03.277
The story of Sāvitrī.
Yudhiṣṭhira said.
O great sage, I do not lament for myself, nor these brothers, nor even the loss of the kingdom, as much as I lament for this daughter of Drupada. (03-277-1)
Oppressed in the gambling by evil-minded men, we were saved by Kṛṣṇā. And again, by Jayadratha, carried away by force from the forest. (03-277-2)
There is some married woman, whether seen or heard of before, who is a faithful wife and greatly fortunate, just like this daughter of Drupada. (03-277-3)
Markandeya said;
Hear, O King Yudhiṣṭhira, about the great fortune of noble women, all this as attained by Sāvitrī, the royal princess. (03-277-4)
In the land of the Madras, there was a king who was righteous, supremely virtuous, devoted to brahmins, a giver of refuge, truthful, and master of his senses. (03-277-5)
A sacrificer, generous, skilful, dear to citizens and country folk—the king, called the lord of horses, is devoted to the welfare of all beings. (03-277-6)
He, being forbearing, childless, truthful in speech, and self-controlled, was afflicted by sorrow due to advancing age. (03-277-7)
For the purpose of producing offspring, he practiced intense self-restraint, eating in moderation at the proper time, maintaining celibacy, and having control over his senses. (03-277-8)
O best among kings, after offering a hundred thousand (oblations) together with Sāvitrī, then at every sixth time, he became moderate in food. (03-277-9)
Following this discipline, Sāvitrī lived for eighteen years. When the eighteenth year was completed, she attained satisfaction. Then, O king, Sāvitrī, appearing in her true form, revealed herself to the king. (03-277-10)
Then, the giver of boons, filled with great joy, having risen from the Agnihotra, spoke these words to the king. (03-277-11)
O King, I am satisfied with you by your celibacy, purity, self-control, observances, wholeheartedness, and devotion to me. (03-277-12)
Choose a boon, O lord of horses, O king of Madra, as you desire. Negligence in duties is never to be done by you in any manner. (03-277-13)
Aśvapati said.
I have undertaken this effort for the sake of having children, motivated by a desire for righteousness. May I have many sons, O goddess, who will cause the lineage to flourish. (03-277-14)
O goddess, if you are pleased with me, then this is the desire I choose: offspring, for indeed the twice-born say to me that offspring is the highest dharma. (03-277-15)
Sāvitrī said.
O king, already before, knowing this intention of yours for the sake of your son, your grandfather indeed spoke (thus) because of your reason. (03-277-16)
O gentle one, therefore, by favor and by what is ordained on earth by Svayambhū, you will soon have a radiant daughter. (03-277-17)
And no answer whatsoever should be given to you in any way; by the ordinance of the grandfather, being content, I indeed speak this to you. (03-277-18)
Mārkaṇḍeya said.
The king, having agreed to Sāvitrī's request with 'so be it', again pleased her, saying, 'May it quickly be so.' (03-277-19)
When Sāvitrī had disappeared, the king went to his own house. Then, pleased, he lived in his own kingdom, protecting his subjects by righteousness. (03-277-20)
But after some time had passed, that king of firm vows caused (his) eldest, righteous queen to conceive a child. (03-277-21)
O bull among the Bharatas, the embryo in the princess Mālavī grew just like the Moon, the lord of the stars, waxing in the sky during the bright fortnight. (03-277-22)
When the time arrived, she gave birth to a lotus-eyed daughter. Then the king, rejoicing, performed the ceremonies for her. (03-277-23)
Given by Sāvitrī with affection and also offered by Sāvitrī, therefore the Brahmins and her father made her name only as "Sāvitrī." (03-277-24)
That king's daughter, whose beauty seemed to take form itself, grew in splendor. And in the course of time, that girl indeed reached her youth. (03-277-25)
Seeing her—of beautiful waist, wide hips, like a golden image—the people thought, "Surely this celestial maiden has arrived." (03-277-26)
But, her eyes like lotus petals, shining as if with radiance, no one chose her for marriage, being repelled by her brilliance. (03-277-27)
Then, after fasting, bathing her head, and approaching the deities, she offered oblations to the fire as prescribed and had the Brahmins recite (the rites) on the festival day. (03-277-28)
Then the lady, having accepted the remaining flowers from the great-souled one, went to her father's presence, radiant like the goddess Śrī, endowed with beauty. (03-277-29)
After respectfully saluting her father's feet and announcing the remaining matters, the excellent lady, with hands joined, stood by the king's side. (03-277-30)
But when the king saw his own daughter, who had reached youth and was divine in appearance, yet was not being sought after by suitors, he became distressed. (03-277-31)
The king said.
O daughter, the time for your marriage has come, and no one is asking me; therefore, seek a husband yourself who is suitable for you in qualities. (03-277-32)
Whoever the man you have requested, he must be reported to me by you. After I consider, I shall grant it; so choose as you desire. (03-277-33)
I have indeed heard in the treatise of dharma as recited by the twice-born; therefore you also, O auspicious one, listen to my words as I speak. (03-277-34)
A father who does not give (his daughter in marriage) is to be blamed, and so is the husband who does not consummate the marriage. If the husband has died, the son is to be blamed if his mother is left unprotected. (03-277-35)
Hear my words and hasten in search of my husband; act so that I may not become one spoken ill of among the deities. (03-277-36)
Markaṇḍeya said.
After thus addressing his daughter, as well as the elders and ministers, he instructed them to go on the journey, directing them to depart. (03-277-37)
She, after saluting her father's feet, though seemingly abashed, understanding her father's words, immediately went out without hesitation. (03-277-38)
She mounted the golden chariot, surrounded by aged ministers, and went to the pleasant hermitages of the royal sages. (03-277-39)
Having offered obeisance at the feet of the respected elders there, O dear one, he then proceeded to visit all the forests in order. (03-277-40)
Thus, the princess went from place to place, making gifts of wealth to the foremost of the twice-born at every sacred site. (03-277-41)
