Satyavan, the son of King Dyumatsena, lived in the forest with his blind father and his mother, who had lost her kingdom. Despite their hardships, Satyavan remained steadfast in his devotion to his parents and led a righteous life.

Princess Savitri, the daughter of King Ashwapati, was known for her exceptional beauty, intelligence, and virtue. She undertook severe penance to seek a worthy husband and eventually chose Satyavan as her husband, despite knowing that he was destined to die within a year.

As the day of Satyavan’s destined death approached, Savitri accompanied him to the forest. While they were resting under a banyan tree, Lord Yam, the god of death, arrived to claim Satyavan’s soul. Savitri, however, refused to let her husband go and followed Yama as he took Satyavan’s soul.

Impressed by Savitri’s devotion and determination, Lord Yam granted her three boons. Savitri cleverly asked for the restoration of her father-in-law’s eyesight, the return of her father’s lost kingdom, and finally, the boon of offspring for her and Satyavan.

Yam granted all three boons, but Savitri remained adamant and continued to follow him. Seeing her unwavering devotion, Yam offered her another boon, but Savitri cleverly asked for Satyavan’s life to be restored.

Yam had no choice but to grant Savitri’s request, and Satyavan was revived and reunited with his wife. The couple returned to their kingdom, where Satyavan regained his sight, and Savitri’s father regained his kingdom. They lived happily ever after, with Satyavan’s life extended due to Savitri’s devotion and cleverness.

Goddess Savitri is often depicted as a divine figure embodying virtues such as chastity, devotion, and righteousness. She represents the ideal wife who is willing to go to any lengths to protect her husband and uphold her marital vows. Savitri’s story is seen as a testament to the power of love, faith, and determination in overcoming seemingly insurmountable challenges.

The legend of Savitri and Satyavan is narrated in the Mahabharat, one of the major Hindu epics. It is recounted in the Vana Parva (Book of the Forest) of the Mahabharat, in the section known as the “Vana Parva” or the “Book of the Forest.” The story of Savitri’s determination, devotion, and self-sacrifice in saving her husband has been celebrated for centuries and continues to inspire devotion and reverence among Hindus.

The tale of Satyavan and Savitri is celebrated in Hindu culture, particularly during the festival of Vat Savitri Vrat. This festival is dedicated to Goddess Savitri and is observed by married women who pray for the well-being and longevity of their husbands. The festival of Vat Savitri Vrat is dedicated to Goddess Savitri and is observed by married Hindu women, primarily in North India. It falls in the Hindu lunar month of Jyeshtha, typically in May or June on Jyeshtha Purnima. Women observe a day-long fast and perform rituals to pray for the well-being, longevity, and prosperity of their husbands. The vrat involves tying threads around banyan trees (vat) and offering prayers to Goddess Savitri.

The tale of Satyavan and Savitri is celebrated for its portrayal of love, devotion, and sacrifice, and it continues to inspire generations of Hindus. The festival of Vat Savitri Vrat, observed by married women, is dedicated to Goddess Savitri and commemorates her unwavering devotion to her husband, Satyavan.