Savitri Explains the Night's Events to the Rishis
When Satyavan and Savitri return late at night, the rishis press Savitri for the truth behind Dyumatsena's sudden restoration of sight. She reveals everything: Narada's prophecy, Yama's arrival, her confrontation with the god of death, and the five boons she won — including her husband's life.
In a short while, Savitri, accompanied by her husband Satyavan, returned to the hermitage in the night and entered it cheerfully.
The brahmanas saw them and spoke: "O lord of the earth! We have seen you reunited with your son. You have regained your eyesight. The reunion with your son, the sight of Savitri and the regaining of your eyesight — these three blessings will extend your prosperity."
They kindled a fire and took their seats around King Dyumatsena. Shaibya, Satyavan and Savitri stood to one side, then, with everyone's permission, seated themselves happily.
The residents of the forest, seated with the king, were driven by curiosity. They asked Satyavan: "Why did you not return home with your wife earlier? Why have you returned so late in the night? What obstacle stood in the way? Your father and mother were tormented, and so were we."
Satyavan replied: "With my father's permission, I went out with Savitri. When chopping wood in the forest, my head started to ache. I know that, afflicted with pain, I slept for a long time. Never before have I slept for such a long time. Thinking that all of you might be tormented on my account, I returned so late in the night. That is the reason and there is no other."
Goutama said: "Your father Dyumatsena's eyesight was restored suddenly. You do not know the reason for that. Therefore, Savitri must speak. O Savitri! We wish to hear. You know the entire truth. I know you, Savitri. You are like Savitri (the goddess of the Gayatri mantra) in your energy. You know the reason behind everything. Therefore, speak the truth. If there is nothing that is a secret from you, tell us everything."
Savitri said: "It is exactly the way you know it to be. There is nothing that is beyond your thoughts. There is nothing that is a secret from me. Therefore, hear the truth.
"The great-souled Narada had foretold the death of my husband. Since today was the appointed time, I did not leave his side. When he fell asleep, Yama himself arrived with his attendants. Having bound him, he headed in the direction inhabited by the ancestors. I then began to satisfy the illustrious god with truthful words. He granted me five boons, and listen to what they were.
"I obtained two boons for my father-in-law: the return of his eyesight and his kingdom. I obtained a hundred sons for my father and a hundred sons for myself. My husband Satyavan obtained a life of four hundred years. I steadfastly observed the vow for the sake of my husband's life. I have now described to you all the reasons in detail — exactly as they occurred and how that great misery of mine has ended in happiness."
The rishis said: "The king's lineage was immersed in calamity, in a pond full of darkness. O virtuous one! You are of good conduct. You have borne up the sacred dharma. You were born in a noble lineage and you have raised it up again." Aranyaka Parva, Chapter 579