Tales froM Indian Mythology

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

Page 35

Savitri's Triumph
15
front of them. From it sprang a terrific male form riding a ferocious buffalo. Black and burly, he was holding a noose in one hand and a mace in the other. His eyes emitted a ruddy glow. But she was not frightened.
"Who are you, stranger?” she asked calmly. "What is the purpose of your visit?”
"I am Yama, the God of Death”, he answered. "I am here because your husband's appointed span of life is over.”
"I was anticipating you. Salutations to you, O God of Death.”
Yama cast the noose round Satyavan's neck, drew forth his last breath and attempted to go his way. Savitri followed him.
"Stay away, young lady, and perform your husband's obsequies. Where do you want to go with me?"
"Wherever you will take me—with my husband. I am a wife, and my place is beside my husband. How can you expect me to live a life other than that of a wife? There can be no widowhood for me. Death does not frighten me because the love that binds me and my husband is deathless. I have an un. shakable faith in immortality, and it is a faith that only eternal values such as the truth, chastity and dutifulness can nourish. I have observed the code of conduct laid down by the deities. Will they betray me?” .."Noble princess, I am impressed by what you say. Beseech any boon, except your husband's life, and it shall be granted."
"My Lord, I pray that the sight and general health be restored to my revered father-in-law, Dyumatsena."
"He shall have them. Now you must leave me alone.” Hardly did he pace a few steps when he realized that Savitri was