Tales froM Indian Mythology

Author(s): A S Raman
Publisher: Kutub Popular

Page 33

Savitri's Triumph breathless haste to decorate her coiffure with it, as she was fondling an antelope.
"Now the flower has fulfilled its purpose. Savitri, I want to ask you a question. Why have you been fasting for the past three days?”
"My lord, tomorrow will be your birthday and I shall then break my fast.”
"But we have taken vows not to celebrate birthdays till we regain our kingdom. I shall spend the day by hewing more wood."
"I have a request. Will you grant it?" "It is granted, my precious Savitri. What is it?"
"I want to be with you tomorrow, when you cut the branches of trees.”
"We shall have to go very far, trudging along dark narrow paths. Are you not afraid of thorns and snakes?
"Fear is a stranger to me, my lord.” "All right. I think I can persuade father to agree.”
"You may tell him that I desire to see the blossoms and streams."
The next morning, Savitri and Satyavan woke up at dawn song and went to the lake for a ceremonial bath. They wore new clothes. She put a tilak on his forehead and chanted hymns. She stood facing the east and offered flowers and silent prayers to the life-giving Sun God. Her long dark hair waved in the air like a cluster of bees.
"Savitri, you have promised to break your fast today.”