03.281
मार्कण्डेय उवाच॥
Mārkaṇḍeya said;
अथ भार्यासहायः स फलान्यादाय वीर्यवान्। कठिनं पूरयामास ततः काष्ठान्यपाटयत् ॥०३-२८१-१॥
Then, with his wife as his helper, the strong man, having gathered fruits, filled (the hard container); thereafter, he split the wood. (03-281-1)
तस्य पाटयतः काष्ठं स्वेदो वै समजायत। व्यायामेन च तेनास्य जज्ञे शिरसि वेदना ॥०३-२८१-२॥
As he was breaking the wood, sweat indeed arose for him. Due to exertion, pain in his head was produced. (03-281-2)
सोऽभिगम्य प्रियां भार्यामुवाच श्रमपीडितः। व्यायामेन ममानेन जाता शिरसि वेदना ॥०३-२८१-३॥
Afflicted by fatigue, he approached his beloved wife and said: "Because of this exertion, I have developed pain in my head." (03-281-3)
अङ्गानि चैव सावित्रि हृदयं दूयतीव च। अस्वस्थमिव चात्मानं लक्षये मितभाषिणि ॥०३-२८१-४॥
O Sāvitrī, my limbs and indeed my heart seem as if they are suffering, and I feel as if I myself am not at ease, O you who speak little. (03-281-4)
शूलैरिव शिरो विद्धमिदं संलक्षयाम्यहम्। तत्स्वप्तुमिच्छे कल्याणि न स्थातुं शक्तिरस्ति मे ॥०३-२८१-५॥
I perceive my head as if pierced by spears, O auspicious one; therefore, I wish to sleep, for I do not have the strength to stand (03-281-5).
समासाद्याथ सावित्री भर्तारमुपगूह्य च। उत्सङ्गेऽस्य शिरः कृत्वा निषसाद महीतले ॥०३-२८१-६॥
Then Sāvitrī approached, embraced her husband, placed his head on her lap, and sat down on the ground. (03-281-6)
ततः सा नारदवचो विमृशन्ती तपस्विनी। तं मुहूर्तं क्षणं वेलां दिवसं च युयोज ह ॥०३-२८१-७॥
Then the ascetic woman, pondering Nārada's words, devoted that moment, instant, interval, and day (to meditation) indeed. (03-281-7)
मुहूर्तादिव चापश्यत्पुरुषं पीतवाससम्। बद्धमौलिं वपुष्मन्तमादित्यसमतेजसम् ॥०३-२८१-८॥
As if for a moment, he saw a man dressed in yellow robes, with tied-up hair, possessing a splendid form and radiance equal to the sun. (03-281-8)
श्यामावदातं रक्ताक्षं पाशहस्तं भयावहम्। स्थितं सत्यवतः पार्श्वे निरीक्षन्तं तमेव च ॥०३-२८१-९॥
He was dark and bright, red-eyed, holding a noose in his hand, fearsome, standing by the side of Satyavata, looking intently only at him. (03-281-9)
तं दृष्ट्वा सहसोत्थाय भर्तुर्न्यस्य शनैः शिरः। कृताञ्जलिरुवाचार्ता हृदयेन प्रवेपता ॥०३-२८१-१०॥
Seeing him, she suddenly rose, slowly placed her head at her husband's feet, joined her palms, and, afflicted and with a trembling heart, spoke. (03-281-10)
दैवतं त्वाभिजानामि वपुरेतद्ध्यमानुषम्। कामया ब्रूहि मे देव कस्त्वं किं च चिकीर्षसि ॥०३-२८१-११॥
I recognize you as a divine being—this form is merely human. Out of desire, tell me, O god: who are you, and what is it that you wish to do? (03-281-11)
यम उवाच॥
Yama said;
पतिव्रतासि सावित्रि तथैव च तपोन्विता। अतस्त्वामभिभाषामि विद्धि मां त्वं शुभे यमम् ॥०३-२८१-१२॥
You are devoted to your husband, Sāvitrī, and also endowed with austerity; therefore I address you—know me, O auspicious one, to be Yama. (03-281-12)
अयं ते सत्यवान्भर्ता क्षीणायुः पार्थिवात्मजः। नेष्याम्येनमहं बद्ध्वा विद्ध्येतन्मे चिकीर्षितम् ॥०३-२८१-१३॥
This Satyavān, your husband, the son of the king whose life-span is diminished, I will lead him away having bound him; know this as my intended action. (03-281-13)
मार्कण्डेय उवाच॥
Mārkaṇḍeya said.
इत्युक्त्वा पितृराजस्तां भगवान्स्वं चिकीर्षितम्। यथावत्सर्वमाख्यातुं तत्प्रियार्थं प्रचक्रमे ॥०३-२८१-१४॥
Having thus spoken to her, the king of the fathers, the revered one, began to declare in full his own intentions, for the sake of her beloved. (03-281-14)
अयं हि धर्मसंयुक्तो रूपवान्गुणसागरः। नार्हो मत्पुरुषैर्नेतुमतोऽस्मि स्वयमागतः ॥०३-२८१-१५॥
Truly, this one, endowed with righteousness, beauty, and an ocean of virtues, does not deserve to be escorted by my men; therefore, I have come myself. (03-281-15)
ततः सत्यवतः कायात्पाशबद्धं वशं गतम्। अङ्गुष्ठमात्रं पुरुषं निश्चकर्ष यमो बलात् ॥०३-२८१-१६॥
Then, from Satyavat's body, Yama forcefully pulled out, bound in a noose and rendered powerless, a soul the size of a thumb. (03-281-16)
ततः समुद्धृतप्राणं गतश्वासं हतप्रभम्। निर्विचेष्टं शरीरं तद्बभूवाप्रियदर्शनम् ॥०३-२८१-१७॥
Then, after its life had departed, its breath gone, and its radiance destroyed, that body became motionless and unpleasant to look at. (03-281-17)
यमस्तु तं तथा बद्ध्वा प्रयातो दक्षिणामुखः। सावित्री चापि दुःखार्ता यममेवान्वगच्छत ॥ नियमव्रतसंसिद्धा महाभागा पतिव्रता ॥०३-२८१-१८॥
Yama, having thus bound him, departed facing south. But Savitri, afflicted with sorrow, followed Yama alone—she, perfected in discipline, greatly fortunate, and devoted to her husband. (03-281-18)
यम उवाच॥
Yama said;
निवर्त गच्छ सावित्रि कुरुष्वास्यौर्ध्वदेहिकम्। कृतं भर्तुस्त्वयानृण्यं यावद्गम्यं गतं त्वया ॥०३-२८१-१९॥
Turn back and go, O Sāvitrī; perform for him the obsequial rites. You have fulfilled your duty to your husband—what could be accomplished by you has been accomplished. (03-281-19)
सावित्र्युवाच॥
Sāvitrī said.
यत्र मे नीयते भर्ता स्वयं वा यत्र गच्छति। मयापि तत्र गन्तव्यमेष धर्मः सनातनः ॥०३-२८१-२०॥
Wherever my husband is taken, or wherever he himself goes, I too must go there; this is the eternal duty. (03-281-20)
तपसा गुरुवृत्त्या च भर्तुः स्नेहाद्व्रतेन च। तव चैव प्रसादेन न मे प्रतिहता गतिः ॥०३-२८१-२१॥
By austerity, by serving elders, the affection of my husband, the observance of vows, and especially by your favor, my progress is not hindered. (03-281-21)
प्राहुः सप्तपदं मित्रं बुधास्तत्त्वार्थदर्शिनः। मित्रतां च पुरस्कृत्य किञ्चिद्वक्ष्यामि तच्छृणु ॥०३-२८१-२२॥
The wise, who know the true meaning, have declared that seven steps make a friend. Now, giving priority to friendship, I will say something—listen to that. (03-281-22)
नानात्मवन्तस्तु वने चरन्ति; धर्मं च वासं च परिश्रमं च। विज्ञानतो धर्ममुदाहरन्ति; तस्मात्सन्तो धर्ममाहुः प्रधानम् ॥०३-२८१-२३॥
But those of diverse natures wander in the forest; virtue, dwelling, and effort. Because virtue is defined by knowledge, therefore good people declare virtue as supreme. (03-281-23)
एकस्य धर्मेण सतां मतेन; सर्वे स्म तं मार्गमनुप्रपन्नाः। मा वै द्वितीयं मा तृतीयं च वाञ्छे; तस्मात्सन्तो धर्ममाहुः प्रधानम् ॥०३-२८१-२४॥
By the righteousness of one, as held by the opinion of the virtuous, all indeed have followed that path. Do not desire a second or third; therefore, the good consider righteousness as chief. (03-281-24)
यम उवाच॥
Yama said.
निवर्त तुष्टोऽस्मि तवानया गिरा; स्वराक्षरव्यञ्जनहेतुयुक्तया। वरं वृणीष्वेह विनास्य जीवितं; ददानि ते सर्वमनिन्दिते वरम् ॥०३-२८१-२५॥
Cease, I am satisfied by this speech of yours, which is endowed with the proper qualities of vowels, syllables, and consonants. Here, choose a boon, even at the cost of your life—I shall grant you every boon, O blameless one. (03-281-25)
सावित्र्युवाच॥
Savitri said.
च्युतः स्वराज्याद्वनवासमाश्रितो; विनष्टचक्षुः श्वशुरो ममाश्रमे। स लब्धचक्षुर्बलवान्भवेन्नृप; स्तव प्रसादाज्ज्वलनार्कसंनिभः ॥०३-२८१-२६॥
Having fallen from his own kingdom and taken refuge in the forest, my father-in-law, who lost his sight, is in the hermitage. By your grace, may he regain his sight and strength and become a king shining like fire and the sun. (03-281-26)
यम उवाच॥
Yama said.
ददानि ते सर्वमनिन्दिते वरं; यथा त्वयोक्तं भविता च तत्तथा। तवाध्वना ग्लानिमिवोपलक्षये; निवर्त गच्छस्व न ते श्रमो भवेत् ॥०३-२८१-२७॥
O blameless one, I shall grant you all the boons; as you have spoken, so shall it be. I seem to notice fatigue from your journey. Turn back, go; you should not suffer any fatigue. (03-281-27)
सावित्र्युवाच॥
Sāvitrī said.
कुतः श्रमो भर्तृसमीपतो हि मे; यतो हि भर्ता मम सा गतिर्ध्रुवा। यतः पतिं नेष्यसि तत्र मे गतिः; सुरेश भूयश्च वचो निबोध मे ॥०३-२८१-२८॥
"How can I feel fatigue when near my husband? For, my husband is indeed my steadfast goal. Wherever you lead my husband, my goal is there. O lord of the gods, listen again to my words." (03-281-28)
सतां सकृत्सङ्गतमीप्सितं परं; ततः परं मित्रमिति प्रचक्षते। न चाफलं सत्पुरुषेण सङ्गतं; ततः सतां संनिवसेत्समागमे ॥०३-२८१-२९॥
Association with the virtuous, even once, is most desirable; they say that more than this, nothing is a greater friend. Association with a virtuous person is never fruitless; therefore, one should dwell with the good when the opportunity arises. (03-281-29)
यम उवाच॥
Yama said;
मनोनुकूलं बुधबुद्धिवर्धनं; त्वयाहमुक्तो वचनं हिताश्रयम्। विना पुनः सत्यवतोऽस्य जीवितं; वरं द्वितीयं वरयस्व भामिनि ॥०३-२८१-३०॥
You, O beautiful lady, have spoken words that are pleasing and promote wisdom; but if this truthful one's life is lost again, then you should choose another husband.
सावित्र्युवाच॥
Sāvitrī said.
हृतं पुरा मे श्वशुरस्य धीमतः; स्वमेव राज्यं स लभेत पार्थिवः। जह्यात्स्वधर्मं न च मे गुरुर्यथा; द्वितीयमेतं वरयामि ते वरम् ॥०३-२८१-३१॥
The kingdom of my wise father-in-law that was formerly taken away; let the king obtain it as his own. And may my elder not abandon his own duty as before; this is the second boon I choose from you. (03-281-31)
यम उवाच॥
Yama said.
स्वमेव राज्यं प्रतिपत्स्यतेऽचिरा; न्न च स्वधर्मात्परिहास्यते नृपः। कृतेन कामेन मया नृपात्मजे; निवर्त गच्छस्व न ते श्रमो भवेत् ॥०३-२८१-३२॥
The kingdom will soon be recovered on its own, and the king will not stray from his own duty. Your wish has been fulfilled by me, O princess; return, go, no fatigue shall be yours. (03-281-32)
सावित्र्युवाच॥
Savitri said.
प्रजास्त्वयेमा नियमेन संयता; नियम्य चैता नयसे न कामया। अतो यमत्वं तव देव विश्रुतं; निबोध चेमां गिरमीरितां मया ॥०३-२८१-३३॥
These creatures are controlled by you with restraint; you govern them not by desire. Therefore, O god, your status as Yama is renowned. Now listen to this speech uttered by me. (03-281-33)
अद्रोहः सर्वभूतेषु कर्मणा मनसा गिरा। अनुग्रहश्च दानं च सतां धर्मः सनातनः ॥०३-२८१-३४॥
Non-injury to all beings through action, mind, and speech, together with kindness and charity, is the eternal law of the virtuous. (03-281-34)
एवम्प्रायश्च लोकोऽयं मनुष्याः शक्तिपेशलाः। सन्तस्त्वेवाप्यमित्रेषु दयां प्राप्तेषु कुर्वते ॥०३-२८१-३५॥
People in this world are generally clever and powerful, but good men, even when dealing with enemies who have come to them, show compassion. (03-281-35)
यम उवाच॥
Yama said.
पिपासितस्येव यथा भवेत्पय; स्तथा त्वया वाक्यमिदं समीरितम्। विना पुनः सत्यवतोऽस्य जीवितं; वरं वृणीष्वेह शुभे यदिच्छसि ॥०३-२८१-३६॥
Just as water is to the thirsty, so is this word you have spoken. Without the life of this truthful one again, choose a boon here, O auspicious one, whatever you desire. (03-281-36)
सावित्र्युवाच॥
Savitri said.
ममानपत्यः पृथिवीपतिः पिता; भवेत्पितुः पुत्रशतं ममौरसम्। कुलस्य सन्तानकरं च यद्भवे; त्तृतीयमेतं वरयामि ते वरम् ॥०३-२८१-३७॥
Let my son be a lord of the earth, a father; let my father have a hundred sons born of me. And may he be the progenitor of the family; this third boon I choose from you. (03-281-37)
यम उवाच॥
Yama said.
कुलस्य सन्तानकरं सुवर्चसं; शतं सुतानां पितुरस्तु ते शुभे। कृतेन कामेन नराधिपात्मजे; निवर्त दूरं हि पथस्त्वमागता ॥०३-२८१-३८॥
May you, O auspicious one, be the originator of a splendid lineage and bear a hundred sons for your husband. O daughter of the king, by the wish fulfilled, turn back, for you have come too far along this path. (03-281-38)
सावित्र्युवाच॥
Sāvitrī said.
न दूरमेतन्मम भर्तृसंनिधौ; मनो हि मे दूरतरं प्रधावति। तथा व्रजन्नेव गिरं समुद्यतां; मयोच्यमानां शृणु भूय एव च ॥०३-२८१-३९॥
This is not far from my husband's presence; yet my mind indeed runs even farther away. In the same way, as my words are about to be spoken by me and are being uttered, listen yet again.
विवस्वतस्त्वं तनयः प्रतापवां; स्ततो हि वैवस्वत उच्यसे बुधैः। शमेन धर्मेण च रञ्जिताः प्रजा; स्ततस्तवेहेश्वर धर्मराजता ॥०३-२८१-४०॥
You are the mighty son of Vivasvat; therefore, the wise call you Vaivasvata. By your tranquility and righteousness your subjects are delighted; thus, O lord, your sovereignty here is that of a king of righteousness. (03-281-40)
आत्मन्यपि न विश्वासस्तावान्भवति सत्सु यः। तस्मात्सत्सु विशेषेण सर्वः प्रणयमिच्छति ॥०३-२८१-४१॥
Even in oneself, trust is not as great as in good people; therefore, everyone especially desires affection among the good. (03-281-41)
सौहृदात्सर्वभूतानां विश्वासो नाम जायते। तस्मात्सत्सु विशेषेण विश्वासं कुरुते जनः ॥०३-२८१-४२॥
Trust, called so, arises from friendship towards all beings. Therefore, a person places special trust in good people. (03-281-42)
यम उवाच॥
Yama said.
उदाहृतं ते वचनं यदङ्गने; शुभे न तादृक्त्वदृते मया श्रुतम्। अनेन तुष्टोऽस्मि विनास्य जीवितं; वरं चतुर्थं वरयस्व गच्छ च ॥०३-२८१-४३॥
The statement you have uttered, O lady, O auspicious one, is such that I have heard nothing like it except from you. By this I am satisfied. Without sacrificing your life, choose a fourth boon and depart. (03-281-43)
सावित्र्युवाच॥
Savitri said.
ममात्मजं सत्यवतस्तथौरसं; भवेदुभाभ्यामिह यत्कुलोद्वहम्। शतं सुतानां बलवीर्यशालिना; मिदं चतुर्थं वरयामि ते वरम् ॥०३-२८१-४४॥
I choose this fourth boon for you: may my son, also the bodily son of Satyavat, be born here by both, and may he become one who advances the lineage, fathering a hundred sons endowed with strength and heroism. (03-281-44)
यम उवाच॥
Yama said.
शतं सुतानां बलवीर्यशालिनां; भविष्यति प्रीतिकरं तवाबले। परिश्रमस्ते न भवेन्नृपात्मजे; निवर्त दूरं हि पथस्त्वमागता ॥०३-२८१-४५॥
O gentle lady, you will have a hundred sons mighty in strength and valor who will be a source of joy for you. O princess, let your effort cease; turn back, for you have indeed come far along the way. (03-281-45)
सावित्र्युवाच॥
Savitri said.
सतां सदा शाश्वती धर्मवृत्तिः; सन्तो न सीदन्ति न च व्यथन्ति। सतां सद्भिर्नाफलः सङ्गमोऽस्ति; सद्भ्यो भयं नानुवर्तन्ति सन्तः ॥०३-२८१-४६॥
The virtuous always possess an eternal code of conduct; good people do not falter nor do they become distressed. Connections among the virtuous are never fruitless, and good people never have fear arising from the virtuous. (03-281-46)
सन्तो हि सत्येन नयन्ति सूर्यं; सन्तो भूमिं तपसा धारयन्ति। सन्तो गतिर्भूतभव्यस्य राज; न्सतां मध्ये नावसीदन्ति सन्तः ॥०३-२८१-४७॥
The virtuous truly uphold the sun by their truth, and sustain the earth with their austerity. O king, the good are the refuge for the past and the future; in the midst of the virtuous, the righteous never falter. (03-281-47)
आर्यजुष्टमिदं वृत्तमिति विज्ञाय शाश्वतम्। सन्तः परार्थं कुर्वाणा नावेक्षन्ते प्रतिक्रियाम् ॥०३-२८१-४८॥
Having known that this conduct, favored by the noble ones, is eternal, good people, acting for the sake of others, do not look for a return. (03-281-48)
न च प्रसादः सत्पुरुषेषु मोघो; न चाप्यर्थो नश्यति नापि मानः। यस्मादेतन्नियतं सत्सु नित्यं; तस्मात्सन्तो रक्षितारो भवन्ति ॥०३-२८१-४९॥
Favor in good men is never in vain; wealth does not perish, nor does honor. Because this is always certain among the good, therefore good men become protectors. (03-281-49)
यम उवाच॥
Yama said.
यथा यथा भाषसि धर्मसंहितं; मनोनुकूलं सुपदं महार्थवत्। तथा तथा मे त्वयि भक्तिरुत्तमा; वरं वृणीष्वाप्रतिमं यतव्रते ॥०३-२८१-५०॥
As you speak words in various ways that are connected with dharma, pleasing to the mind, lucid, and full of great meaning, so does my supreme devotion grow for you; therefore, O steadfast one, choose an incomparable boon. (03-281-50)
सावित्र्युवाच॥
Sāvitrī said.
न तेऽपवर्गः सुकृताद्विनाकृत; स्तथा यथान्येषु वरेषु मानद। वरं वृणे जीवतु सत्यवानयं; यथा मृता ह्येवमहं विना पतिम् ॥०३-२८१-५१॥
Liberation does not come to you without good deeds being accomplished; even so as in the other boons, O giver of honor. I choose the boon that this Satyavan may live; for truly, I am as dead without my husband. (03-281-51)
न कामये भर्तृविनाकृता सुखं; न कामये भर्तृविनाकृता दिवम्। न कामये भर्तृविनाकृता श्रियं; न भर्तृहीना व्यवसामि जीवितुम् ॥०३-२८१-५२॥
I do not desire happiness, nor heaven, nor prosperity if I am separated from my husband; bereft of my husband, I am not resolved to live. (03-281-52)
वरातिसर्गः शतपुत्रता मम; त्वयैव दत्तो ह्रियते च मे पतिः। वरं वृणे जीवतु सत्यवानयं; तवैव सत्यं वचनं भविष्यति ॥०३-२८१-५३॥
After granting me the boon of a hundred sons, you alone take away my husband who was given. I choose this boon: let Satyavan live; your word alone will become true. (03-281-53)
मार्कण्डेय उवाच॥
Mārkaṇḍeya said.
तथेत्युक्त्वा तु तान्पाशान्मुक्त्वा वैवस्वतो यमः। धर्मराजः प्रहृष्टात्मा सावित्रीमिदमब्रवीत् ॥०३-२८१-५४॥
Having thus spoken and released those nooses, Yama, the son of Vivasvat and king of righteousness, with a delighted mind, spoke this to Savitri. (03-281-54)
एष भद्रे मया मुक्तो भर्ता ते कुलनन्दिनि। अरोगस्तव नेयश्च सिद्धार्थश्च भविष्यति ॥०३-२८१-५५॥
This husband of yours, O auspicious lady, O delighter of the family, whom I have released, will be free from disease, will be brought to you, and will become successful. (03-281-55)
चतुर्वर्षशतं चायुस्त्वया सार्धमवाप्स्यति। इष्ट्वा यज्ञैश्च धर्मेण ख्यातिं लोके गमिष्यति ॥०३-२८१-५६॥
He will attain a lifespan of four hundred years together with you, and having performed sacrifices and acted righteously, he will achieve renown in the world. (03-281-56)
त्वयि पुत्रशतं चैव सत्यवाञ्जनयिष्यति। ते चापि सर्वे राजानः क्षत्रियाः पुत्रपौत्रिणः ॥ ख्यातास्त्वन्नामधेयाश्च भविष्यन्तीह शाश्वताः ॥०३-२८१-५७॥
A hundred sons will be born to you by Satyavan; all of them will be kṣatriya kings with sons and grandsons, famous and bearing your name, and they will remain here eternally. (03-281-57)
पितुश्च ते पुत्रशतं भविता तव मातरि। मालव्यां मालवा नाम शाश्वताः पुत्रपौत्रिणः ॥ भ्रातरस्ते भविष्यन्ति क्षत्रियास्त्रिदशोपमाः ॥०३-२८१-५८॥
A hundred sons will be born to your father for you; in your mother Mālavī, the perpetual Mālavas named, who will have sons and grandsons. Your brothers will become Kṣatriyas, resembling the gods. (03-281-58)
एवं तस्यै वरं दत्त्वा धर्मराजः प्रतापवान्। निवर्तयित्वा सावित्रीं स्वमेव भवनं ययौ ॥०३-२८१-५९॥
Thus, having granted her a boon, the mighty Dharma-rāja, after causing Sāvitrī to return, went to his own abode. (03-281-59)
सावित्र्यपि यमे याते भर्तारं प्रतिलभ्य च। जगाम तत्र यत्रास्या भर्तुः शावं कलेवरम् ॥०३-२८१-६०॥
After Yama had departed and Sāvitrī had regained her husband, she also went to the place where her husband's corpse lay. (03-281-60)
सा भूमौ प्रेक्ष्य भर्तारमुपसृत्योपगूह्य च। उत्सङ्गे शिर आरोप्य भूमावुपविवेश ह ॥०३-२८१-६१॥
She saw her husband lying on the ground, approached and embraced him, placed his head on her lap and sat down on the earth. (03-281-61)
सञ्ज्ञां च सत्यवाँल्लब्ध्वा सावित्रीमभ्यभाषत। प्रोष्यागत इव प्रेम्णा पुनः पुनरुदीक्ष्य वै ॥०३-२८१-६२॥
Satyavan, having regained consciousness, addressed Savitri; like one who returns from a journey, he looked at her again and again with affection, and spoke. (03-281-62)
सत्यवानुवाच॥
Satyavan said.
सुचिरं बत सुप्तोऽस्मि किमर्थं नावबोधितः। क्व चासौ पुरुषः श्यामो योऽसौ मां सञ्चकर्ष ह ॥०३-२८१-६३॥
Indeed, I have slept for a long time; for what reason was I not awakened? Where is that dark-complexioned man who dragged me away? (03-281-63)
सावित्र्युवाच॥
Savitri said.
सुचिरं बत सुप्तोऽसि ममाङ्के पुरुषर्षभ। गतः स भगवान्देवः प्रजासंयमनो यमः ॥०३-२८१-६४॥
You have indeed slept a long while in my lap, O best of men. The venerable god Yama, lord restraining all beings, has departed. (03-281-64)
विश्रान्तोऽसि महाभाग विनिद्रश्च नृपात्मज। यदि शक्यं समुत्तिष्ठ विगाढां पश्य शर्वरीम् ॥०३-२८१-६५॥
You are now rested, O greatly fortunate prince, and yet sleepless; if you are able, arise and behold how deep the night is. (03-281-65)
मार्कण्डेय उवाच॥
Markandeya said.
उपलभ्य ततः सञ्ज्ञां सुखसुप्त इवोत्थितः। दिशः सर्वा वनान्तांश्च निरीक्ष्योवाच सत्यवान् ॥०३-२८१-६६॥
Then, regaining consciousness as if awoken from a comfortable sleep, and gazing at all the directions and the edges of the forest, Satyavan spoke. (03-281-66)
फलाहारोऽस्मि निष्क्रान्तस्त्वया सह सुमध्यमे। ततः पाटयतः काष्ठं शिरसो मे रुजाभवत् ॥०३-२८१-६७॥
I live on fruits, and had gone out with you, O slender-waisted one. Then, while chopping wood, pain arose in my head. (03-281-67)
शिरोभितापसन्तप्तः स्थातुं चिरमशक्नुवन्। तवोत्सङ्गे प्रसुप्तोऽहमिति सर्वं स्मरे शुभे ॥०३-२८१-६८॥
O auspicious one, with my head tormented by heat and being unable to stand for long, I remember how I rested on your lap—all this I recall. (03-281-68)
त्वयोपगूढस्य च मे निद्रयापहृतं मनः। ततोऽपश्यं तमो घोरं पुरुषं च महौजसम् ॥०३-२८१-६९॥
While embraced by you, my mind was taken away by sleep, and then I saw a terrible darkness and a person of great energy. (03-281-69)
तद्यदि त्वं विजानासि किं तद्ब्रूहि सुमध्यमे। स्वप्नो मे यदि वा दृष्टो यदि वा सत्यमेव तत् ॥०३-२८१-७०॥
If you know that, O slender-waisted one, then tell me what it is. Was what I saw a dream, or is it actually true? (03-281-70)
तमुवाचाथ सावित्री रजनी व्यवगाहते। श्वस्ते सर्वं यथावृत्तमाख्यास्यामि नृपात्मज ॥०३-२८१-७१॥
Then Sāvitrī said to him, as night was falling, "Tomorrow, O prince, I will tell you everything as it has happened." (03-281-71)
उत्तिष्ठोत्तिष्ठ भद्रं ते पितरौ पश्य सुव्रत। विगाढा रजनी चेयं निवृत्तश्च दिवाकरः ॥०३-२८१-७२॥
Arise, arise, may auspiciousness be yours. See your parents, O one of good vows. The night is deep and this night has ended, and the sun has risen. (03-281-72)
नक्तञ्चराश्चरन्त्येते हृष्टाः क्रूराभिभाषिणः। श्रूयन्ते पर्णशब्दाश्च मृगाणां चरतां वने ॥०३-२८१-७३॥
These cheerful and harsh-spoken night-roaming beings move about; the sounds of leaves and the deer wandering in the forest are heard. (03-281-73)
एताः शिवा घोरनादा दिशं दक्षिणपश्चिमाम्। आस्थाय विरुवन्त्युग्राः कम्पयन्त्यो मनो मम ॥०३-२८१-७४॥
These auspicious beings, possessing terrible voices, have taken position in the southwest; fierce and roaring, they make my mind tremble. (03-281-74)
सत्यवानुवाच॥
Satyavan said.
वनं प्रतिभयाकारं घनेन तमसा वृतम्। न विज्ञास्यसि पन्थानं गन्तुं चैव न शक्ष्यसि ॥०३-२८१-७५॥
The forest, having a terrifying appearance and covered in dense darkness—you will not know the path, nor will you be able to proceed. (03-281-75)
सावित्र्युवाच॥
Savitri said.
अस्मिन्नद्य वने दग्धे शुष्कवृक्षः स्थितो ज्वलन्। वायुना धम्यमानोऽग्निर्दृश्यतेऽत्र क्वचित्क्वचित् ॥०३-२८१-७६॥
Today, in this burned forest, a dry tree, standing and burning, the fire being fanned by the wind, is seen here and there in some places. (03-281-76)
ततोऽग्निमानयित्वेह ज्वालयिष्यामि सर्वतः। काष्ठानीमानि सन्तीह जहि सन्तापमात्मनः ॥०३-२८१-७७॥
Then, having brought the fire here, I will kindle it all around. These sticks are here—remove your own distress. (03-281-77)
यदि नोत्सहसे गन्तुं सरुजं त्वाभिलक्षये। न च ज्ञास्यसि पन्थानं तमसा संवृते वने ॥०३-२८१-७८॥
If you do not make the effort to go in pain, though I desire you, you will not know the path in the forest covered by darkness. (03-281-78)
श्वः प्रभाते वने दृश्ये यास्यावोऽनुमते तव। वसावेह क्षपामेतां रुचितं यदि तेऽनघ ॥०३-२८१-७९॥
If it pleases you, O sinless one, we will stay here tonight; otherwise, tomorrow at dawn in the forest, we two shall go on with your consent. (03-281-79)
सत्यवानुवाच॥
Satyavan said.
शिरोरुजा निवृत्ता मे स्वस्थान्यङ्गानि लक्षये। मातापितृभ्यामिच्छामि सङ्गमं त्वत्प्रसादजम् ॥०३-२८१-८०॥
My headache has subsided; I feel that my limbs are now normal. I wish to be reunited with my mother and father, by your (kind) grace. (03-281-80)
न कदाचिद्विकाले हि गतपूर्वो मयाश्रमः। अनागतायां सन्ध्यायां माता मे प्ररुणद्धि माम् ॥०३-२८१-८१॥
I have never before gone to the hermitage at an improper time; when the twilight has not yet come, my mother restrains me. (03-281-81)
दिवापि मयि निष्क्रान्ते सन्तप्येते गुरू मम। विचिनोति च मां तातः सहैवाश्रमवासिभिः ॥०३-२८१-८२॥
Even during the day, when I am absent, my elders feel sorrow; and my father, together with the inhabitants of the hermitage, searches for me. (03-281-82)
मात्रा पित्रा च सुभृशं दुःखिताभ्यामहं पुरा। उपालब्धः सुबहुशश्चिरेणागच्छसीति ह ॥०३-२८१-८३॥
Formerly, I was repeatedly reproached by my mother and father, who were greatly distressed, saying, 'After such a long time, you have come,' indeed. (03-281-83)
का त्ववस्था तयोरद्य मदर्थमिति चिन्तये। तयोरदृश्ये मयि च महद्दुःखं भविष्यति ॥०३-२८१-८४॥
I am thinking, 'What indeed is their state today for my sake?' If I do not see them, great sorrow will arise in me. (03-281-84)
पुरा मामूचतुश्चैव रात्रावस्रायमाणकौ। भृशं सुदुःखितौ वृद्धौ बहुशः प्रीतिसंयुतौ ॥०३-२८१-८५॥
Long ago, the two elderly ones, often afflicted and frequently united in affection, used to speak to me at night, shedding many tears. (3-281-85)
त्वया हीनौ न जीवाव मुहूर्तमपि पुत्रक। यावद्धरिष्यसे पुत्र तावन्नौ जीवितं ध्रुवम् ॥०३-२८१-८६॥
O son, if deprived of you, we two would not live even for a moment; our lives are assured only as long as you live. (03-281-86)
वृद्धयोरन्धयोर्यष्टिस्त्वयि वंशः प्रतिष्ठितः। त्वयि पिण्डश्च कीर्तिश्च सन्तानं चावयोरिति ॥०३-२८१-८७॥
You are the support for the two aged and the two blind; the staff rests on you. On you depend the rice-offering, our renown, our offspring, and us both—thus. (03-281-87)
माता वृद्धा पिता वृद्धस्तयोर्यष्टिरहं किल। तौ रात्रौ मामपश्यन्तौ कामवस्थां गमिष्यतः ॥०३-२८१-८८॥
My mother is aged, my father is aged; I am indeed the staff for those two. During the night, those two, not seeing me, will fall into a state of longing. (03-281-88)
निद्रायाश्चाभ्यसूयामि यस्या हेतोः पिता मम। माता च संशयं प्राप्ता मत्कृतेऽनपकारिणी ॥०३-२८१-८९॥
I am even envious of sleep, because of which my father and mother, who have done no wrong on my account, are now in doubt. (03-281-89)
अहं च संशयं प्राप्तः कृच्छ्रामापदमास्थितः। मातापितृभ्यां हि विना नाहं जीवितुमुत्सहे ॥०३-२८१-९०॥
I too have come into doubt and am faced with severe calamity; indeed, without my mother and father, I am not able to live. (03-281-90)
व्यक्तमाकुलया बुद्ध्या प्रज्ञाचक्षुः पिता मम। एकैकमस्यां वेलायां पृच्छत्याश्रमवासिनम् ॥०३-२८१-९१॥
With a mind clearly agitated, my wise father is now asking each resident of the hermitage. (03-281-91)
नात्मानमनुशोचामि यथाहं पितरं शुभे। भर्तारं चाप्यनुगतां मातरं परिदुर्बलाम् ॥०३-२८१-९२॥
O auspicious one, I do not grieve for myself as much as I do for my father, for my husband, and for my completely helpless mother who has followed him. (03-281-92)
मत्कृतेन हि तावद्य सन्तापं परमेष्यतः। जीवन्तावनुजीवामि भर्तव्यौ तौ मयेति ह ॥ तयोः प्रियं मे कर्तव्यमिति जीवामि चाप्यहम् ॥०३-२८१-९३॥
Because, by what has been done for me, as long as those two are about to experience great suffering, I keep living while they live—because those two must be supported by me. I live on also with the resolve that I must do what is dear to them. (03-281-93)
मार्कण्डेय उवाच॥
Mārkaṇḍeya said;
एवमुक्त्वा स धर्मात्मा गुरुवर्ती गुरुप्रियः। उच्छ्रित्य बाहू दुःखार्तः सस्वरं प्ररुरोद ह ॥०३-२८१-९४॥
Having spoken thus, he, the righteous and devoted disciple, beloved of his teacher, raised his arms and, overwhelmed with sorrow, wept aloud. (03-281-94)
ततोऽब्रवीत्तथा दृष्ट्वा भर्तारं शोककर्शितम्। प्रमृज्याश्रूणि नेत्राभ्यां सावित्री धर्मचारिणी ॥०३-२८१-९५॥
Then Sāvitrī, devoted to righteousness, having wiped the tears from her eyes, spoke thus after seeing her husband worn with grief. (03-281-95)
यदि मेऽस्ति तपस्तप्तं यदि दत्तं हुतं यदि। श्वश्रूश्वशुरभर्तॄणां मम पुण्यास्तु शर्वरी ॥०३-२८१-९६॥
If I have performed austerities, if I have given gifts and made offerings, may the merits I have gained benefit my mother-in-law, father-in-law, and husbands through this night. (03-281-96)
न स्मराम्युक्तपूर्वां वै स्वैरेष्वप्यनृतां गिरम्। तेन सत्येन तावद्य ध्रियेतां श्वशुरौ मम ॥०३-२८१-९७॥
I do not recall ever having spoken a false word, even among my own (husbands). By that truth, may my father-in-law and mother-in-law be protected as long as this holds true. (03-281-97)
सत्यवानुवाच॥
Satyavan said.
कामये दर्शनं पित्रोर्याहि सावित्रि माचिरम्। पुरा मातुः पितुर्वापि यदि पश्यामि विप्रियम् ॥ न जीविष्ये वरारोहे सत्येनात्मानमालभे ॥०३-२८१-९८॥
I desire to see my parents; go, Sāvitrī, do not delay. Before I witness anything unfortunate happening to my mother or father, I will not survive, O beautiful one; by the truth, I take refuge in myself. (03-281-98)
यदि धर्मे च ते बुद्धिर्मां चेज्जीवन्तमिच्छसि। मम प्रियं वा कर्तव्यं गच्छस्वाश्रममन्तिकात् ॥०३-२८१-९९॥
If in righteousness your mind is firm and you wish me to live, or you wish to do what is dear to me, then go from the vicinity of your own hermitage. (03-281-99)
मार्कण्डेय उवाच॥
Mārkaṇḍeya said.
सावित्री तत उत्थाय केशान्संयम्य भामिनी। पतिमुत्थापयामास बाहुभ्यां परिगृह्य वै ॥०३-२८१-१००॥
At that moment, Sāvitrī, the radiant lady, rose up, tied her hair, and with both arms, embraced and raised her husband.
उत्थाय सत्यवांश्चापि प्रमृज्याङ्गानि पाणिना। दिशः सर्वाः समालोक्य कठिने दृष्टिमादधे ॥०३-२८१-१०१॥
Satyavān rose up, wiped his limbs with his hand, gazed carefully in all directions, and fixed his gaze firmly. (03-281-101)
तमुवाचाथ सावित्री श्वः फलानीह नेष्यसि। योगक्षेमार्थमेतत्ते नेष्यामि परशुं त्वहम् ॥०३-२८१-१०२॥
Then Savitri said to him: 'Tomorrow, you will bring fruits here. For your acquisition and preservation, I will take this axe for you.' (03-281-102)
कृत्वा कठिनभारं सा वृक्षशाखावलम्बिनम्। गृहीत्वा परशुं भर्तुः सकाशं पुनरागमत् ॥०३-२८१-१०३॥
After tying the heavy burden to the tree’s branch, she took the axe and returned again to her husband. (03-281-103)
वामे स्कन्धे तु वामोरूर्भर्तुर्बाहुं निवेश्य सा। दक्षिणेन परिष्वज्य जगाम मृदुगामिनी ॥०३-२८१-१०४॥
She, the gentle-gaited woman, placing her husband's arm on her left shoulder and thigh, and embracing him with her right arm, went along. (03-281-104)
सत्यवानुवाच॥
Satyavan said.
अभ्यासगमनाद्भीरु पन्थानो विदिता मम। वृक्षान्तरालोकितया ज्योत्स्नया चापि लक्षये ॥०३-२८१-१०५॥
O timid one, because I have walked these paths often, I know them well; and I can also recognize them by the moonlight shining between the trees. (03-281-105)
आगतौ स्वः पथा येन फलान्यवचितानि च। यथागतं शुभे गच्छ पन्थानं मा विचारय ॥०३-२८१-१०६॥
Arriving by your own path by which you have gathered fruits, as you came, O auspicious one, proceed on your way; do not reflect. (03-281-106)
पलाशषण्डे चैतस्मिन्पन्था व्यावर्तते द्विधा। तस्योत्तरेण यः पन्थास्तेन गच्छ त्वरस्व च ॥ स्वस्थोऽस्मि बलवानस्मि दिदृक्षुः पितरावुभौ ॥०३-२८१-१०७॥
In this grove of palāśa trees, the path divides into two; take the one to the north and go quickly. I am well, I am strong, and I wish to see both my parents. (03-281-107)
मार्कण्डेय उवाच॥
Markandeya said;
ब्रुवन्नेवं त्वरायुक्तः स प्रायादाश्रमं प्रति।
Speaking in this way, filled with haste, he went towards the hermitage.
