Sri Aurobindo VOL 33-34 – Savitri – A Legend and a Symbol consists of volume 33 and 34 of Sri Aurobindo’s collected works. Unfortunately the volumes 28 – 32 are still not published from The Sri Aurobindo Ashram. The writings of Savitri extended over much of the later part of Sri Aurobindo’s life. The earliest known manuscript is dated 1916. The original narrative poem was recast several times in the first phase of composition. By around 1930, Sri Aurobindo had begun to turn it into an epic legend with a larger scope and deeper significance. Transformed into “A Legend and a Symbol”, Savitri became his major literary work which he continued to expand and perfect until his last days. The tale of Satyavan and Savitri is recited in the Mahabharata as a story of conjugal love conquering death. Download the work here (763 pages):
The tale of Satyavan and Savitri in short
The tale of Satyavan and Savitri is a legendary story from the Mahabharata, an ancient Indian epic. It’s a narrative of love, loyalty, and determination, showcasing Savitri’s unwavering devotion to her husband, Satyavan. The story is celebrated for its portrayal of the power of a devoted wife and the triumph of love over death.
According to the story, Savitri, a princess, chooses Satyavan as her husband, despite being forewarned by the sage Narada that Satyavan has only a year to live. Moved by her love and determination, her father, King Aswapati, gives his blessing to the marriage. Savitri marries Satyavan and moves to live with him and his blind parents in the forest. As the prophesied day of Satyavan’s death approaches, Savitri prepares herself through fasting and prayer.
On the day Satyavan is destined to die, he goes to the forest to chop wood, accompanied by Savitri. While in the forest, Satyavan suddenly becomes ill and dies in Savitri’s arms. At that moment, Yama, the god of death, arrives to claim Satyavan’s soul. Savitri, however, refuses to let Satyavan go. She follows Yama as he carries Satyavan’s soul away, engaging him in a dialogue about the nature of life, duty, and dharma.
Impressed by her wisdom and eloquence, Yama offers her any boon, except the life of her husband. Savitri cleverly asks for the restoration of her father-in-law’s kingdom, her father’s prosperity, and a hundred children for herself and Satyavan. Yama grants these boons, realizing too late that for Savitri to have children, Satyavan must be alive. Admiring her cleverness and steadfastness, Yama revives Satyavan and blesses the couple.
Savitri leads Satyavan back to his parents, who rejoice at their son’s return. The story ends with Satyavan’s parents regaining their sight and their lost kingdom being restored.
The tale of Satyavan and Savitri is celebrated as an example of the power of love and the strength of a devoted wife’s will. It is commemorated every year on the day of Vat Savitri Puja, where married Hindu women observe fasts for the well-being and longevity of their husbands, drawing inspiration from Savitri’s devotion and love.
Magnum Opus the crest of the works of Maharshi Aurobindo
This is the highest frequency writing I’ve ever experienced. Beyond Shakespeare by far. It feeds the soul not just the mind and the nerves calm and rejuvenate when the writing is used as a koan or mantra. This is a supramental fountain available as a gift to the world by one flooded in light and divine wisdom. Don’t put off the reading for your own good, and the good of the planet.
The lines of Savitri reverberate in our brain and … set right its maladies. Many thanks.
A very inspiring and thought provoking epic which attracts one’s repeated attention.