Dyumatsena and Shaibya Search for Satyavan

Dyumatsena opened his eyes and saw. For years he had been blind — exiled from his kingdom, living in the forest with his wife and son. Now, suddenly, without explanation, his sight had returned. He could see the hermitage, the trees, the face of his wife Shaibya. He was happy in his heart. And then he noticed: the hermitage was empty. Satyavan and Savitri were gone. He went out with Shaibya and searched. They went to every hermitage in the forest, every riverbank, every lake. They called out their son's name. They called out Savitri's. Whenever they heard a sound — a branch snapping, an animal moving — they rushed toward it, thinking: Satyavan is coming with Savitri. But it was never them. Their feet became split and rough from running. Wounded, bleeding, pierced by thorns and sharp kusha grass. Their limbs were sore. They ran anyway, as if mad. The brahmanas who lived in the surrounding hermitages found them and brought them back. They surrounded Dyumatsena and Shaibya, comforting them, recounting tales of former kings who had endured worse. But the aged couple, desirous of seeing their son, could not be comforted. They remembered Satyavan as a child and were extremely miserable. They began to lament again: "Alas, son! Alas, faithful daughter-in-law! Where are you? Where are you?" Then the rishis spoke, one by one. Suvarcha said: "Satyavan must be alive. His wife Savitri has austerities, self-control and conduct." Goutama said: "I have studied the Vedas and their branches. I have accumulated great austerities. I have practised brahmacharya (celibacy) when young. I have satisfied my superiors and the fire. I have lived on the wind and have fasted. Because of those austerities, I know everything that has been intended. Know this to be the truth. Satyavan is alive." A disciple of Goutama added: "The words that have emerged from the mouth of my preceptor can never be false. Therefore, Satyavan must be alive." The rishis said: "Savitri is a wife who bears all the auspicious marks. She has no signs of widowhood. Therefore, Satyavan must be alive." Bharadvaja said: "His wife Savitri is endowed with austerities, self-control and conduct. Therefore, Satyavan must be alive." Dalbhya said: "Since you have regained your eyesight and since Savitri completed her vow without partaking of food, Satyavan must be alive." Mandavya said: "From the way animals and birds are speaking in the tranquil directions and from the way you conduct yourself as a king, Satyavan must be alive." Dhoumya said: "Your son is loved by the people and has all the qualities. He has all the signs of a long life. Satyavan must be alive." Comforted by those truthful and eloquent ascetics, reflecting on what they had said, Dyumatsena remained there, waiting.