Tales froM Indian Mythology

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

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Tales from Indian Mythology "Yes, my lord. Today I shall have my first meal in three days, a little after midnight."
On their return to the ashram, Satyavan conveyed his wife's desire to Dyumatsena. Thereupon the old sage said: ' "Ever since she became my daughter-in-law, she has not made a single request to me. I am pleased to grant her this one, Satyavan. Look after her carefully during the perilous journey and return before sunset. You may go now.”
A little before midday, axe in hand, Satyavan, accompanied by Savitri, set out on his last journey. On the way, he entertained her with songs and stories, which apparently she enjoyed immensely. At last they reached their destination. They drank water from a stream, rested a little while, and looked around to watch the whims of Nature in her wild state. Leaving Savitri at an idyllic comer he selected a huge tree and began to hew at its branches. Her anxiety increased moment by moment.
The sun was about to hug the western horizon, and the birds were hurrying back to their nests, the birds with whose first twitter Savitri and Satyavan had risen that morning. There was a sudden stir in the sands by the stream. Was it the wind? But there was not a single ripple on the water which for the moment remained still and stagnant. That was perhaps the stir of yet another crab which would crawl no more. A sinister silence and gloom began to envelop Satyavan and Savitri. And ominously the axe fell from his hands and, feeling dazed, he cried, "Savitri, a million arrows are piercing through my head. I want to rest awhile.” She rushed to him and helped him relax on the sound. She sat and laid his heavily perspiring head on her lap. He losed his eyes, and immediately a lurid flame appeared in