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Lot Essay
The story of Savitri and Satyavan appears as a narrative in the Mahabharata, but is likely significantly older than even that ancient story. When the king Yudhisthira asks the sage Markandeya whether there ever was a woman who's devotion to husband and family matches that of Draupadi, Markandeya relates the story of Savitri. The beauty of princess Savitri is renowned, to the extent that any potential husband is too intimidated to offer his hand in marriage. Savitri sets off on her own to find a suitable man, and soon falls in love with Satyavan, the son of a blind and exiled king living in the forest. She quickly agrees to marry and join him in the forest, despite a prophecy from the sage Narada that Satyavan will die a year from the marriage day. On the expected day, Satyavan dies under the boughs of nyagarodha tree and Yama, the god of death, comes to claim his soul. Savitri follows the deity as he leads her husband's soul away, and presents successive tenants of wisdom and devotion, including obedience to the Dharma, praise of Yama, and altruistic behavior. Impressed, Yama grants her three wishes, denying her only the life of Satyavan. Savitri first asks for the restoration of her father-in-law's sight and lands, and secondly a hundred sons for her father. For her third wish, she asks that Yama grant her a hundred sons with Satyavan; in order to grant her request, Satyavan must still be alive. Impressed that she had successfully tricked him, Yama accedes and restores Satyavan to life.
The parable of Savitri and Satyavan is still popular in India today, with women tying strings around the nyagarodha tree as a nod to Savitri and to bestow long life upon their husbands. Savitri herself is exalted for her devotion to her husband and his family, but also for her initiative and intellect. The present work depicts the moment when Satyavan wakes in Savitri's lap; with her raised hand, she points to Yama as if to explain the series of events. The broad leaves of the nyagarodha tree are artfully arranged to frame this intimate scene.
The parable of Savitri and Satyavan is still popular in India today, with women tying strings around the nyagarodha tree as a nod to Savitri and to bestow long life upon their husbands. Savitri herself is exalted for her devotion to her husband and his family, but also for her initiative and intellect. The present work depicts the moment when Satyavan wakes in Savitri's lap; with her raised hand, she points to Yama as if to explain the series of events. The broad leaves of the nyagarodha tree are artfully arranged to frame this intimate scene.