मार्कण्डेय उवाच अथ भार्यासहायः स फलान्यादाय वीर्यवान्। कठिनं पूरयामास ततः काष्ठान्यपाटयत्॥
Markandeya said : Accompanied by his wife the powerful Satyavana (first) gathered fruits and filled his bag; he then began to cut down the trees.
तस्य पाटयतः काष्ठं स्वेदो वै समजायत। व्यायामेन च तेनास्य जज्ञे शिरसि वेदना॥ सोऽभिगम्य प्रियां भार्यामुवाच श्रमपिडितः।
As he was felling the branches he began to sweat and had an headache in consequence of the labour. Oppressed with toil, he came to his dear wife and said to her thus.
सत्यावानुवाच व्यायामेन ममानेन जाता शिरसि वेदना॥ अङ्गानि चैव सावित्रि हृदयं दूयतीव च। अस्वस्थमिव चात्मानं लक्षये मितभाषिणी॥ शूलैरिव शिरो विद्धमिदं संलक्षयाम्यहम्। तत् खप्तुमिच्छे कल्याणि न स्थातुं शक्तिरस्ति मे॥
Satyavana said : I have a headache on account of this exercise. And, O Savitri, my limbs and heart are aching. O lady of restrained speech, I feel unwell. It seems (to me) that my head is being pierced by arrows. Therefore, O blessed lady, I feel inclined to sleep; for I am quite unable to stand.
सा समासाद्य सावित्री भर्तारमुपगम्य च। उत्सङ्गेऽस्य शिरः कृत्वा निषसाद महीतले॥
(Thereupon), Savitri coming up to her husband, sat down on the ground with his head on her lap.
ततः सा नारदवचो विमृशन्ती तपस्विनी। तं मुहूर्त क्षणं बेला दिवसं च युयोज ह॥
Then that devout lady, remembering the words of Narada, began to calculate the moment, the hour, the time and the day.
मुहूर्तादेव चापश्यत् पुरुषं रक्तवाससम्। बद्धमौलिं वपुष्मन्तमादित्यसमतेजसम्॥ श्यामावदातं रक्ताक्षं पाशहस्तं भयावहम्। स्थितं सत्यवतः पार्श्वे निरीक्षन्तं तमेव च॥
And in a moment she saw a person attired in red garments, wearing a diadem, of an enormous structure, having the splendour of the sun of a dark and yellow complexion, endued with red eyes, with a noose in his hands, dreadful to look at, standing beside Satyavana and gazing at him.
तं दृष्ट्वा सहसोत्थाय भर्तुर्यस्य शनैः शिरः। कृताञ्जलिरुवाचार्ता हृदयेन प्रवेपती॥
Beholding him she gently placed her husband's head on the ground. Then rising suddenly she, with a trembling heart and joined palms, said these words in a great sorrow.
सावित्र्युवाच दैवतं त्वाभिजानामि वपुरेतद्ध्यमानुषम्। कामया ब्रूहि देवेश कस्त्वं किं च चिकीर्षसि॥
Savitri said: From your superhuman appearance I know you to be a god. Kindly tell me, O god of gods, who you are and what is your desire.
यम उवाच पतिव्रततासि सावित्रि तथैव च तपोऽन्विता। अतस्त्वामबिबाषामि विद्धि मां त्वं शुभे यमम्॥
Yama said: O Savitri, you are devotedly attached to your husband and are of ascetic virtue. And it for this reason that I address you. Know me, O auspicious girl, to be Yana.
अयं ते सत्यवान भर्ता क्षीणायुः पार्थिवात्मजः। नेष्यामि तमहं बद्ध्वा विद्ध्यतन्मे चिकीर्षितम्॥
The years of this prince, your husband, being numbered, I will bind (him with this noose) and take him hence. Know this to be my। intention.
सावित्र्युवाच श्रूयते भगवन् दूतास्तवागच्छन्ति मानवान्। नेतुं किल भवान् कस्मादागतोऽसि स्वयं प्रभो॥
Savitri said: We hear, O god, that your emissaries come to take away men. How is it that your worshipful self has come in person?
मार्कण्डेय उवाच इत्युक्तः पितृराजस्तां भगवान् स्वचिकीर्षितम्। यथावत् सर्वमाख्यातुं तत्प्रियार्थं प्रचक्रमे॥
Markandeya said : Thus addressed by her, the divine lord of the Pitris, in order to please her, began faithfully to relate everything about his intentions.
अयं च धर्मसंयुक्तो रूपवान् गुणसागरः। ना) मत्पुरुषैर्नेतुमतोऽस्मि स्वयमागतः॥
And he said, I have come here personally considering that my emissaries are not fit to bring such a devotional and handsome person, endued with qualities, vast as a sea."
ततः सत्यवतः कायात् पाशबद्धं वशं गतम्। अङ्गुष्ठमात्रं पुरुषं निश्चकर्ष यमो बलात्॥
Then Yama powerfully drew out of the body of Satyavana a person of the measure of the thumb, bound him with the noose and brought him under control.
ततः समुद्धृतप्राणं गतश्वासं हतप्रभम्। निर्विचेष्टं शरीरं तद् बभूवाप्रियददर्शनम्॥
The life being taken out, the body deprived of breath, destitute of lustre and devoid of motion, became disagreeable to the eye.
यमस्तु तं ततो बद्ध्वा प्रयातो दक्षिणामुखः। सावित्री चैव दुःखार्ता यममेवान्वगच्छत। नियमव्रतसंसिद्धा महाभागा पतिव्रता॥
Binding it thus, Yama proceeded towards the south; and weighed down with grief, the exalted Savitri also, devotedly attached to her husband and successful in her vow, followed him.
यम उवाच निवर्त गच्छ सावित्री कुरुष्वास्यौर्ध्वदेहिकम्। कृतं भर्तुस्त्वयाऽऽनृण्यं यावद् गम्यं गतं त्वया॥
Yama said: Go back, O Savitri and perform the last rites of your husband. Your debt to your husband is discharged. You have come as far as is possible (for you) to do.
सावित्र्युवाच यत्र मे नीयते भर्ता स्वयं वा यत्र गच्छति। मया च तत्र गन्तव्यमेष धर्मः सनातनः॥
Savitri said: I ought to follow my husband thither where he is being carried to or whither he goes of his own accord. (Because) this is the eternal duty.
तपसा गुरुभक्त्या च भर्तुः स्नेहाद् व्रतेन च। तव चैव प्रसादेन न मे प्रतिहता गतिः॥
There shall be no obstacle to my course on account of my asceticism, my devotion to superiors, my affection for my husband, my observance of vows and your grace.
प्राहुः साप्तपदं मैत्रं बुधास्तत्त्वार्थदर्शिनः। मित्रतां च पुरस्कृत्य किञ्चिद् वक्ष्यामि तच्छृणु॥
It is asserted by the wise, versed in true knowledge, that one contracts a friendship with another by going only seven paces with him. I will tell you something keeping this friendship in view. Pray listen to it.
नानात्मवन्तस्तु वने चरन्ति धर्मं च वासं च परिश्रमं च। विज्ञानतो धर्ममुदाहरन्ति तस्मात् सन्तो धर्ममाहुः प्रधानम्॥
Men, wanting in self-control do not observe (the proper rites and sacrifices) even in the forest. Nor do they go through and discharge the necessary duties of these three modes of life, namely conjugal or domestic life, life of celebacy and study in the house of the preceptor and thirdly a life of the total renunciation of the world. Conjugal life or domesticity leads to true religious merit. It is for this reason that the wise assert that domestic (which leads to righteousness) is the best of all (other modes of life).
एकस्य धर्मेण सतां मतेन सर्वे स्म तं मार्गमनुप्रपन्नाः। मा वै द्वितीयं मा तृतीयं च वाञ्छेत् तस्मात् सन्तो धर्ममाहुः प्रधानम्॥
By discharging faithfully the necessary duties of this one mode of life (i.e. conjugal life) we have all attained to the path (of righteousness) and therefore we do not covet the second and the third modes of life (i.e. celebacy and renunciation of the world). It is therefore that domesticity with its necessary duties is considered by the wise as the foremost of all (other lives).
यम उवाच निवर्त तुष्टोऽस्मि तवानया गिरा स्वराक्षरव्यञ्जनहेतुयुक्तया। वरं वृणीष्वेह विनास्य जीवितं ददानि ते सर्वमनिन्दिते वरम्॥
Yama said: Do go back. I have been delighted with your words couched in (proper) letters and accents and resting on reason. Do you ask for a boon with the exception of your husband's life. O lady of faultless proportions, I will give any boon (you desire).
सावित्र्युवाच च्युतः स्वराज्याद् वनवासमाश्रितो विनष्टचक्षुः श्वशुरो ममाश्रमे। स्तव प्रसादाज्ज्दलनार्क संनिभः॥
Savitri said: My father-in-law has been driven away from this kingdom and has lost his eyes. He now leads a forest life in our hermitage. Let that king, through your grace, be restored to his sight and be as powerful as the sun or fire.
यम उवाच ददानि तेऽहं तमनिन्दिते वरं यथा त्वयोक्तं भविता च तत् तथा। तवाध्वना ग्लानिमिवोपलक्षये निवर्त गच्छस्व न ते श्रमो भवेत्॥ सुरेश भूयश्च
Yama said: O blameless girl, I give you this boon, that, what you have asked of me, will take place. I see you are wearied with your journey. Do not proceed further. Go back. Do not take any more trouble.
सावित्र्युवाच श्रमः कुतो भर्तृसमीपतो हि मे यतो हि भर्ता मम सा गतिधुवा। यतः पति नेष्यसि तत्र मे गतिः वचो निबोध मे॥
Savitri said : I do not feel fatigue as I am with my husband. I will surely follow the same path as my husband does. I will surely go thither where you are taking my lord to. O best of the celestials, listen again to what I say.
सतां सकृत्संगतमीप्सितं परं ततः परं मित्रमिति प्रचक्षते। न चाफलं सत्पुरुषेण सङ्गतं ततः सतां सन्निवसेत् सपागमे॥
(It is asserted by the wise) that even a single interview with the virtuous is highly desirable. Friendship with them is much more so. Communion with the righteous is never without fruit. So one should always associate with the virtuous.
यम उवाच मनोऽनुकूलं बुधबुद्धिवर्धनं त्वया यदुक्तं वचनं हिताश्रयम्। विना पुनः सत्यवतोऽस्य जीवितं वरं द्वितीयं वरयस्व भामिनि॥
Yama said: The words spoken by you are pregnant with great import. They augment the wisdom of even the learned and are delightful to the mind. Therefore, O damsel, with the exception of Satyavana's life to you ask for a second boon.
सावित्र्युवाच हृतं पुरा मे स्वशुरस्य धीमतः स्वमेव राज्यं लभतां स पार्थिवः। जह्यात् स्वधर्मं न च मे गुरुर्यथा द्वितीयमेतद् वरयामि ते वरम्॥
Savitri said: Let that king, my intellectual father-in-law, regain his kingdom that he lost before. And may that worshipful one never fail to properly discharge his duties. This is the second boon that I pray for.
यम उवाच न च स्वधर्मात् परिहास्यते नृपः। कृतेन कामेन मया नृपात्मजे निवर्तगच्छस्व न ते श्रमो भवेत्॥
Yama said: That monarch will be soon restored to his kingdom and be ever firm in his duties Princess, I have now gratified your wish. Do not proceed further; go back; do not allow yourself to be any more weary.
सावित्र्युवाच पतास्त्वयैता नियमेन संयता नियम्य चैता नयसे निकामया। ततो यमत्वं तव देव विश्रुतं निबोध चेमां गिरमीरितां मया॥
Savitri said: You have controlled all the creatures by your ordinances and you carry them away not according to your caprice but those regulations. Therefore, O god, you are styled Yama (i.e. one who governs by ordinances). Hear (again) these my words.
अद्रोहः सर्वभूतेषु कर्मणा मनसा गिरा। अनुग्रहश्च दानं च सतां धर्मः सनातनः॥
The eternal duty of the righteous is mercy and charity, benevolence and favour towards all creation in thought, word and deed.
एवंप्रायश्च लोकोऽयं मनुष्याः शक्तिपेशलाः। सन्तस्त्वेवाप्यमित्रेषु दयां प्राप्तेषु कुर्वते॥
In this world, it is generally the case that men here are destitute of energy and skill. (But) the righteous show mercy even to their enemies when the latter throw themselves into the protection.
यम उवाच स्तथा त्वया वाक्यमिदं समीरितम्। विना पुनः सत्यवतोऽस्य जीवितं वरं वृणीष्वेह शुभे यदिच्छसि॥
Yama said: The words uttered by you appear (to me) as delicious as water to a thirsty person. (Therefore), O auspicious girl, do you ask again for any other boon that you like than the life of Satyavana.
सावित्र्युवाच ममानपत्यः पृथिवीपतिः पिता भवेत् पितुः पुत्रशतं तथौरसम्। कुलस्य सन्तानकरं च यद् भवेत् तृतीयमेतद् वरयामि ते वरम्॥
Savitri said: My royal father is childless. Let him have one hundred sons, begotten by him, who will perpetuate his family. This is the third boon that I ask of you.
यम उवाच कुलस्य सन्तानकरं सुवर्चसं शतं सुतानां पितुरस्तु ते शुभे! कृतेन कामेन नराधिपात्मजे निवर्त दूरं हि पथस्त्वमागता॥
Yama said: O auspicious girl, your father shall have one hundred highly-energetic sons, the perpetuators of his race. Princess, your desire is now gratified. Do retrace your steps. You have come too far.
सावित्र्युवाच न दूरमेतन्मम भर्तृसंनिधौ मनो हि मे दूरतरं प्रधावति। अथ व्रजन्नेव गिरं समुद्यतां मयोच्यमानां शृणु भूय एव च॥
Savitri said : It appears no distance to me since I am beside my husband. My mind travels a greater distance. (Now) listen, as you proceed on, to the words that I will presently utter.
स्ततो हि वैवस्वत उच्यसे बुधैः। स्ततस्तवेहेश्वर धर्मराजता॥
You are the powerful son of Vivasavata and are therefore called by the wise Vaivasvata. You judge all the creatures impartially and rightfully and for this reason, O lord, you are styled the lord of justice.
आत्मन्यपि न विश्वासस्तथा भवति सत्सु यः। तस्मात् सत्सु विशेषेण सर्वः प्रणयमिच्छति॥
People do not place so inuch reliance on their own selves as on the virtuous. Therefore everybody wishes particularly to cultivate intimacy with the righteous.
सौहृदात् सर्वभूतानां विश्वासो नाम जायते। तस्मात् सत्सु विशेषेण विश्वासं कुरुते जनः॥
And friendship alone generates the confidence among all creatures. It is therefore that people repose confidence specially in the virtuous.
यम उवाच उदाहृतं ते वचनं यदङ्गने शुभे न तादृक् त्वदृते श्रुतं मया। अनेन तुष्टोऽस्मि विनास्य जीवितं वरं चतुर्थं वरयस्व गच्छ च॥
Yama said: O auspicious and fair damsel. I never before heard such words as you have (just now) spoken from any other person than you. I am pleased with these. Do you ask for a fourth boon with the exception of Satyavana's life and then retrace your steps.
सावित्र्युवाच ममात्मजं सत्यवतस्तथौरसं भवेदुभाभ्यामिह यत् कुलोद्वहम्। मिदं चतुर्थं वरयामि ते वरम्॥
Savitri said : Let me have one hundred strong and powerful sons, born of Satyavana's loins and begotten of both of us, who will perpetuate our line. This is the fourth boon I pray for.
यम उवाच शतं सुतानां बलवीर्यशालिनां भविष्यति प्रीतिकरं तवाबले। परिश्रमस्ते न भवेनृपात्मजे निवर्त दूरं हि पथस्त्वमागता॥
Yama said : Lady, you shall have one hundred strong and powerful sons who will cause your delight. Princess, do not take any further trouble; go back; indeed you have come a great way.
सावित्र्युवाच सतां सदा शाश्वतधर्मवृत्तिः सन्तो न सीदन्ति न च व्यथन्ति। सतां सद्धि फलंः सङ्गमोऽस्ति सद्भयो भयं नानुवर्तन्ति सन्तः॥
Savitri said : The pious are ever unceasingly devoted to religion. They do neither fecl lassitude nor affliction. The intercourse of the pious with the virtuous is (ever) productive of good. And the righteous apprehend no fear from the virtuous.
सन्तो हि सत्येन नयन्ति सूर्यं सन्तो भूमिं तपसा धारयन्ति। सन्तो गतिर्भूतभव्यस्य राजन् सतां मध्ये नावसीदन्ति सन्तः॥
Indeed, the righteous by their truthfulness make the sun move and it is the pious who by asceticism support the earth. O king, it is the righteous that are the cause of the past and the future. And the pious remaining in the midst of the righteous do never feel languor.
आर्यजुष्टमिदं वृत्तमिति विज्ञाय शाश्वतम्। सन्तः परार्थं कुर्वाणा नावेक्षन्ति परस्परम्॥
Knowing that this is the eternal custom of the good and the virtuous, pious people devote themselves to acts of self-sacrifice for others without expecting any return.
न च प्रसादः सत्पुरुषेषु मोघो न चाप्यर्थो नश्यति नापि मानः। यस्मादेतन्नियतं सत्सु नित्यं तस्मात् सन्तो रक्षितारो भवन्ति॥
Good acts done to the virtuous are never fruitless. Such acts never destroy our honour or interest. Since the righteous are characterised by such (noble) conduct they become protectors (of all creatures).
यम उवाच यथा यथा भाषसि धर्मसंहितं मनोऽनुकूलं सुपदं महार्थवत्। तथा तथा मे त्वयि भक्तिरुत्तमा वरं वृणीष्वाप्रतिमं पतिव्रते॥
Yama said: The more you address me in words pregnant with religious meaning, delightful to the mind, full of sweet phrases and of grave import, the more I am inclined to respect you. O lady, devotedly attached to your husband, crave an incomparable boon.
सावित्र्युवाच स्तथा यथान्येषु वरेषु मानद। वरं वृणे जीवतु सत्यवानयं यथा मृता ह्येवमहं पतिं विना॥
Savitri said : The boon that you have (just) given me cannot bear fruit (without my union with my husband). Therefore, O bestower of honour, among other boons (that you have already granted me) I crave this boon that Satyavana may be brought back to life. I am as good as dead without my husband.
न कामये भर्तृविनाकृता सुखं न कामये भर्तृविनाकृता दिवम्। न कामये भर्तृविनाकृता श्रियं न भर्तृहीना व्यवसामि जीवितुम्॥
I do not want happiness bereft of my husband. Without my lord I do not crave heaven itself. Deprived of my husband I do not long for prosperity. And bereft of my husband I am unable to bear life.
वरातिसर्ग: शतपुत्रता मम त्वयैव दत्तो ह्रियते च मे पतिः। वरं वृणे जीवतु सत्यवानयं तवैव सत्यं वचनं भविष्यति॥
You have granted me the boon that I shall have one hundred sons and yet you are carrying away my husband. Now I pray for this boon that Satyavana may be alive again and then your words will prove true.
मार्कण्डेय उवाच तथेत्युक्त्वा तु तं पाशं मुक्त्वा वैवस्वतो यमः। धर्मराजः प्रहृष्टात्मा सावित्रीमिदमब्रवीत्॥
Markandeya said : Thereupon, Yama, the son of Vivasvata and the lord of justice saying "be it so" and unloosing his noose, cheerfully spoke to Savitri thus,
एष भद्रे मया मुक्तो भर्ता ते कुलनन्दिनि। अरोगस्तव नेयश्च सिदार्थः स भविष्यति॥
"O chaste and gentle lady, I release your husband. You will be able to take him back. He will be free from disease and (ever) successful (in his undertakings).
चतुर्वर्षशतायुश्च त्वया सार्धमवाप्स्यति। इष्ट्वा यज्ञैश्च धर्मेण ख्यातिं लोके गमिष्यति॥
He as well as you will live four hundred years. By his devoutness and by celebrating many sacrifices he will win a great renown in the world.
त्वयि पुत्रशतं चैव सत्यवाञ्जनयिष्यति। ते चापि सर्वे राजानः क्षत्रियाः पुत्रपौत्रिणः॥
And Satyavana will beget on you one hundred sons. And those Kshatriya sons (of you) together with their sons and grandsons will be kings;
ख्यातास्त्वन्नामधेयाश्च भविष्यन्तीह शाश्वताः। पितुश्च ते पुत्रशतं भविता तव मातरि॥ मालव्यां मालवा नाम शाश्वताः पुत्रपौत्रिणः। भ्रातरस्ते भविष्यन्ति क्षत्रियास्त्रिदशोपमाः॥
And bearing your name will ever be renowned. Your father also will beget a hundred sons on your mother Malavi and those Kshatriya brothers of you resembling the celestials, together with their sons and grandsons will be celebrated under the name of the Malavas."
एवं तस्यै वरं दत्त्वा धर्मराजः प्रतापवान्। निवर्तयित्वा सावित्रीं स्वमेव भवनं ययौ॥
Having conferred these boons on her and having thus made her retrace her steps, the lord of justice (Yama) returned to his own abode.
सावित्र्यपि यमे याते भर्तारं प्रतिलभ्य च। जगाम तत्र यत्रास्या भर्तुः शावं कलेवरम्॥
Then Savitri having regained her husband, returned to the place where her husband's ashy pale corpse lay.
सा भूमौ प्रेक्ष्य भर्तारमुपसृत्योपगृह्य च। उत्सङ्गे शिर आरोप्य भूमावुपविवेश ह॥
Beholding her husband on the ground she approached and took hold of him. She then sat down placing his head on her lap.
संज्ञां च स पुनर्लब्ध्वा सावित्रीमभ्यभाषत। प्रोष्यागत इव प्रेम्णा पुनः पुनरुदीक्ष्य वै॥
Having regained his consciousness, he looked at her again and again like one returned from a distant clime (after a long time) and (then) endearingly addressed her thus.
सत्यवानुवाच सुचिरं बत सुप्तोऽस्मि किमर्थं नावबोधितः। क्व चासौ पुरुष: श्यामो योऽसौ मां संचकर्ष ह।।६५।
Satyavana said : Oh, I have slept for a long time. Why did you not awaken me? Where is that darkcomplexioned person who was dragging me away?
सावित्र्युवाच सुचिरं त्वं प्रसुप्तोऽसि ममाङ्के पुरुषर्षभ। गतः स भगवान् देवः प्रजायसंयमनो यमः॥
Savitri said: O best of men, you have (indeed) slept long on my lap. That god, the divine Yama, who governs all creatures, has departed.
विश्रान्तोऽसि महाभाग विनिद्रश्च नृपात्मज! यदि शक्यं समुत्तिष्ठ विगाढां पश्य शर्वरीम्॥
O blessed one, you are (now) soothed and O prince, you have awakened from sleep. If you are able, rise up. Look, the night is far advanced.
मार्कण्डेय उवाच उपलभ्य ततः संज्ञां सुखसुप्त इवोत्थितः। दिशः सर्वा वनान्तांश्च निरीक्ष्योवाच सत्यवान्॥
Markandeya said : Having regained his consciousness, Satyavana got up like one who had enjoyed an undisturbed sleep; and seeing all the sides covered with woods he said:
फलाहारोऽस्मि निष्क्रान्तस्त्वया सह सुमध्यमे। ततः पाटयत: काष्ठं शिरसो मे रुजाभवत्॥
"O slender-waisted damsel, I set out with you for gathering fruits. And when I was hewing down the woods my headached.
शिरोऽभितापसंतप्तः स्थातुं चिरमशक्नुवन्। तवोत्सङ्गे प्रसुप्तोऽस्मि इति सर्वं स्मरे शुभे॥
Sorely distressed with headache I could not stand up long and (therefore) lay down on your lap. O auspicious girl, I remember all this.
त्वयोपगूढस्य च मे निद्रयापहृतं मनः। ततोऽपश्यं तमो घोरं पुरुषं च महौजसम्॥७११
Embraced by you, sleep gently came upon me. I then saw it was intensenly dark and also a highly effulgent person.
तद् यदि त्वं विजानासि किं तद् ब्रूहि सुमध्यमे। स्वप्नो मे यदि वा दृष्टो यदि वा सत्यमेव तत्॥
O slender-waisted lady, tell me, if you are aware of all that happened whether what I saw was a dream or a reality."
तमुवाचाथ सावित्री रजनी व्यवगाहते। वस्ते सर्वं यथावृत्तमाख्यास्यामि नृपात्मज॥
Thereupon Savitri replied to him "prince, the night is deepening tomorrow, I will disciose to you faithfully all that occurred.
उत्तिष्ठोत्तिष्ठ भद्रं ते पितरौ पश्य सुव्रत। विगाढा रजनी चेयं निवृत्तश्च दिवाकरः॥
Get up, get up, may you be all hale, O you of good devotion, come and see your parents. The sun has long gone down and the night is deepening.
नक्तंचराचरन्त्येते हृष्टाः क्रूराभिभाषिणः। श्रूयन्ते पर्णशब्दाश्च मृगाणां चरतां वने॥
The night-wandering creatures of harsh voices are joyfully roving about. And the rustling of leaves consequent on the footsteps of beasts are heard.
एता घोरं शिवा नादान दिशं दक्षिणपश्चिमाम्। आस्थाय विरुवन्त्युचाः कम्पयन्त्यो मनो मम॥
Jackals of frightful appearance stationed in the south and east have set up terrible howls which make my heart tremble.
सत्यवानुवाच वनं प्रतिभयाकारं घनेन तमसाऽऽवृतम्। न विज्ञास्यसि पन्थानं गन्तुं चैव न शक्ष्यसि॥
Satyavana said : The forest, enveloped with a dense darkness, has worn a dreadful appearance. You will therefore neither be able to discern the paths nor to go.
सावित्र्युवाच अस्मिन्नद्य वने दग्धे शुष्कवृक्षः स्थितो ज्वलन्। वायुना धम्यमानोऽत्र दृश्यतेऽग्निः क्वचित् क्वचित्।।७८
Savitri said: There is a withered tree in a burning state in this forest which caught fire today. And the flames stirred up by the wind are seen now and then.
ततोऽग्निमानयित्वेह ज्वालयिष्यामि सर्वतः। काष्ठानीमानि सन्तीह जहि सन्तापमात्मनः॥
Fetching some fire (from that tree) I will kindle a fire all around. There are plenty of logs here. (So) give up your uneasiness.
यदि नोत्सहसे गन्तुं सरुजं त्वां हि लक्षये। न च ज्ञास्यसि पन्थानं तमसा संवृते वने॥
If you do not venture to go. (I will do all this). I see you are unwell. You will not be able to discern the paths as a dense darkness is hanging over these woods.
श्वः प्रभाते वने दृश्ये यास्यावोऽनुमते तव। वसावेह क्षपामेकां रुचितं यदि तेऽनघ॥
We shall, with your leave, go tomorrow when the forest will be visible. O sinless one, we shall remain here for the night if you wish.
सत्यवानुवाच शिरोरुजा निवृत्ता मे स्वस्थान्यङ्गानि लक्षये। मातापितृभ्यामिच्छामि संगमं त्वत्प्रसादजम्॥
Satyavana said : I have recovered from the headache and my limbs are in a sound condition. I am therefore, through your favour, desirous of seeing my parents.
न कदाजिद् विकालं हि गतपूर्वो मयाऽऽश्रमः। अनागतायां सन्ध्यायां माता मे प्ररुणद्धि माम्॥
Never before did I return to the hermitage after the lapse of the proper time. My mother is used to shut me up in the asylum even before the evening sets in.
दिवापि मयि निष्क्रान्ते संतष्येते गुरू मम। विचिनोति हि मां तातः सहैवाश्रमवासिभिः॥
Even if I go out during the day my parents are filled with anxiety. And my father together with all the inhabitants of the hermitages searches for me.
मात्रा पित्रा च सुभृशं दुःखिताभ्यामहं पुरा। उपालब्धश्च बहुशश्चिरेणागच्छसीति ह॥
Several times before this my parents afflicted with grief rebuked me saying “you have been long out."
का त्ववस्था तयोरद्य मदर्थमिति चिन्तये। तयोरदृश्ये मयि च महद् दुःखं भविष्यति॥
I am now reflecting as to what a state they will be reduced for my sake. Surely, they will be sorely afflicted on account of my absence.
पुरा मामूचतुश्चैव रात्रावस्रायमाणको। भृशं सुदुःखितौ वृद्धौ बहुशः प्रीतिसंयुतौ॥
Sometimes ago, one night, the cheerful old couple, being greatly distressed and weeping profusely said to me repeatedly,
त्वया हीनौ न जीवाव मुहूर्तमपि पुत्रका यावद् धरिष्यसे पुत्र तावन्नौ जीवितं ध्रुवम्॥
“Dear son, bereft of you, we cannot endure life for a single moment. Surely we must not survive you.
वृद्धयोरन्धयोदृष्टिस्त्वयि वंशः प्रतिष्ठितः। त्वयि पिण्डश्च कीर्तिश्च संतानं चावयोरिति॥
You are the only support of these blind ones. The perpetuity of our line, our funeral oblations, our fame, our descendants, (all) depend on you."
माता वृद्धा पिता वृद्धस्तयोर्यष्टिरहं किल। तौ रात्रौ मामपश्यन्तौ कामवस्थां गमिष्यतः॥
My father is, old and so also is my mother; and surely I am their only stay. To what a state will they be reduced if they miss me during the night?
निद्रायाश्चाभ्यसूयामि यस्या हेतोः पिता मम। माता च संशयं प्राप्ता मत्कृतेऽनपकारिणी॥
I blame that sleep in consequence of which my harmless parents are in agonising suspense for my sake.
अहं च संशयं प्राप्तः कृच्छ्रामापदमास्थितः। मातापितृभ्यां हि विना नाहं जीवितुमुत्सहे॥
And (on account of which) I also placed in this critical position am filled with anxiety. Without my parents I do not care to bear life.
व्यक्तमाकुलया बुद्ध्या प्रज्ञाचक्षुः पिता मम। एकैकमस्यां वेलायां पृच्छत्याश्रमवासिनम्॥
I am sure, that by this time my blind father with his mind torn with grief is inquiring of the dwellers of the hermitages about me.
नात्मानमनुशोचामि यथाहं पितरं शुभे। भर्तारं चाप्यनुगतां मातरं परिदुर्बलाम्॥
I do not, O auspicious girl, grieve so much for myself as for my father and my weak mother (ever) devoted to her husband.
मत्कृतेन हि तावद्य सन्तापं परमेध्यतः। जीवन्तावनुजीवामि भर्तव्यौ तौ मयेति ह॥ तयोः प्रियं मे कर्तव्यमिति जानामि चाप्यहम्।
Surely, they will experience a deep sorrow for my sake. I know that my life will last so long as theirs, that I should support them and do only such acts as are agreeable to them.
मार्कण्डेय उवाच एवमुक्त्वा स धर्मात्मा गुरुभक्तो गुरुप्रियः॥ उच्छ्रित्य बाहू दुःखार्तः सुस्वरं प्ररुरोद ह।
Markandeya said : Saying this, that virtuous one devoted to and fond of his parents, raising his arms began to bewail loudly in great sorrow.
ततोऽब्रवीत् तथा दृष्ट्वा भर्तारं शोककर्शितम्॥ प्रमृज्याश्रूणि नेत्राभ्यां सावित्री धर्मचारिणी। यदि मेऽस्ति तपस्तप्तं यदि दत्तं हुतं यदि॥ शुश्रूश्वशुरभर्तृणां मम पुण्यास्तु शर्वरी।
Seeing that her husband was oppressed with such a deep sorrow, the virtuous Savitri wiping the tears from his eyes spoke to him thus, “If I have practised asceticism, if I have done charitable acts, if I have offered oblations (to the fire), then, may this night be conducive to the welfare of my father-in-law, mother-in-law and my husband.
न स्मराम्युक्तपूर्वं वै स्वैरेष्वप्यनृतां गिरम्॥ तेन सत्येन तावद्य ध्रियेतां श्वशुरौ ममा
I do not remember to have offered a falsehood even in jest. By virtue of that truth may my father-in-law and mother-in-law remain alive this day.
सत्यवानुवाच कामये दर्शनं पित्रोर्याहि सावित्रि मा चिरम्॥
Satyavana said: impatient to my parents. (Therefore), O Savitri, let us start immediately.
पुरा मातुः पितुर्वापि यदि पश्यामि विप्रियम्। न जीविष्ये वरारोहे सत्येनात्मानमालभे॥
If I find my parents overtaken by any calamity, then, O fair girl, I swear by my own self I shall not bear life. I am see
यदि धर्मे च ते बुद्धिर्मा चेज्जीवन्तमिच्छसि। मम प्रियं वा कर्तव्यं गच्छावाश्रममन्तिकात्॥
If you are devoted to virtue, if you wish to see me alive, if it is your duty to do what is agreeable to me, (then) let us return to the hermitage (at once).
मार्कण्डेय उवाच सावित्री तत उत्थाय केशान् संयम्य भाविनी। पतिमुत्थापयामास बाहुभ्यां परिगृह्य वै॥
Thereupon, the fair Savitri rose up and adjusted her hair. She (next) taking her husband by his arms made him arise.
उत्थाय सत्यवांश्चापि प्रमृज्याङ्गानि पाणिना। सर्वा दिशः समालोक्य कठिने दृष्टिमादधे॥
Satyavana too having risen, rubbed his limbs with his hand. Then looking around all sides, he cast his eyes on the fruit bag.
तमुवाचाथ सावित्री श्वः फलानि हरिष्यसि। योगक्षेमार्थमेतं ते नेष्यामि परशुं त्वहम्॥
And Savitri said to him “gather fruit tomorrow. I shall carry your hatchet which is conducive to your devotion and welfare."
कृत्वा कठिनभारं सा वृक्षशाखावलम्बिनम्। गृहीत्वा परशुं भर्तुः सकाशे पुनरागमत्॥
(Having said this), she hanging the bag on the branch of a tree and taking the hatchet, returned to her husband.
वामे स्कन्धे तु वामोरूर्भर्तुर्बाहुं निवेश्य च। दक्षिणेन परिष्वज्य जगाम गजगामिनी॥
Then that lady of fair thighs, placing her husband's left hand on her left shoulder and embracing him by her right hand proceeded slowly like an elephant.
सत्यवानुवाच अभ्यासगमनाद् भीरु पन्थानो विदिता मम। वृक्षान्तरालोकितया ज्योत्स्नया चापि लक्षये॥
Satyavana said : Timid girl, the paths are well known to me as I go by them often. Further, by the moonlight falling between the trees I can discern them.
आगतौ स्वः पथा येन पलान्यवचितानि च। यथागतं शुभे गच्छ पन्थानं मा विचारय॥
We have now reached the path we came by for gathering fruits. O auspicious girl, go along the way we took (in the morning) without hesitation.
पलाशखण्डे चैतस्मिन् पन्था व्यावर्तते द्विधा। तस्योत्तरेण यः पन्थास्तेन गच्छ त्वरस्व च॥ स्वस्थोऽस्मि बलवानस्मि दिदृक्षुः पितरावुभौ।
Near yonder Palasa tree the road has branched off into two. Follow the path that lies to the north of it; be quick. I am now all right, have regained my strength and am very desirous of seeing my parents.
मार्कण्डेय उवाच ब्रुवन्नेवं त्वरायुक्तः सम्प्रायादाश्रमं प्रति॥
Saying this, he quickly proceeded towards the hermitage.