Once upon a time, in the grand epic of the Mahabharata, there was a wise and beautiful princess named Savitri. In those ancient days, women had much more freedom to make their own choices. Savitri decided to choose her own husband and fell in love with Satyavan, the son of a conquered king who was now poor. Despite knowing a prophecy that Satyavan would die in a year, she chose him as her husband.
Once upon a time, in the grand story of the Mahabharata, there was a wise and beautiful princess named Savitri. In those ancient times, women had more freedom to make their own choices. Savitri chose her own husband, a poor man named Satyavan, the son of a defeated king. Even though a prophecy said Satyavan would die in a year, she married him.
A year later, as predicted, Yama, the god of death, came to take Satyavan’s life. Savitri, being clever and brave, followed Yama and talked to him. She made a series of smart deals with him. Because of her wisdom and determination, she won back her husband’s life and restored her father-in-law’s lost kingdom. Savitri’s love, intelligence, and perseverance overcame fate and death.
To honor Savitri’s act, Hindu women observe a day called Savitri Vrata (or Savitri Brata) or Savitri Amavasya. This fasting day happens on the new moon in the month of Jyeshtha. Married Hindu women fast on this day to wish for a long, healthy life for their husbands, celebrating Savitri’s devotion and strength.
In Odisha, women worship a grinding stone, called sila pua, which symbolizes Savitri. This worship shows the respect and admiration for Savitri, whose story inspires and strengthens married women.
