Reading Notes: More Mahabharata, Part A

Part A

Damayanti praying
Web Source: Damayanti

• Savitri's name is associated with the ideals of women and her love is known to be so pure that she overcame the King of Death
• Savitri, the God of Fire, came from the heart of flames as Maharajah prayed to the God of Fire for an heir
• The God of Fire told him that his heir would bring joy and glory to the kingdom
• 10 months later, the Maharani of Abanti gave birth to a daughter 
• Her parents decided to name her Savitri after the goddess
• In the old days, Indian women were highly educated and so Savitri 
• Nature rejoiced with Savitri. The birds trilled with joy, the sun's rays were more radiant
• One day, Savitri found love in the most random place
• She came across a topoban where an old man and his wife lived. This old man and his wife boasted about their son and how devoted he was to caring and providing for their family
• The maidens were nearby were quick to learn that the old man was indeed the exiled King of Abani and his son, is the Crown Prince
• Satyaban, the cherished son, met with the princess and with each meeting, the attractions grew that they had for each other grew stronger
• Savitri's father did not condone this newly discovered love, as Satyaban was not from wealth
• Savitri's father wanted for her to remain the heir to his kingdom and inherit the wealth that came with it
• Savitri knew of her parents' disapproval for her new found love and that she could never marry Satyaban
• Savitri's parents also knew that they could not force her obedience
• Narad came to Satyaban's rescue and explained that he is from royal blood. It was also explained that Satyaban's blind father is also the true heir to the throne, but when he inherited the throne, it was when he was surrounded by enemies. Then he went blind and his own brother ran him out of the throne. 
• Savitri's father asked Narad if Satyaban was a suitable suitor for his daughter and Narad assured him that there is no better suitor
• Satyaban is fated to die within a year. 
• When Savitri became aware of Satyaban's fate, she exclaimed that she is fated to love him and will continue to love him even after his demise

Bibliography:

Nine Ideal Indian Women: Savitri, Damayanti, Sati, and Uttara

Author: Sunity Devee

Web Source: Reading Guides