Figure in the Hindu festival stories
Savitri
Who followed Yama to win back her husband's life
In short
Savitri is a princess in the Mahabharata renowned for winning her husband back from death. Daughter of King Ashwapati of Madra, she chose the short-lived Satyavan as her husband, and when Yama, the god of death, came for him, she followed and out-argued Yama until he restored Satyavan's life.
Reviewed by the Godify team · Last updated
Savitri’s story and role
Savitri's story is told in the Vana Parva (the Book of the Forest) of the Mahabharata, in the section known as the Pativrata Mahatmya, where the sage Markandeya recounts it to console the exiled Pandavas. Born to King Ashwapati of Madra after long prayer, Savitri grows so radiant and self-possessed that no suitor dares approach her, so her father sends her to choose a husband herself. She selects Satyavan, the noble son of the blind, dethroned king Dyumatsena, living in forest exile. The sage Narada warns that Satyavan is destined to die exactly one year from that day, but Savitri refuses to change her choice, saying a heart gives itself only once.
As the fated day nears, Savitri undertakes a severe vow of fasting and prayer. When Satyavan goes into the forest to cut wood, she insists on going with him. He falls ill and lays his head in her lap, and Yama himself comes to draw out his soul. Savitri follows on foot as Yama carries the soul away. Moved by her wisdom and the righteousness of her speech, Yama offers her boon after boon, everything except Satyavan's life: she wins back her father-in-law's eyesight and kingdom, and sons for her own father.
In her final plea Savitri asks for a hundred sons of her own, and Yama grants it, only for her to point out that she can bear children with no husband but Satyavan. Bound by his own word and won over by her devotion and clear reasoning, Yama releases Satyavan's soul and restores him to life, adding blessings of long life and prosperity. Savitri's fast is the origin of the vrats kept in her name, Vat Savitri and Vat Purnima, when married women honour her by worshipping the banyan tree and praying for their husbands' long life.
What Savitri represents
Savitri symbolises devotion joined to intelligence: love that does not merely grieve but reasons, persists, and prevails even over death. She stands for the power of a steadfast vow and the wife's role as protector of her household.
Festivals with Savitri
Related figures
More figures
About Savitri
Who is Savitri in the Mahabharata?
Savitri is a princess, daughter of King Ashwapati of Madra, celebrated for her devotion and wisdom. Her story appears in the Vana Parva, where she follows Yama, the god of death, and persuades him to give her husband Satyavan back his life.
How did Savitri bring her husband back to life?
When Yama took Satyavan's soul, Savitri followed on foot, speaking so wisely that Yama offered her boons. She cleverly asked for a hundred sons, then noted she could bear them only with Satyavan alive. Bound by his word, Yama restored her husband.
Which scripture tells Savitri's story?
It is told in the Vana Parva (Book of the Forest) of the Mahabharata, in the passage called the Pativrata Mahatmya, where the sage Markandeya narrates it to the Pandavas during their forest exile.
What festival is connected to Savitri?
The vrats of Vat Savitri and Vat Purnima honour her. Married women worship the banyan (vat) tree and keep a fast praying for their husbands' long life, taking Savitri's devotion as their model.
Why was Savitri warned against marrying Satyavan?
The sage Narada foretold that Satyavan, though noble, was fated to die exactly one year from that day. Savitri refused to choose again, saying her heart was already given, and kept to Satyavan despite the prophecy.
Bring Savitri’s story to your own heart
Talk to Bhagavan about what this figure and their story mean for you — free, private, any hour.
Talk to Bhagavan