03.281
mārkaṇḍeya uvāca॥
Mārkaṇḍeya said;
atha bhāryāsahāyaḥ sa phalānyādāya vīryavān। kaṭhinaṁ pūrayāmāsa tataḥ kāṣṭhānyapāṭayat ॥03-281-1॥
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)
tasya pāṭayataḥ kāṣṭhaṃ svedo vai samajāyata। vyāyāmena ca tenāsya jajñe śirasi vedanā॥03-281-2॥
As he was breaking the wood, sweat indeed arose for him. Due to exertion, pain in his head was produced. (03-281-2)
so'bhigamya priyāṁ bhāryām uvāca śramapīḍitaḥ। vyāyāmena mamānena jātā śirasi vedanā॥03-281-3॥
Afflicted by fatigue, he approached his beloved wife and said: "Because of this exertion, I have developed pain in my head." (03-281-3)
aṅgāni caiva sāvitrī hṛdayaṃ dūyatīva ca। asvasthamiva cātmānaṃ lakṣaye mitabhāṣiṇi ॥03-281-4॥
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)
śūlair iva śiro viddham idaṃ saṃlakṣayāmy aham। tat svaptum icche kalyāṇi na sthātuṃ śaktir asti me॥03-281-5॥
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).
samāsādyātha sāvitri bhartāram upagūhya ca। utsaṅge'sya śiraḥ kṛtvā niṣasāda mahītale ॥03-281-6॥
Then Sāvitrī approached, embraced her husband, placed his head on her lap, and sat down on the ground. (03-281-6)
tataḥ sā nāradavaco vimṛśantī tapasvinī। taṃ muhūrtaṃ kṣaṇaṃ velāṃ divasaṃ ca yuyoja ha ॥03-281-7॥
Then the ascetic woman, pondering Nārada's words, devoted that moment, instant, interval, and day (to meditation) indeed. (03-281-7)
muhūrtādiva cāpaśyatpuruṣaṃ pītavāsasam। baddhamauliṃ vapuṣmantamādityasamatejasam ॥03-281-8॥
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)
śyāmāvadātaṃ raktākṣaṃ pāśahastaṃ bhayāvaham। sthitaṃ satyavataḥ pārśve nirīkṣantaṃ tameva ca ॥03-281-9॥
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)
taṁ dṛṣṭvā sahasotthāya bharturnyasya śanaiḥ śiraḥ। kṛtāñjaliruvācārtā hṛdayena pravepatā॥03-281-10॥
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)
daivataṃ tvābhijānāmi vapur etad dhyamānuṣam। kāmayā brūhi me deva kas tvaṃ kiṃ ca cikīrṣasi॥03-281-11॥
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)
yama uvāca॥
Yama said;
pativratāsi sāvitri tathaiva ca taponvitā। atastvāmabhibhāṣāmi viddhi māṁ tvaṁ śubhe yamam॥03-281-12॥
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)
ayaṃ te satyavān-bhartā kṣīṇāyuḥ pārthivātmajaḥ। neṣyāmyenam ahaṃ baddhvā viddhy etan me cikīrṣitam॥03-281-13॥
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)
mārkaṇḍeya uvāca॥
Mārkaṇḍeya said.
ity-uktvā pitṛ-rājaḥ tām bhagavān svaṃ cikīrṣitam। yathāvat sarvam ākhyātum tat-priya-artham pracakrame ॥03-281-14॥
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)
ayaṁ hi dharmasaṁyukto rūpavān guṇasāgaraḥ। nārho matpuruṣair netum ato'smi svayam āgataḥ॥03-281-15॥
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)
tataḥ satyavataḥ kāyāt pāśa-baddhaṃ vaśaṃ gatam। aṅguṣṭha-mātraṃ puruṣaṃ niścakarṣa yamo balāt ॥03-281-16॥
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)
tataḥ samuddhṛtaprāṇaṃ gataśvāsaṃ hataprabham। nirviceṣṭaṃ śarīraṃ tadbabhūvāpriyadarśanam ॥03-281-17॥
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)
yamastu taṃ tathā baddhvā prayāto dakṣiṇāmukhaḥ। sāvitri cāpi duḥkhārtā yamamevānvagacchata ॥ niyamavratasamsiddhā mahābhāgā pativratā ॥03-281-18॥
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)
yama uvāca॥
Yama said;
nivarta gaccha sāvitri kuruṣvāsyordhvadehikam। kṛtaṃ bhartustvayānṛṇyaṃ yāvadgamyaṃ gataṃ tvayā ॥03-281-19॥
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)
sāvitry uvāca॥
Sāvitrī said.
yatra me nīyate bhartā svayam vā yatra gacchati। mayāpi tatra gantavyam eṣa dharmaḥ sanātanaḥ ॥03-281-20॥
Wherever my husband is taken, or wherever he himself goes, I too must go there; this is the eternal duty. (03-281-20)
tapasā guruvṛttyā ca bhartuḥ snehād vratena ca। tava caiva prasādena na me pratihatā gatiḥ ॥03-281-21॥
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)
prāhuḥ saptapadaṁ mitraṁ budhās tattvārthadarśinaḥ। mitratāṁ ca puraskṛtya kiñcid vakṣyāmi tac chṛṇu ॥03-281-22॥
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)
nānātmavantastu vane caranti; dharmaṃ ca vāsaṃ ca pariśramaṃ ca. vijñānato dharmamudāharanti; tasmātsanto dharmamāhuḥ pradhānam ॥03-281-23॥
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)
ekasya dharmeṇa satāṁ matena; sarve sma taṁ mārgam anuprapannāḥ। mā vai dvitīyaṁ mā tṛtīyaṁ ca vāñche; tasmāt santo dharmam āhuḥ pradhānam ॥03-281-24॥
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)
yama uvāca॥
Yama said.
nivarta tuṣṭo'smi tavānayā girā; svarākṣaravyañjanahetuyuktayā. varaṃ vṛṇīṣveha vināsya jīvitaṃ; dadāni te sarvamanindite varam ॥03-281-25॥
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)
sāvitryuvāca॥
Savitri said.
cyutaḥ svarājyād vanavāsam āśrito; vinaṣṭacakṣuḥ śvaśuro mamāśrame. sa labdhacakṣur balavān bhaven nṛpa; stava prasādāj jvalanārkasaṃnibhaḥ ॥03-281-26॥
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)
yama uvāca॥
Yama said.
dadāni te sarvamanindite varaṃ; yathā tvayoktaṃ bhavitā ca tattathā। tavādhanā glānimivopalakṣaye; nivarta gacchasva na te śramo bhavet ॥03-281-27॥
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)
sāvitryuvāca॥
Sāvitrī said.
kutaḥ śramo bhartṛ-samīpato hi me; yato hi bhartā mama sā gatir dhruvā. yataḥ patiṁ neṣyasi tatra me gatiḥ; sureśa bhūyaś ca vaco nibodha me ॥03-281-28॥
"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)
satāṃ sakṛtsaṅgatam īpsitaṃ paraṃ; tataḥ paraṃ mitram iti pracakṣate. na ca aphalaṃ satpuruṣeṇa saṅgatam; tataḥ satāṃ saṃnivased samāgame ॥03-281-29॥
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)
yama uvāca॥
Yama said;
manonukūlaṃ budha-buddhi-vardhanaṃ; tvayāham-ukto vacanaṃ hitāśrayam. vinā punaḥ satyavato'sya jīvitaṃ; varaṃ dvitīyaṃ varayasva bhāmini ॥03-281-30॥
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.
sāvitry-uvāca॥
Sāvitrī said.
hṛtaṃ purā me śvaśurasya dhīmataḥ; svam-eva rājyaṃ sa labheta pārthivaḥ। jahyāt svadharmaṃ na ca me gurur yathā; dvitīyam etaṃ varayāmi te varam ॥03-281-31॥
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)
yama uvāca॥
Yama said.
svam-eva rājyaṃ pratipatsyate'cirān na ca svadharmāt parihāsyate nṛpaḥ। kṛtena kāmena mayā nṛpātmaje; nivarta gacchasva na te śramo bhavet ॥03-281-32॥
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)
sāvitryuvāca॥
Savitri said.
prajās tvayemā niyamena saṃyatā; niyamya caitā nayase na kāmayā. ato yamatvaṃ tava deva viśrutaṃ; nibodha cemāṃ giramīritāṃ mayā ॥03-281-33॥
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)
adrohaḥ sarvabhūteṣu karmaṇā manasā girā। anugrahaś ca dānaṃ ca satāṃ dharmaḥ sanātanaḥ ॥03-281-34॥
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)
evam-prāyaś-ca loko'yaṁ manuṣyāḥ śakti-peśalāḥ। santas-tvevāpyamitreṣu dayāṁ prāpteṣu kurvate॥03-281-35॥
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)
yama uvāca॥
Yama said.
pipāsitasyeva yathā bhavet payaḥ; tathā tvayā vākyam idaṃ samīritam। vinā punaḥ satyavato 'sya jīvitam; varaṃ vṛṇīṣveha śubhe yad icchasi॥03-281-36॥
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)
sāvitryuvāca॥
Savitri said.
mamānapatyaḥ pṛthivīpatiḥ pitā; bhavet pituḥ putraśataṃ mamaurasam. kulasya santānakaraṃ ca yadbhavet; tṛtīyametaṃ varayāmi te varam ॥03-281-37॥
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)
yama uvāca॥
Yama said.
kulasya santānakaraṃ suvarcasaṃ; śataṃ sutānāṃ pitur astu te śubhe। kṛtena kāmena narādhipātmaje; nivarta dūraṃ hi pathas tvam āgatā ॥03-281-38॥
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)
sāvitry uvāca॥
Sāvitrī said.
na dūram etan mama bhartṛ-saṁnidhau; mano hi me dūrataraṁ pradhāvati. tathā vrajan eva giraṁ samudyatāṁ; mayocyamānāṁ śṛṇu bhūya eva ca ॥03-281-39॥
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.
vivasvatastvaṃ tanayaḥ pratāpavāṃ; stato hi vaivasvata ucyase budhaiḥ. śamena dharmeṇa ca rañjitāḥ prajā; statastaveheśvara dharmarājatā ॥03-281-40॥
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)
ātmany api na viśvāsaḥ tāvān bhavati satsu yaḥ। tasmāt satsu viśeṣeṇa sarvaḥ praṇayam icchati॥03-281-41॥
Even in oneself, trust is not as great as in good people; therefore, everyone especially desires affection among the good. (03-281-41)
sauhṛdātsarvabhūtānāṃ viśvāso nāma jāyate। tasmātsatsu viśeṣeṇa viśvāsaṃ kurute janaḥ॥03-281-42॥
Trust, called so, arises from friendship towards all beings. Therefore, a person places special trust in good people. (03-281-42)
yama uvāca॥
Yama said.
udāhṛtaṃ te vacanaṃ yadaṅgane; śubhe na tādṛktvadr̥te mayā śrutam. anena tuṣṭo'smi vināsya jīvitaṃ; varaṃ caturthaṃ varayasva gaccha ca ॥03-281-43॥
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)
sāvitry uvāca॥
Savitri said.
mama ātmajaṃ satyavatas tathaurasaṃ; bhaved ubhābhyām iha yat kulodvaham। śataṃ sutānāṃ balavīryaśālinā; midaṃ caturthaṃ varayāmi te varam ॥03-281-44॥
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)
yama uvāca॥
Yama said.
śataṃ sutānāṃ balavīryaśālināṃ; bhaviṣyati prītikaraṃ tavābale. pariśramas te na bhaven nṛpātmaje; nivarta dūraṃ hi pathas tvam āgatā ॥03-281-45॥
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)
sāvitry uvāca॥
Savitri said.
satāṃ sadā śāśvatī dharmavṛttiḥ; santo na sīdanti na ca vyathanti. satāṃ sadbhirnāphalaḥ saṅgamo'sti; sadbhyo bhayaṃ nānuvartanti santaḥ ॥03-281-46॥
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)
santo hi satyena nayanti sūryaṃ; santo bhūmiṃ tapasā dhārayanti. santo gatirbhūtabhavyasya rājan; satāṃ madhye nāvasīdanti santaḥ ॥03-281-47॥
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)
āryajuṣṭam idaṃ vṛttam iti vijñāya śāśvatam। santaḥ parārthaṃ kurvāṇā na avekṣante pratikriyām ॥03-281-48॥
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)
na ca prasādaḥ satpuruṣeṣu moghaḥ; na cāpy artho naśyati nāpi mānaḥ। yasmād etan niyataṁ satsu nityaṁ; tasmāt santo rakṣitāro bhavanti॥03-281-49॥
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)
yama uvāca॥
Yama said.
yathā yathā bhāṣasi dharmasaṃhitaṃ; manonukūlaṃ supadaṃ mahārthavat. tathā tathā me tvayi bhaktiruttamā; varaṃ vṛṇīṣvāpratimaṃ yatavrate ॥03-281-50॥
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)
sāvitry uvāca॥
Sāvitrī said.
na te'papargaḥ sukṛtād vinākṛtaḥ; tathā yathānyeṣu vareṣu mānada. varaṃ vṛṇe jīvatu satyavān ayaṃ; yathā mṛtā hi evam ahaṃ vinā patim ॥03-281-51॥
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)
na kāmaye bhartṛ-vinā-kṛtā sukhaṁ; na kāmaye bhartṛ-vinā-kṛtā divam। na kāmaye bhartṛ-vinā-kṛtā śriyaṁ; na bhartṛ-hīnā vyavasāmi jīvitum ॥03-281-52॥
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)
varātisargaḥ śataputratā mama; tvayaiva datto hriyate ca me patiḥ। varaṃ vṛṇe jīvatu satyavān ayaṃ; tavaiva satyaṃ vacanaṃ bhaviṣyati ॥03-281-53॥
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)
mārkaṇḍeya uvāca॥
Mārkaṇḍeya said.
tathety uktvā tu tān pāśān muktvā vaivasvato yamaḥ। dharmarājaḥ prahṛṣṭātmā sāvitrym idam abravīt॥03-281-54॥
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)
eṣa bhadre mayā mukto bhartā te kulanandini। arogas tava neyaś ca siddhārthaś ca bhaviṣyati ॥03-281-55॥
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)
caturvarṣaśataṃ cāyus tvayā sārdham avāpsyati. iṣṭvā yajñaiś ca dharmeṇa khyātiṃ loke gamiṣyati॥03-281-56॥
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)
tvayi putraśataṃ caiva satyavāñ janayiṣyati। te cāpi sarve rājānaḥ kṣatriyāḥ putrapautriṇaḥ ॥ khyātās tvannāmadheyāś ca bhaviṣyantīha śāśvatāḥ ॥03-281-57॥
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)
pituś ca te putraśataṁ bhavitā tava mātari। mālavyāṁ mālavā nāma śāśvatāḥ putrapautriṇaḥ ॥ bhrātaras te bhaviṣyanti kṣatriyās tridaśopamāḥ ॥03-281-58॥
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)
evaṁ tasyai varaṁ dattvā dharmarājaḥ pratāpavān। nivartayitvā sāvitrīṁ svam-eva bhavanaṁ yayau॥03-281-59॥
Thus, having granted her a boon, the mighty Dharma-rāja, after causing Sāvitrī to return, went to his own abode. (03-281-59)
sāvitry api yame yāte bhartāraṃ pratilabhya ca। jagāma tatra yatrāsyā bhartuḥ śāvaṃ kalevaram ॥03-281-60॥
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)
sā bhūmau prekṣya bhartāram upasṛtya upagūhya ca | utsaṅge śira āropya bhūmā upaviveśa ha ॥03-281-61॥
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)
sañjñāṃ ca satyavān labdhvā sāvitrīm abhyabhāṣata। proṣyāgata iva premṇā punaḥ punar udīkṣya vai ॥03-281-62॥
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)
satyavān uvāca॥
Satyavan said.
suciraṃ bata supto'smi kimarthaṃ nāvabodhitaḥ। kva cāsau puruṣaḥ śyāmo yo'sau māṃ sañcakarṣa ha॥03-281-63॥
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)
sāvitry uvāca॥
Savitri said.
suciraṃ bata supto'si mamāṅke puruṣarṣabha। gataḥ sa bhagavān devaḥ prajāsaṃyamano yamaḥ॥03-281-64॥
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)
viśrānto'si mahābhāga vinidraś ca nṛpātmaja। yadi śakyaṃ samuttiṣṭha vigāḍhāṃ paśya śarvarīm॥03-281-65॥
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)
mārkaṇḍeya uvāca॥
Markandeya said.
upalabhya tataḥ sañjñāṃ sukha-supta iva utthitaḥ। diśaḥ sarvā vanāntān ca nirīkṣya uvāca satyavān॥03-281-66॥
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)
phalāhāro'smi niṣkrāntastvayā saha sumadhyame। tataḥ pāṭayataḥ kāṣṭhaṃ śiraso me rujābhavat॥03-281-67॥
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)
śirobhi tāpa-saṃtaptah sthātuṃ ciram aśaknuvan. tavotsaṅge prasupto'ham iti sarvaṃ smare śubhe ॥03-281-68॥
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)
tvayopagūḍhasya ca me nidrayāpahṛtaṃ manaḥ। tato'paśyaṃ tamo ghoraṃ puruṣaṃ ca mahaujasaṃ॥03-281-69॥
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)
tadyadi tvaṃ vijānāsi kiṃ tadbrūhi sumadhyame. svapno me yadi vā dṛṣṭo yadi vā satyameva tat ॥03-281-70॥
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)
tam uvācātha sāvitri rajanī vyavagāhate। śvas te sarvaṃ yathāvṛttam ākhyāsyāmi nṛpātmaja ॥03-281-71॥
Then Sāvitrī said to him, as night was falling, "Tomorrow, O prince, I will tell you everything as it has happened." (03-281-71)
uttiṣṭhottiṣṭha bhadraṃ te pitarau paśya suvrata। vigāḍhā rajanī ceyaṃ nivṛttaśca divākaraḥ ॥03-281-72॥
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)
naktañcarāś caranty ete hṛṣṭāḥ krūrābhibhāṣiṇaḥ। śrūyante parṇaśabdāś ca mṛgāṇāṃ caratāṃ vane॥03-281-73॥
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)
etāḥ śivā ghoranādā diśaṃ dakṣiṇapaścimām। āsthāya viruvantyugrāḥ kampayantyo mano mama॥03-281-74॥
These auspicious beings, possessing terrible voices, have taken position in the southwest; fierce and roaring, they make my mind tremble. (03-281-74)
satyavān uvāca॥
Satyavan said.
vanaṃ pratibhayākāraṃ ghanena tamasā vṛtam। na vijñāsyasi panthānaṃ gantuṃ caiva na śakṣyasi॥03-281-75॥
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)
sāvitry uvāca॥
Savitri said.
asminn adya vane dagdhe śuṣkavṛkṣaḥ sthito jvalan। vāyunā dhamyamāno'gnir dṛśyate'tra kvacit kvacit ॥03-281-76॥
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)
tato'gnim ānayitva iha jvālayiṣyāmi sarvataḥ। kāṣṭhāni imāni santi iha jahi santāpam ātmanāḥ॥03-281-77॥
Then, having brought the fire here, I will kindle it all around. These sticks are here—remove your own distress. (03-281-77)
yadi notsahase gantum sarujaṃ tvābhilakṣaye। na ca jñāsyasi panthānaṃ tamasā saṃvṛte vane॥03-281-78॥
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)
śvaḥ prabhāte vane dṛśye yāsyāvaḥ anumate tava। vasāva iha kṣapām etām rucitaṃ yadi te anagha ॥03-281-79॥
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)
satyavān uvāca॥
Satyavan said.
śiroruja nivṛttā me svasthāny aṅgāni lakṣaye। mātāpitṛbhyām icchāmi saṅgamaṃ tvatprasādajam॥03-281-80॥
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)
na kadācid vikāle hi gatapūrvo mayāśramaḥ। anāgatāyāṃ sandhyāyāṃ mātā me praruṇaddhi mām ॥03-281-81॥
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)
divāpi mayi niṣkrānte santapyete gurū mama. vicinoti ca māṁ tātaḥ sahaivāśramavāsibhiḥ ॥03-281-82॥
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)
mātrā pitrā ca subhṛśaṃ duḥkhitābhyāmahaṃ purā। upālabdhaḥ subahuśaścireṇāgacchasīti ha ॥03-281-83॥
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)
kā tv avasthā tayor adya madartham iti cintaye। tayor adṛśye mayi ca mahad duḥkhaṃ bhaviṣyati॥03-281-84॥
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)
purā mām ūcatuś caiva rātrau asrāyamāṇakau | bhṛśaṃ suduḥkhitau vṛddhau bahuśaḥ prīti-saṃyutau ॥03-281-85॥
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)
tvayā hīnau na jīvāva muhūrtam api putraka। yāvat dhariṣyase putra tāvat nau jīvitaṁ dhruvam॥ 03-281-86॥
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)
vṛddhayor andhayor yaṣṭis tvayi vaṃśaḥ pratiṣṭhitaḥ। tvayi piṇḍaś ca kīrtiś ca santānaṃ ca avayor iti ॥03-281-87॥
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)
mātā vṛddhā pitā vṛddhas tayor yaṣṭir ahaṃ kila। tau rātrau mām apaśyantau kāmavasthāṃ gamiṣyataḥ ॥03-281-88॥
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)
nidrāyāś cābhyasūyāmi yasyā hetoḥ pitā mama। mātā ca saṁśayaṁ prāptā matkṛte'napakāriṇī॥03-281-89॥
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)
ahaṃ ca saṃśayaṃ prāptaḥ kṛcchrām-āpadam-āsthitaḥ। mātā-pitṛbhyāṃ hi vinā nāhaṃ jīvitum-utsahē ॥03-281-90॥
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)
vyaktamākulayā buddhyā prajñācakṣuḥ pitā mama। ekaikamasyāṃ velāyāṃ pṛcchatyāśramavāsinam ॥03-281-91॥
With a mind clearly agitated, my wise father is now asking each resident of the hermitage. (03-281-91)
nātmānam anuśocāmi yathāhaṁ pitaraṁ śubhe। bhartāraṁ cāpy anugatāṁ mātaraṁ paridurbalām ॥03-281-92॥
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)
matkṛtena hi tāvadya santāpaṃ parameṣyataḥ। jīvantāvanujīvāmi bhartavyau tau mayeti ha ॥ tayoḥ priyaṃ me kartavyamiti jīvāmi cāpyaham ॥03-281-93॥
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)
mārkaṇḍeya uvāca॥
Mārkaṇḍeya said;
evam-uktvā sa dharmātmā guru-vartī guru-priyaḥ। ucchritya bāhū duḥkhārtaḥ sasvaraṃ praruroda ha ॥03-281-94॥
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)
tato'bravīttathā dṛṣṭvā bhartāraṃ śokakarśitam. pramṛjyāśrūṇi netrābhyāṃ sāvitri dharmacāriṇī ॥03-281-95॥
Then Sāvitrī, devoted to righteousness, having wiped the tears from her eyes, spoke thus after seeing her husband worn with grief. (03-281-95)
yadi me'sti tapastaptaṃ yadi dattaṃ hutaṃ yadi। śvaśrūśvaśurabhartṝṇāṃ mama puṇyāstu śarvarī ॥03-281-96॥
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)
na smarāmy ukta-pūrvāṃ vai svaireṣv apy anṛtāṃ giram| tena satyena tāvad dhi dhriyetāṃ śvaśurau mama॥03-281-97॥
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)
satyavān uvāca॥
Satyavan said.
kāmaye darśanaṃ pitroryāhi sāvitri māciram। purā mātuḥ piturvāpi yadi paśyāmi vipriyam ॥ na jīviṣye varārohe satyenātmānam ālabhe ॥03-281-98॥
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)
yadi dharme ca te buddhir māṁ ca ej jīvantam icchasi. mama priyaṁ vā kartavyaṁ gacchasvāśramam antikāt ॥03-281-99॥
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)
mārkaṇḍeya uvāca॥
Mārkaṇḍeya said.
sāvitrī tat utthāya keśān saṃyamya bhāminī। patim utthāpayām āsa bāhubhyāṃ parigṛhya vai॥03-281-100॥
At that moment, Sāvitrī, the radiant lady, rose up, tied her hair, and with both arms, embraced and raised her husband.
utthāya satyavāṃś cāpi pramṛjyāṅgāni pāṇinā। diśaḥ sarvāḥ samālokya kaṭhine dṛṣṭim ādadhe॥03-281-101॥
Satyavān rose up, wiped his limbs with his hand, gazed carefully in all directions, and fixed his gaze firmly. (03-281-101)
tam uvāca atha sāvitri śvaḥ phalāni iha neṣyasi। yoga-kṣema-artham etat te neṣyāmi paraśuṃ tv aham॥03-281-102॥
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)
kṛtvā kaṭhinabhāraṃ sā vṛkṣaśākhāvalambinam। gṛhītvā paraśuṃ bhartuḥ sakāśaṃ punarāgamat ॥03-281-103॥
After tying the heavy burden to the tree’s branch, she took the axe and returned again to her husband. (03-281-103)
vāme skandhe tu vāmorūrbharturbāhuṃ niveśya sā। dakṣiṇena pariṣvajya jagāma mṛdugāminī ॥03-281-104॥
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)
satyavān uvāca॥
Satyavan said.
abhyāsagamanādbhīru panthāno viditā mama। vṛkṣāntarālokitayā jyotsnayā cāpi lakṣaye ॥03-281-105॥
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)
āgataù svaḥ pathā yena phalāny avacitāni ca। yathāgataṃ śubhe gaccha panthānaṃ mā vicāraya ॥03-281-106॥
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)
palāśaṣaṇḍe caitasmin panthā vyāvartate dvidhā। tasyottareṇa yaḥ panthās tena gaccha tvarasva ca ॥ svastho'smi balavānasmi didṛkṣuḥ pitarāvubhau ॥03-281-107॥
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)
mārkaṇḍeya uvāca॥
Markandeya said;
bruvannevaṃ tvarāyuktaḥ sa prāyādāśramaṃ prati।
Speaking in this way, filled with haste, he went towards the hermitage.
