03.280
Mārkaṇḍeya said.
Afterwards, when many lunar days had passed in the course of time, the moment came when Satyavatā was fated to die, O king. (03-280-1)
And as Sāvitrī counts the passing of each day, that speech spoken by Nārada constantly remains in her heart. (03-280-2)
The lady, having contemplated, "I must die on the fourth day," resolved to undertake a vow for three nights and remained steadfast day and night. (03-280-3)
Having heard the painful vow from the bride, the sorrow-stricken king rose up and addressed consoling words to Sāvitrī. (03-280-4)
O princess, you have begun a very intense undertaking. Indeed, it is extremely difficult to find a place for the three dwellings. (03-280-5)
Savitri said.
Grief, dear one, is not appropriate; I will fulfill the vow. Indeed, this is accomplished by resolve, and resolve itself is the cause. (03-280-6)
Dyumatsena said.
I am by no means able to say to you, "Break your vow;" a person like me should appropriately say, "Fulfil it." (03-280-7)
Mārkaṇḍeya said.
Thus, having spoken, the great-minded Dyumatsena became silent. Sāvitrī, standing there, appeared as if she had become like wood. (03-280-8)
O best of the Bharatas, when the next day had come after her husband's death, for Sāvitrī, filled with sorrow and remaining (beside him), that night passed. (03-280-9)
On that very day, today, thus having offered oblations into the blazing fire, and when the sun had just risen, having completed the morning rites. (03-280-10)
Then (she) stood with joined palms, self-controlled, having saluted in proper order all the twice-born, elders, mother-in-law, and father-in-law. (03-280-11)
But all the ascetics dwelling in the hermitage spoke auspicious and beneficial blessings for Sāvitrī, wishing her freedom from widowhood. (03-280-12)
“Let it be so”—Savitri, devoted to meditation, accepted in her mind all the utterances of the ascetics. (03-280-13)
The king's daughter, very distressed, waited for that time and moment, reflecting on Nārada's words as spoken. (03-280-14)
Then, O best of the Bharatas, the mother-in-law and father-in-law, with affection, spoke these words to her, the princess, who was alone. (03-280-15)
The two fathers-in-law spoke.
This vow, instructed as it was, has been properly completed by you. Mealtime has arrived; let what should come next be done. (03-280-16)
Sāvitrī said.
I have resolved in my heart and pledged that after the sun has set, food should be eaten only by one whose desire is fulfilled. (03-280-17)
Mārkaṇḍeya said.
Thus, while Sāvitrī was thus speaking towards the meal, Satyavān, having taken an axe on his shoulder, set out to the forest. (03-280-18)
Sāvitrī said to her husband: "You should not go alone; I will go with you, for indeed I am not able to abandon you." (03-280-19)
Satyavan said.
O beautiful one, you have not gone to the forest before; the paths are painful, and you are emaciated by vows and fasting—how will you go on foot? (03-280-20)
Sāvitrī said.
Because of fasting, I do not have fatigue or exhaustion; and as I am eager to go, you should not prevent me. (03-280-21)
Satyavan said.
If, for your sake, I carry out the desire to depart and do what pleases you, may this fault not touch me for not informing my elders. (03-280-22)
Mārkaṇḍeya said;
She, having approached, said to her mother-in-law and father-in-law—being a great observer of vows—'This husband of mine, who lives on fruits, is going to the great forest.' (03-280-23)
I wish to be allowed by the noble lady and by my father-in-law to leave together with him, for I cannot endure separation. (03-280-24)
Your son has departed for the sake of service to the guru and agnihotra, and he should not be restrained; if otherwise, having gone to the forest, he would become blameworthy. (03-280-25)
It is a little less than a year since I have not left the āśrama. I have a great curiosity to see the blooming forest. (03-280-26)
Dyumatsena spoke.
Since the time when Savitri was given to me as a daughter-in-law by her father, I do not remember her ever having spoken previously with any entreaty. (03-280-27)
Therefore, let this bride obtain what she desires as she wishes. And, O daughter, vigilance must be observed on the path of the truthful. (03-280-28)
Markandeya said;
Granted leave by both, the renowned lady departed with her husband, as if smiling, though her heart was torn. (03-280-29)
The large-eyed one saw the forests everywhere, variegated and beautiful, echoing with the cries of peacocks. (03-280-30)
Satyavan, with sweet words, said to Sāvitrī, "See the rivers that carry merit and the best of flowered mountains." (03-280-31)
As she looked upon her husband in every condition, the blameless woman indeed thought him dead, recalling the words of the sage at that time. (03-280-32)
But she of gentle gait followed her husband, having as if divided her heart in two, looking at both him and the time. (03-280-33)
