03.279
Markandeya said;
Then, during the giving away of the maiden, the king, reflecting on that very purpose, had all the marriage articles assembled. (03-279-1)
Then, having assembled all the elders, twice-born, ritual priests, and family priests on an auspicious lunar day, he departed together with the maiden. (03-279-2)
The king went to the holy forest and Dyumatsena's hermitage, and, going there on foot with the Brahmins, approached the royal sage. (03-279-3)
Then he saw there the very fortunate king, deprived of sight, seated on a silken couch, sheltered under a śāla tree. (03-279-4)
The king, having duly worshiped that royal sage as was proper, becoming well-restrained in speech, made self-surrender. (03-279-5)
Having offered arghya (water of hospitality), a seat, and a cow to him, the knower of dharma, the king said to the king, 'What is the purpose of your coming?' (03-279-6)
She narrated to Satyavan all his intentions and all that was to be done, addressing him, indeed. (03-279-7)
The horse-lord said.
O royal sage, this beautiful daughter of mine is named Sāvitrī. O knower of dharma, accept her from me as your daughter-in-law in accordance with her own dharma. (03-279-8)
Dyumatsena said.
Having been deprived of the kingdom, we ascetics, practicing self-control, have taken refuge in forest life and follow righteousness. How will your daughter, who is unaccustomed to such hardship, endure this suffering in the forest hermitage? (03-279-9)
The lord of horses said.
Happiness and suffering, and the very nature of existence and non-existence—when one knows these, as well as that I am truly the son—such a statement is not appropriate for someone like me. O king, I have approached you with full certainty. (03-279-10)
You ought not to destroy my hope out of friendship and affection; and you should not reject one who has come to you with love from every side. (03-279-11)
You are indeed suitable for union; I am also of a like mind to you. Therefore, accept my daughter as your daughter-in-law, as the wife of Satyavat's son. (03-279-12)
Dyumatsena said.
The relationship with you was indeed previously desired by me. Considering 'you are one who has lost the kingdom; I am (the same)', therefore, this has been reflected upon. (03-279-13)
This very purpose, which I had earnestly wished for before, may it be fulfilled for me today itself; for you are truly my desired guest. (03-279-14)
Markandeya said.
Then, having called all the Brahmins and hermits dwelling in the ashrama, the two kings arranged for the marriage to be performed according to proper rites. (03-279-15)
Aśvapati, having given away his daughter along with appropriate gifts and ornaments, went to his own house, filled with great joy. (03-279-16)
Satyavan also rejoiced upon obtaining her, his wife endowed with all virtues; and she too rejoiced, having gained as her husband the one whom she desired in her heart. (03-279-17)
After her father departed, having set aside all ornaments, she accepted only bark garments, and garments of ochre color. (03-279-18)
By means of services, virtues, humility, self-restraint, and fulfilling all desires through actions, he brought satisfaction to everyone. (03-279-19)
Honor the mother-in-law with bodily respect through coverings and similar means; honor the father-in-law with acts for the gods and by restraint of speech. (03-279-20)
In the same way, she satisfied her husband with kind words, skill, restraint, and also by serving him in private. (03-279-21)
Thus, O Bhārata, as those virtuous ones were then dwelling in the hermitage, some time passed as they were engaged in austerities. (03-279-22)
But for Sāvitrī, whether she is lying down or standing, day and night, the words spoken by Nārada remain in her mind. (03-279-23)
