was stolen from him in the past;may he never abandon his own dharma—this is the second blessing I ask of you.”
298.34 Yama said:“He shall soon recover his own kingdom,and the king shall not fall away from his dharma.Your wish is fulfilled by me, princess;turn back now, lest you weary.”
298.35 Savitri said:“By your law you hold these creatures in check,and having governed them, lead them away at your will.Thus, god, your name Yama is known;hear now what I shall say.
298.36 To harm no living thing in deed or thought or word,to show compassion and to give: this is the eternal dharma of the good.
298.37 Most people in this world are frail in their strength;but the good show mercy even to enemies who come to them.”
298.38 Yama said:“Your words are to me like water to a thirsty man.Choose whatever blessing you wish, gracious woman,except Satyavan's life.”
298.39 Savitri said:“My father the king has no children.May a hundred sons of his own body carry on his line;that is the third blessing I ask of you.”
298.40 Yama said:“May your father have a hundred radiant sonsto carry on his line, gracious woman.Your wish is fulfilled, princess;turn back, for you have come a long way.”
298.41 Savitri said:“I am not far away while near my husband;my mind runs much farther than my feet.As you go on, listen once moreto the words I offer you.
298.42 “You are the mighty son of Vivasvat,and so the wise call you Vaivasvata.You rule creatures by equal dharma;that is why you are called Dharmaraja in this world.
298.43 A man does not trust even himself as he trusts the good;therefore everyone longs especially for their affection.
298.44 From goodwill toward all living things springs trust;therefore people place their trust especially in the good.”
298.45 Yama said:“Gracious woman, none but you has ever spoken to mewith words such as these.I am pleased; choose a fourth blessing, but not his life,and go.”
298.46 Savitri said:“May I bear Satyavan a hundred sons of our own bodies,who will carry on both our lines,strong sons, full of valor:this is the fourth blessing I ask of you.”
298.47 Yama said:“You shall have a hundred strong and valiant sonsto bring you joy, gentle woman.You must not tire, princess;turn back, for you have come far.”
298.48 Savitri said:“The good forever walk the path of eternal dharma;they do not sink or tremble.The meeting of good people with the good is never fruitless;the good need fear nothing from the good.
298.49 By truth the good lead the sun on its course;by austerity the good uphold the earth.They are the refuge of past and future, king;among the good, the good never fall.
298.50 Knowing this to be the ancient way honored by the noble,the good work for others without looking for reward.
298.51 The favor of good people is never wasted;wealth and honor do not perish in their keeping.Because this is ever the law among the good,the good become protectors.”
298.52 Yama said:“The more you speak of dharma in words so welcome,so well formed and rich with meaning,the more my affection for you grows;choose an unequaled blessing, faithful wife.”
298.53 Savitri said:“Unlike the other blessings, generous lord, you madeno exception this time for good deeds: this is what I choose—let Satyavan live,for without my husband I am as one dead.
298.54 Without my husband I desire no happiness;without my husband I desire no heaven;without my husband I desire no prosperity;without my husband I have no wish to live.
298.55 You yourself granted that I should have a hundred sons,yet you are taking my husband away.I ask this blessing: let Satyavan live,and your own word will prove true.”
298.56 Markandeya said:“So be it,” said Yama, Vaivasvata, and loosened the noose;Dharmaraja, filled with joy, said to Savitri:
298.57 “Here, dear woman, I release your husband, delight of your family;virtuous wife, your words of dharma and purpose have pleased me.
298.58 He shall be healthy, successful and attain his goal;together with you he shall live four hundred years.
298.59 Offering sacrifices in keeping with dharma, he shall gain renown in the world;Satyavan shall father a hundred sons with you.
298.60 They shall all be warrior kings, with sons and grandsons,forever famed and bearing your name.
298.61 Your father too shall have a hundred sons by your mother,Malavi; called the Malavas, with sons and grandsons,your brothers shall be warriors like the gods.”
298.62 Having granted her these blessings, mighty Dharmarajasent Savitri back and went to his own abode.
298.63 When Yama was gone and Savitri had won back her husband,she returned to the place where his lifeless body lay.
298.64 Seeing her husband on the ground, she drew near and embraced him;she sat down and raised his head into her lap.
298.65 Regaining consciousness, he spoke to Savitri,looking at her again and again with love, as one returned from afar.
298.66 “How long I have slept! Why did you not wake me?And where is that dark man who dragged me away?”
298.67 Savitri said:“You slept a long time in my lap, greatest of men.The divine Yama, who governs living beings, has gone.
298.68 You have rested, noble prince, and are awake;if you can, rise, and see how deep the night has grown.”
298.69 Markandeya said:His senses returned; he rose as from a restful sleep,looked at the forest on all sides, and said:
298.70 “I came out with you to gather fruit, slender-waisted one;then pain struck my body while I was splitting wood.
298.71 My head burned so fiercely that I could not stand;I fell asleep in your lap. I remember it all, dear one.
298.72 As you held me, sleep swept away my mind;then I saw a dreadful darkness and a man of great power.
298.73 If you know what it was, tell me, slender-waisted one:was what I saw a dream, or was it real?”
298.74 Savitri said to him, “Night is growing deep;tomorrow, prince, I shall tell you all that happened.
298.75 Rise, rise, and may you be well; see your parents, man of good vows.The night is deep, and the sun has set.
298.76 Creatures of night prowl, exultant, calling harshly;we hear leaves stir as beasts move through the forest.
298.77 Those fierce jackals howl from the southwest,their terrible cries shaking my heart.”
298.78 Satyavan said:“The forest is frightening, shrouded in thick darkness;you cannot find the path, nor can you walk it.”
298.79 Savitri said:“A dry tree in this burned part of the forest is aflame;the wind fans it, and fire glimmers here and there.
298.80 I can bring fire here and kindle it all around;there is wood nearby. Put aside your distress.
298.81 If you cannot bear to walk, for you still seem to be in pain,we cannot find the path in a forest wrapped in darkness.
298.82 When the forest is visible at dawn we can go, if you agree;let us spend one night here, if that is your wish, blameless one.”
298.83 Satyavan said:“The pain in my head has gone; my limbs feel sound.With your help I want to be reunited with my parents.
298.84 Never before have I returned late to the hermitage;my mother holds me back even before dusk arrives.
298.85 Even when I leave by day, my parents worry over me;my father searches for me with the hermitage dwellers.
298.86 My mother and father have been sorely distressed before,and often scolded me for returning late.
298.87 What condition must they be in now because of me?If they cannot see me, their grief will be great.
298.88 In the past my aged parents often said to me at night,weeping, overwhelmed by sorrow and love:
298.89 ‘Without you, son, we cannot live even for a moment;as long as you live, son, our lives are assured.
298.90 You are the sight of us, old and blind, the foundation of our line;in you are our offerings to the dead, our fame and our posterity.’
298.91 My mother is old, my father is old, and I am their staff;what will become of them tonight when they do not see me?
298.92 I resent the sleep because of which my fatherand my blameless mother have been thrown into fear for me.
298.93 I too am in danger, caught in grievous trouble;without my mother and father I cannot bear to live.
298.94 My father, whose wisdom is his sight, must surely be distressed,questioning each hermitage dweller in turn at this hour.
298.95 I do not grieve for myself as I grieve for my father, dear woman,and for my mother, who followed her husband and suffers deeply.
298.96 Because of me they must be suffering terrible anguish now;as long as they live, I live to serve and support them.
298.97 I live to do what pleases them;‘They are my highest divinities, ever worthy of my worship;such has always been my ancient vow.’”
298.98 Markandeya said:So the righteous man, devoted and dear to his parents,lifted his arms and wept aloud in anguish.
298.99 Seeing her husband wasted with grief,Savitri, devoted to dharma, wiped her tears with her hands and said:
298.100 “If I have practiced austerity, if I have given or offered sacrifice,may this night bring good to my husband and his parents.
298.101 I cannot remember speaking a false word even in jest;by that truth may my husband's parents live tonight.”
298.102 Satyavan said:“I long to see my parents. Come, Savitri, do not delay;I pray that I may find my beloved elders alive.
298.103 If I see any harm has come to my mother or father,graceful woman, I shall not live; by truth I swear it.
298.104 If your mind is set on dharma, if you want me to live,if you wish to do what pleases me, let us go straight to the hermitage.”
298.105 Markandeya said:Then the radiant Savitri rose and bound up her hair;she clasped her husband in her arms and helped him stand.
298.106 Satyavan stood, rubbed his limbs with his hands,looked in every direction, and fixed his eyes on the basket.
298.107 Savitri said to him, “Tomorrow you can fetch the fruit;I shall carry your ax so we have what we need.”
298.108 She hung the heavy fruit-basket from the branch of a tree,took up his ax and returned to her husband's side.
298.109 The graceful woman placed her husband's arm across her left shoulder,held him with her right arm, and moved off with an elephant's stately step.
298.110 Satyavan said:“Because I have traveled here often, timid one, I know the paths;I can make them out by the moonlight glimpsed between the trees.
298.111 We came by the path where we gathered the fruit;go back the way we came, dear one, without searching for another.
298.112 At this grove of palasha trees the path forks in two;take the northern track, and hurry.
298.113 I am well, I am strong; I long to see both my parents.”Even as he spoke, he pressed rapidly toward the hermitage.
Plain English translation
Mouseia’s complete Plain English edition, made independently and directly from the Sanskrit, covering the whole Savitri episode of the Mahabharata (Book 3, chapters 293–300 of the vulgate), 321 verses.
298.1 Markandeya said:“With his wife's help, Satyavan gathered fruitand filled his basket, then chopped wood.
298.2 As he chopped the wood, he began to sweat.The exertion caused a pain in his head.
298.3 Worn out, he went to his beloved wife and said,‘This work has given me a headache.
298.4 Savitri, my limbs and my heart ache too.Gentle woman, I feel unwell.
298.5 It feels as though sharp points are piercing my head.The whole world seems to spin, and so does my mind.Dear one, I want to sleep. I cannot keep standing.’
298.6 Savitri came to her husband,put his head on her lap, and sat down on the ground.
298.7 Remembering Narada's words, the disciplined womancalculated the hour, the instant, the time, and the day.
298.8 ‘The time has come,’ she thought in distress.A moment later she saw a man in red clothes,wearing a crown, handsome and as bright as the sun.
298.9 He was dark yet radiant, with red eyes and a rope in his hand, a frightening sight.He stood beside Satyavan and looked directly at him.
298.10 She gently set her husband's head down and stood up suddenly at the sight.With trembling heart and joined hands, she spoke in distress:
298.11 ‘I know you are a god; this form is not human.Lord, please tell me who you are and what you intend to do.’
298.12 Yama said:‘Savitri, you are devoted to your husband and practice religious discipline.That is why I speak to you. Good woman, know that I am Yama.’
298.13 ‘Your husband Satyavan, the prince, has reached the end of his life.I will bind him and take him away. That is why I have come.’
298.14 Savitri said:‘Lord, I have heard that your messengers come to take human beings away.Why have you come in person, my lord?’
298.15 Markandeya said:“Asked this, the lord who rules the dead began to explain fullywhat he intended to do, out of kindness to her.
298.16 ‘He lives by what is right, is handsome, and has many good qualities.My servants do not deserve to take him, so I have come myself.’
298.17 Then Yama forcibly pulled from Satyavan's body a personno bigger than a thumb, bound in his rope and under his control.
298.18 Once his life and breath were taken, the body lost its radiance.It lay motionless and was painful to look at.
298.19 Yama bound the little person and set out southward.Distressed Savitri followed Yama.
298.20 The disciplined, slender woman laid out her husband's body,and followed after her husband in his present state.She was accomplished in her vows, honored, and devoted to him.
298.21 Yama said:‘Turn back, Savitri. Go and perform his funeral rites.You have fulfilled your duty to your husband; you have gone as far as you may.’
298.22 Savitri said:‘Wherever my husband is taken, or wherever he goes himself,I must go too. This is an enduring rule of what is right.
298.23 Because of my discipline, my respect for my elders, my love for my husband, and my vow,and with your favor, nothing can stop my passage.
298.24 The wise, who understand the truth, say that walking seven steps together makes people friends.Now I speak to you as a friend; hear what I have to say.
298.25 Those who lack self-control live in the forestand undertake duties, live there, and labor there without understanding.People who know the truth explain what is right through knowledge.That is why good people say that right conduct matters most.
298.26 All of us follow the path of what is right,as good people understand it.I do not seek a second or a third path.That is why good people say that right conduct matters most.’
298.27 Yama said:‘Turn back. I am pleased by your words,whose sounds, syllables, and reasoning are well formed.Choose a gift, anything except this man's life;I will grant it to you, blameless woman.’
298.28 Savitri said:‘My father-in-law lost his kingdom and took refuge in the forest.He is blind and lives in the retreat.By your favor, let the king see again and be strong,bright like the sun and fire.’
298.29 Yama said:‘I grant the gift you asked for, blameless woman.It will happen just as you said.You seem tired from the journey.Turn back, so you will not exhaust yourself.’
298.30 Savitri said:‘How could I be tired while I am near my husband?Where my husband goes, that is surely where I go.I will go wherever you take him.Lord of gods, listen to me again.
298.31 Even one meeting with good people is valued highly;beyond that, people speak of friendship.A meeting with a good person is never fruitless.That is why one should keep company with good people.’
298.32 Yama said:‘Your helpful words please my mindand strengthen the understanding of the wise.Choose a second gift, good woman,anything except Satyavan's life.’
298.33 Savitri said:‘Let my wise father-in-law recover his own kingdom,which was taken from him long ago.And let this respected elder never abandon what is right.This is the second gift I ask of you.’
298.34 Yama said:‘The king will soon regain his kingdomand will not fall away from his duty.I have fulfilled your wish, princess.Turn back so you will not exhaust yourself.’
298.35 Savitri said:‘You hold these living beings under your laws,and govern and guide them according to your will.That is why you are known as Yama, the one who governs.Now listen to my words.
298.36 Never harming any living being in action, thought, or speech,and giving help and gifts: this is the lasting practice of good people.
298.37 Many people are weak and can only do so much.But good people show kindness even to enemies who come to them for help.’
298.38 Yama said:‘Your words are like waterfor a thirsty person.Choose whatever gift you wish, good woman,except Satyavan's life.’
298.39 Savitri said:‘My father the king has no children of his own.May he have a hundred sons born to him,so that his family line continues.This is the third gift I ask you for.’
298.40 Yama said:‘Good woman, your father shall have a hundred sonswho will carry on his line and shine with strength.Your wish is granted, princess.Turn back; you have come a long way.’
298.41 Savitri said:‘When I am near my husband, this does not seem far to me;my mind runs much farther still.As you continue on your way,listen to me speak again.
298.42 You are the mighty son of Vivasvat, the sun;that is why wise people call you Vaivasvata.You govern living beings by a law that treats everyone equally;that is why you are also the King of Dharma, lord of what is right.
298.43 People do not trust themselves as much as they trust good people.That is why everyone especially wants affection from good people.
298.44 Trust among living beings grows out of friendship.That is why people put particular trust in good people.’
298.45 Yama said:‘Good woman, I have never heard anyone but youspeak the way you just did.You have pleased me. Choose a fourth gift,anything except his life, and go.’
298.46 Savitri said:‘May Satyavan and I together have a hundred sons,children of our own who will continue our families.Let them be strong and brave.That is the fourth gift I ask of you.’
298.47 Yama said:‘You will have a hundred strong, brave sonswho will bring you joy, gentle woman.Do not wear yourself out, princess.Turn back; you have come a long way.’
298.48 Savitri said:‘Good people always follow lasting rules of right conduct.They do not give up or give way to fear.Meeting other good people is never fruitless for them.Good people do not fear other good people.
298.49 Good people guide the sun by speaking truth.Through their discipline they support the earth.They are a refuge for past and future, king;good people do not fail when surrounded by good people.
298.50 They know that this is the lasting way honorable people act.When good people help others, they do not expect anything in return.
298.51 The kindness of good people is never wasted;nor do their resources or their honor disappear.These qualities remain constant among them.That is why good people protect others.’
298.52 Yama said:‘The more you speak these pleasing,well-chosen words full of meaning about what is right,the greater my regard for you becomes.Choose an incomparable gift, devoted wife.’
298.53 Savitri said:‘Honored lord, you have not made this last gift conditional,as you made the others.I choose this gift: let Satyavan live;without my husband, I am as good as dead.
298.54 Without my husband, I want no happiness.Without him, I want no heaven.Without him, I want no wealth.I do not intend to live without my husband.
298.55 You yourself granted me a hundred sons,but now you are taking my husband away.I choose this gift: let Satyavan live,and your own words will come true.’
298.56 Markandeya said:“Yama, son of Vivasvat and King of Dharma, said, ‘So be it.’Gladly releasing his rope, he spoke to Savitri:
298.57 ‘Good woman, I have released your husband, the joy of his family.Your words about what is right have pleased me, faithful wife.
298.58 He will be healthy and fulfill his purposes.He will live with you for four hundred years.
298.59 He will perform sacrifices according to what is right and become famous in the world.Satyavan will father a hundred sons with you.
298.60 All of them will be kings of the warrior class, with children and grandchildren.They will bear your name and be renowned for generations.
298.61 Your father will have a hundred sons by your mother, Malavi.They will be called the Malavas and will have children and grandchildren.Your brothers will be warriors like the gods.
298.62 After granting her these gifts, mighty Yamasent Savitri back and went to his own home.
298.63 Once Yama had gone and she had recovered her husband,Savitri went to the place where his lifeless body lay.
298.64 Seeing her husband on the ground, she approached and held him.She sat on the ground and raised his head onto her lap.
298.65 He regained consciousness and spoke to Savitri,looking at her again and again with love, as if returning from a long journey.
298.66 ‘I have slept for a long time. Why didn't you wake me?Where is that dark man who dragged me away?’
298.67 Savitri said:‘You slept for a long time on my lap, best of men.The divine Yama, who rules living beings, has gone.
298.68 You have rested and are awake now, prince.Get up if you can; see how dark the night has grown.’
298.69 Markandeya said:“Regaining consciousness, Satyavan rose as if from a good sleep.He looked around at every part of the forest and said:
298.70 ‘I went out with you to gather fruit, dear wife.Then, while chopping wood, I felt pain in my head.
298.71 My head hurt so badly I could not keep standing.I slept on your lap; I remember all of that, dear one.
298.72 While you held me, sleep took my awareness away.Then I saw terrible darkness and a very powerful man.
298.73 If you know what happened, tell me, dear wife.Did I see a dream, or did it really happen?’
298.74 Savitri said to him, ‘Night is growing deep.Prince, I will tell you all that happened tomorrow.
298.75 Get up, get up. May you be well, and go see your parents, faithful man.It is deep night and the sun has set.
298.76 Nocturnal creatures are out, calling harshly in excitement.We can hear leaves rustling as animals move through the forest.
298.77 Those frightening jackals are howling terriblyin the southwest; their calls make my heart tremble.’
298.78 Satyavan said:‘The forest looks dangerous, wrapped in thick darkness.You will not find the path and will not be able to walk.’
298.79 Savitri said:‘A dry tree in this forest is burning from an earlier fire.The wind feeds it, and flames can be seen here and there.
298.80 I will bring some fire from it and make a fire here.There is wood here. Don't worry.
298.81 If you cannot walk—I can see you are in pain—and cannot find the path in the dark forest,
298.82 we can go tomorrow morning, when we can see through the forest, if you agree.Let us spend this one night here, if you wish.’
298.83 Satyavan said:‘My headache is gone, and my limbs feel normal.With your help I want to see my parents.
298.84 I have never stayed away from the retreat so late.If I am not home by dusk, my mother stops me from going out again.
298.85 Even if I leave in the daytime, my parents worry.My father looks for me together with the others at the retreat.
298.86 My mother and father have often been very upset with meand scolded me for coming back late.
298.87 I keep thinking about how they must feel now because of me.Not seeing me will bring them great sorrow.
298.88 In the past, my elderly parents, weeping at night,have often said to me in their deep distress and love:
298.89 “Son, we could not live even a moment without you.As long as you live, son, we can be sure of living too.
298.90 You are your old, blind parents' sight and the support of our line.You make our funeral offerings, our reputation, and our descendants possible.”
298.91 My mother and father are old, and I am their walking stick.What will happen to them tonight when they cannot find me?
298.92 I am angry at the sleep that has put my fatherand my innocent mother in danger because of me.
298.93 I am in danger myself, facing a painful crisis.I do not want to live without my parents.
298.94 My father sees with his mind; surely his thoughts are troubled.At this very moment he must be asking each person at the retreat about me.
298.95 Dear woman, I do not grieve for myself as much as for my fatherand my deeply distressed mother, who followed her husband into exile.
298.96 May they not suffer terrible distress because of me tonight.I live to support them while they live; I must care for them.
298.97 I live so that I may do what pleases them.They are the highest objects of my respect; I must always honor them.I have always kept this vow toward them.’
298.98 Markandeya said:“After saying this, the good man who loved and respected his parentsraised his arms and cried aloud in distress.
298.99 Seeing her husband worn down by sorrow,Savitri, who lived rightly, wiped away his tears with her hands and said:
298.100 ‘If I have practiced discipline, given gifts, or made offerings,may this night bring good to my husband's parents and to my husband.
298.101 I cannot remember ever lying, even when I was joking.By the power of this truth, may my husband's parents live tonight.’
298.102 Satyavan said:‘I want to see my parents. Savitri, let's go without delay.If only I may see both my parents alive!’
298.103 ‘If I find that anything bad has happened to my mother or father,I will not live, dear woman. I swear this is true.’
298.104 ‘If you care about doing what is right, about keeping me alive,or about pleasing me, let us go to the nearby retreat.’
298.105 Markandeya said:“Savitri stood up and arranged her hair.She held her husband by both arms and helped him stand.
298.106 Satyavan stood up and rubbed his limbs with his hands.He looked in every direction and then toward the fruit basket.
298.107 Savitri said to him, ‘You can collect the fruit tomorrow.I will carry your ax, which we need for our livelihood.’
298.108 She hung the heavy basket on a tree branch,took the ax, and came back to her husband.
298.109 The graceful woman put her husband's arm across her left shoulder,held him with her right arm, and walked with a steady gait.
298.110 Satyavan said:‘I know these paths from walking them often, dear one.I can see the way by moonlight between the trees.
298.111 Go back along the path we took here to gather fruit.Follow the way we came, dear one; don't worry about the path.
298.112 The path divides here among the palasha trees.Take the northern path and hurry.
298.113 I feel well and strong, and I want to see both my parents.’Still speaking, he hurried toward the retreat.