Mythological Superheroes: 6. Saavithri

Introduction

Since time immemorial, women have been held in high esteem in our tradition. They are treated as equals alongside men and are called ‘ardhaangini’ (better half) or ‘sahadharmini’ (‘equal partner’). They are not the helpless ‘damsel in distress’ type of women portrayed in various other cultures. They have been symbols of value, willpower, courage and chastity. In Vedic times, they had the ability to choose their own husbands (Damayanthi, Saavithri, Draupadi, Sita etc), assisted their husbands during war (Kaikeyi, Sathyabhaamaa etc) and even advised elders and sages when it was necessary (Draupadi, Anasuya etc). According to Manusmriti, wherever women are adored, Gods are happy to reside in those places (“yatra naaryasthu poojyante ramante tatra devathaa:“). In fact, as per our scriptures, a man cannot perform any ritual or ceremony without his wife. Such is the importance of women.

Among the strong women of Bhaaratavarsha, Saavithri is held in high esteem on account of her unflinching devotion to her husband. The great epic Mahabharata recounts how she used the power of her chastity to prevent Yama, the God of death, from taking away her husband Sathyavaan.  By achieving the impossible, she became the epitome of a miraculous women and a faithful wife.

The Story of Saavithri

The story of Saavithri and Sathyavaan is found in Vana Parva of Mahabharata. Sage Maarkandeya narrated this story to the exiled Yudhishthira to console him who was distressed by the sufferings of his wife Draupadi. The story goes on thus: Ashvapathi, the king of Madhra was issueless and was praying to Sun God Savithaa. Pleased by the prayers, Savithaa appeared and blessed him with a daughter who was named Saavithri by the king. Saavithri grew up to be beautiful and pure of heart. Once she achieved marriageable age, she set out to find a husband on her own with her father’s blessings. She met Sathyavaan in the forest who was the son of a blind king named Dyumathsena of Shalwa Kingdom. Dyumathsena had lost everything including his eyesight, and was living in exile with his wife and son.

Sealing her fate with Sathyavaan

Upon returning back, Saavithri mentioned to her father that she wanted to marry Sathyavaan. At that time, Sage Naaradha visited them and mentioned that as per fate, Sathyavaan will live for only one year from the day they marry. Despite pleas from her father, she remained resolute in her decision of marrying Sathyavaan. Finally with Ashvapathi’s agreement and with Naaradha’s blessings, the couple got married. Sathyavaan made a living as a woodcutter while Saavithri left all her riches and led a simple life of obedience and respect to her husband and his parents. On the fateful last day of Sathyavaan’s life, Saavithri decided to accompany him into the forest. While cutting wood Sathyavaan suddenly became weak and lay his head on Saavithri’s lap. With dread, she realized that her husband’s last moment was near.

Dealing with Death

She found that Yama himself had come to claim the soul of Sathyavaan. Since mortals usually couldn’t see him, he became surprised when he noticed Saavithri following him. He tried to convince her to turn back mentioning that it is impossible to change the course of fate and it follows once Karma. However she started making valid arguments quoting scriptures. She started praising him first for his just rule, adherence to Dharma and noble conduct. Impressed at her intellect and faithfulness, Yama praised her and offered her any wish except the life of Sathyavaan. She first asked for restoration of eyesight and the kingdom for her father-in-law, then a hundred children for her father. Yama granted those and started walking and was quite annoyed when he found her following him still.

Upon further conversation, he was once again impressed and offered her a final wish. To which she asked him that she become a mother of a hundred sons. To get rid of her he granted that wish too, and realized his folly late that this wish could not be fulfilled unless Sathyavaan is brought alive since she was a ‘Pathivratha’ (chaste woman). He admitted his defeat and spared Sathyavaan’s life. Meanwhile, at their home, Dyumathsena regained his eyesight while Saavithri and Sathyavaan returned. As they arrived, they witnessed Dyumathsena’s ministers entering with news of the death of his enemy thus restoring his kingdom.

Celebrating Saavithri

Saavithri’s devotion for her husband was so strong that even the God of Death had to relent to her single-minded love. In reverence to this extra-ordinary event several festivals are observed throughout the country every year. Married women in Bihar, Jharkhand and Odisha observe ‘Saavithri Brata‘ on the Amavaasya (new moon) day in the month of Jyestha every year. In Western India, this day is observed as ‘Vat Purnima’ on the full moon of the month. In Tamil Nadu, this day is celebrated as ‘Kaaradayaan Nonbu’ on the first day of the Tamil month Panguni. On this day, married women and young girls wear threads rinsed in turmeric and pray for long lives for their husbands.

We are all indebted to the women in our lives. They are the lifeline of any family. There is no need to look beyond Lord Shiva (who gave half his body to Goddess Paarvathi) or Lord Vishnu (who permanently kept his consort Goddess Lakshmi in his chest) for inspiration.

Jai Naaree Shakthi!

Other Superheroes :   Read here.