Samipya 2006 Vol 23 Ank 03 04

Author(s): R P Mehta, R T Savalia
Publisher: Bholabhai Jeshingbhai Adhyayan Sanshodhan Vidyabhavan

Page 99

"Savitri Shatakam' (A Century of Verses on Savitri with the commentary); by Rasaraj - Dr. Jaydev Jani, Reader in Sanskrit, Faculty of Arts, M.S.University of Baroda. Vadodara - 390002 (INDIA), Pg. 105, Price : Rs. 150/
The popular Story of Savitri and Satyavan is the formost theme of SavitriShatakam. The author Dr. Jayadev Jani has a new touch to this Story. The story of Savitri and her husband Satyavan has been narrated in the Mahabharat (297 verses), the Matsya Puranam (176 verses) and in the Devi Bhagavata Mahapuranam (925 verse).
Dr. Jani gives also us a brief comparative study of correlated versions. Author gives the "Savitri-Latika' (Latika stands for Dr. Jani's wife's name.) Commentory on the poem.
Savitri shatakam begins with salutation to the sun. Aswapati the king of Madra country is childless. He worships goddess Savitri and pleases her. The goddess grants a worthy daughter Savitri. When she becomes young takes her along with an old minister and visits cities for suitable husbnd. She meets a noble boy (who introduces by a Hemit) Satyavan, the prince of king - Dyumatsena. Savitri decides to marry with Satyavan. But Narada is worried, because only one year of Satyavan's life span is left. But Savitri is firm and strong to marry with Satyavan. When the last four days of her husband's lifespan are left, she avoids other activities and meditates on goddess Parvati.
On the forth day morning Satyavan takes up an axe in his hand and just then Savitri requests her parents-in-law to allow her to go with him. In the jungle Satyavan cuts a dry mango tree, makes two heaps and approaching to his wife, tells Savitri that he has severe headache. Savitri in front of her she sees Yama, the good Satyavan's soul, takes it in his possession. Savitri sees her husband's dead body and follows Yama. Savitri asks the reason why he has come himself and not his servants Yama is pleased by her modest words and speaks of the reason that Satyavan was a righteous person worshipping gods, sages, Brahmins and his parents and hence he will now enjoy divine pleasures in heaven Savitri praises Yama as the highest ruler residing among kings in the form of punishment. Yama is pleased and offers a boon excepts Her hasband's life.
Savitri, very clearly presents her wish that she being a virtuous wife is keen of having 100 sons. Finally Yama gives her husband's life back.
Savitri recites a hymn in honour of Yama. Then Yama tells her to return, because her husband will get up soon as if from a sleep.
There are two core parts of this excellent book. One is in Sanskrit Verse and its meaning, in Second one is in English. At the end of book Dr. Jani gives appendix.
We would take notice of several points are (1) The author takes simple story and gives a creative touch. (2) build up deep a interesting array of distinguished timehonoured Indian woman's story. (3) Characters are in great approach. The main character is Savitri who takes efficient part and gives message to fight in any circum68
au : Bulsal. 200- HIZT, 2009