The Princess and the God
A Tale of Ancient India
Told by Aaron Shepard
The Princess and the God short essay
Introduction:
The story of The Princess and the God tells of Savitri, a devoted wife who used her wisdom, courage, and love to save her husband, Satyavan, from death. It highlights themes of loyalty, destiny, and devotion.
Savitri Finds a Husband:
A king had no children for eighteen years. After his prayers, a goddess blessed him with a daughter, Savitri. She grew into a beautiful and intelligent woman. Since no man proposed to her, she searched for a husband and chose Prince Satyavan, even though Narada warned he would die in a year. She married him and lived happily in the hermitage.
Savitri Saves Satyavan:
As the predicted day came near, Savitri fasted and prayed. In the forest, Satyavan collapsed, and Yama, the god of death, took his soul. Savitri followed Yama, impressing him with her devotion. She cleverly asked for children with Satyavan, making Yama restore Satyavan's life.
Yama’s Blessings:
Satyavan woke up, and they returned home. Yama kept his promises—restoring Satyavan’s father’s kingdom and sight, blessing Savitri’s father with many children, and granting Savitri many children. Savitri and Satyavan became rulers and lived happily.
Conclusion:
Savitri’s story shows that love, wisdom, and determination can even change fate. Her devotion still inspires people today.
The Princess and the God detailed summary
Introduction:
The story of Princess Savitri is a famous Indian legend from the Mahabharata, one of India's greatest epics. It tells the tale of a devoted wife, Savitri, who used her wisdom, courage, and love to save her husband’s life from the god of death, Yama. The story highlights themes of loyalty, destiny, and the power of devotion.
The King’s Prayers and the Birth of Savitri:
A long time ago, a king had many wives but no children. For eighteen years, he prayed to the sacred fire every morning and evening, asking for a child. One day, a shining goddess named Savitri appeared from the flames. She told the king that his prayers had been answered and that he would soon have a daughter.
Within a year, the king’s favorite wife gave birth to a beautiful daughter. The king named her Savitri, after the goddess. She grew up to be very intelligent and beautiful, with eyes that shone like the sun. People admired her so much that they thought she was a goddess herself.
Savitri’s Search for a Husband:
When Savitri reached the age of marriage, no man came forward to ask for her hand. Her father told her that men might be afraid of her extraordinary beauty and intelligence. He advised her to go out and find a husband for herself, promising that he would arrange the marriage once she made her choice.
Savitri traveled far, accompanied by servants and wise advisors. One day, she reached a hermitage by a river and met an old teacher. While she was speaking with him, a young man with shining eyes entered, guiding an old, blind man.
Savitri softly asked the teacher who the young man was. The teacher explained that he was Prince Satyavan, the son of a king whose kingdom had been conquered. The prince was known for his great virtues, and his name meant "Son of Truth."
The Prediction of Satyavan’s Death:
Savitri returned home and told her father that she had chosen Satyavan as her husband. At that moment, the holy seer Narada was present. When he heard Satyavan’s name, he was shocked. He warned Savitri that although Satyavan was a worthy man, he would die exactly one year from that day.
The king, worried for his daughter’s future, asked her to choose another husband. But Savitri refused. She said that once she had chosen, she would not change her mind, no matter how short or long Satyavan’s life would be.
Savitri’s Life in the Hermitage:
The king finally agreed and arranged the marriage. Savitri and her father traveled to the hermitage to meet Satyavan’s family. Satyavan was happy to marry Savitri, but his blind father, the former king, asked if she would be able to live in the simple conditions of the hermitage. She assured him that she did not care about comfort or hardship. On that same day, in front of priests and sages, Savitri and Satyavan married, walking hand in hand around the sacred fire.
Savitri’s Determination:
For a year, Savitri and Satyavan lived happily. But Savitri never forgot that his death was approaching. Three days before the fateful day, Savitri went to the sacred fire and prayed continuously without eating or sleeping. Satyavan was worried and asked her why she was being so harsh on herself, but she did not answer.
On the morning of the predicted day, as Satyavan prepared to go to the forest, Savitri insisted on going with him. He asked her to stay home and rest, but she refused. Together, they walked through the woods, enjoying the beauty of nature.
Satyavan’s Death and Yama’s Arrival:
While chopping firewood, Satyavan suddenly felt dizzy. He told Savitri that his head was aching and that his body was burning. She quickly helped him lie down under a tree, placing his head on her lap. Soon, his eyes closed, and his breathing slowed.
At that moment, a princely figure with dark skin and red eyes appeared. He introduced himself as Yama, the god of death, and explained that he had come to take Satyavan’s soul. Savitri trembled but remained calm.
Yama took out a small noose, passed it through Satyavan’s chest as if through air, and pulled out a tiny image of Satyavan’s soul. Placing it inside his robe, he turned and started walking away.
Savitri Follows Yama:
Savitri immediately rose and followed Yama. He moved swiftly through the forest, while she struggled to keep up. Finally, he turned and told her that she could not go with him. She replied that her duty as a wife was to stay beside her husband. Impressed by her loyalty, Yama offered to grant her any favor except Satyavan’s life. Savitri asked him to restore her father-in-law’s kingdom and sight. Yama agreed and continued his journey.
Savitri still followed. This time, Yama told her that even love must bow to fate. But he admired her devotion and granted her another favor. She asked him to bless her father with many children. Yama granted her wish and walked on.
Even then, Savitri did not stop. When Yama warned her once more, she cleverly asked for many children of her own, making sure to mention that they must be children of Satyavan. Yama was amazed by her wisdom. He realized that he could not grant her wish without bringing Satyavan back to life. Smiling, he removed the noose from Satyavan’s soul and released it. He told Savitri that she had won her husband’s life and asked her to return home.
Satyavan Returns to Life:
As the sun set, Savitri placed Satyavan’s head on her lap again. His chest rose and fell, and he slowly opened his eyes. He was surprised that the day had ended so quickly. Savitri, filled with joy, told him that they should return home.
The Happy Ending:
Yama kept all his promises. Savitri’s father was blessed with many more children. Satyavan’s father regained his sight and his lost kingdom. In time, Satyavan became king, with Savitri as his queen. They lived long and happily, raising many children. When their time finally came, they had no fear of death because they had lived a blessed and fulfilling life.
Conclusion:
The story of Savitri and Satyavan is one of love, faith, and intelligence. Savitri’s deep devotion, wisdom, and courage allowed her to challenge fate itself and save her husband. Her story continues to inspire people, teaching the values of perseverance, loyalty, and the power of true love.
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