Adhyaya 297

Verse 1

/ #:73:.7 #:ड-.ह () हि 2 7-2 पज्चनवर्त्याधिकद्विशततमो< ध्याय: सत्यवान्‌ और सावित्रीका विवाह तथा सावित्रीका अपनी सेवाओंद्वारा सबको संतुष्ट करना मार्कण्डेय उवाच अथ कन्याप्रदाने स तमेवार्थ विचिन्तयन्‌ । समानिन्ये च तत्‌ सर्व भाण्डं वैवाहिक नृप:,मार्कण्डेयजी कहते हैं--युधिष्ठिर! तदनन्तर कन्यादानके विषयमें नारदजीके ही कथनपर विचार करते हुए राजा अभश्वपतिने विवाहके लिये सारी सामग्री एकत्र करवायी

Mārkaṇḍeya said: Then, as the king reflected on that very matter of giving his daughter in marriage, he gathered together all the requisites for the wedding. The verse frames the act of kanyā-dāna not as impulse but as a considered dharmic responsibility, carried out with due preparation and propriety.

Verse 2

ततो वृद्धान्‌ द्विजान्‌ सर्वनृत्विज: सपुरोहितान्‌ | समाहूय दिने पुण्ये प्रययौ सह कन्यया,फिर उन्होंने बूढ़े ब्राह्मणों, समस्त ऋत्विजों तथा पुरोहितोंको बुलाकर किसी शुभ दिनमें कन्याके साथ तपोवनको प्रस्थान किया

Then, having summoned the aged Brahmins—together with all the officiating priests and the family priest—on an auspicious day he set out for the hermitage-forest, accompanied by the maiden. The passage underscores the ethic of acting under sacred counsel and choosing a propitious time when undertaking a consequential transition in life.

Verse 3

मेध्यारण्यं स गत्वा च झुमत्सेनाश्रमं नृप: । पद्धयामेव द्विजै: सार्ध राजर्षि तमुपागमत्‌,पवित्र वनमें द्युमत्सेनके आश्रमके निकट पहुँचकर राजा अभश्वपति ब्राह्मणोंके साथ पैदल ही उन राजर्षिके पास गये

Mārkaṇḍeya said: Having gone to the sanctifying forest and approaching the hermitage of Dyumatsena, the king—Aśvapati—went on foot, together with brāhmaṇas, to that royal sage. The scene underscores humility and reverence: even a ruler sets aside royal display and approaches a holy person in the simplest, most disciplined manner.

Verse 4

तत्रापश्यन्महाभागं शालवृक्षमुपाश्रितम्‌ । कौश्यां बृस्यां समासीन चक्षुहीनं नृपं तदा,वहाँ उन्होंने उन महाभाग नेत्रहीन नरेशको शालवृक्षके नीचे एक कुशकी चटाईपर बैठे देखा

There they saw a most fortunate king, bereft of sight, seated at that time upon a mat of kuśa grass beneath the shelter of a śāla tree. The scene underscores the dignity of a ruler who, despite physical loss and hardship, endures with restraint and simplicity, suggesting the ethical ideal of steadfastness in adversity.

Verse 5

स राजा तसय राजर्षे: कृत्वा पूजां यथाहत: । वाचा सुनियतो भूत्वा चकारात्मनिवेदनम्‌,राजा अश्वपतिने राजर्षि द्युमत्सेनकी यथायोग्य पूजा की और वाणीको संयममें रखकर उन्होंने उनके समक्ष अपना परिचय दिया। तब धर्मज्ञ राजा टझुमत्सेनने मद्रराज अश्वपतिको अर्ध्य, आसन और गौ निवेदन करके उनसे पूछा--“किस उद्देश्यसे आपका यहाँ शुभागमन हुआ है?”

That king, having offered due honor to the royal sage in a manner befitting him, restrained his speech and then made a formal self-introduction. The scene underscores the ethic of proper hospitality and disciplined speech when approaching a venerable guest.

Verse 6

तस्यार्घ्यमासनं चैव गां चावेद्य स धर्मवित्‌ | किमागमनमित्येवं राजा राजानमब्रवीत्‌,राजा अश्वपतिने राजर्षि द्युमत्सेनकी यथायोग्य पूजा की और वाणीको संयममें रखकर उन्होंने उनके समक्ष अपना परिचय दिया। तब धर्मज्ञ राजा टझुमत्सेनने मद्रराज अश्वपतिको अर्ध्य, आसन और गौ निवेदन करके उनसे पूछा--“किस उद्देश्यसे आपका यहाँ शुभागमन हुआ है?”

Having duly offered him the ceremonial water of welcome, a seat, and a cow as a gift, that king—versed in dharma—addressed the other king and asked: “For what purpose have you come here?” The scene underscores the ethic of royal hospitality: honoring a guest first, then inquiring into his intent with restraint and propriety.

Verse 7

तस्य सर्वमभिप्रायमितिकर्तव्यतां च ताम्‌ सत्यवन्तं समुद्दिश्य सर्वमेव न्यवेदयत्‌,तब राजाने उनसे सत्यवानके उद्देश्यसे अपना सारा अभिप्राय तथा कैसे-कैसे क्या-क्या करना है इत्यादि बातोंका विवरण सब कुछ स्पष्ट बता दिया

Mārkaṇḍeya said: Keeping Satyavān in view, she disclosed to him her entire intention and also the complete course of action—what was to be done and how—making everything clear in full detail.

Verse 8

अश्वपतिर्वाच सावित्री नाम राजर्षे कन्येयं मम शोभना । तां स्वधर्मेण धर्मज्ञ स्नुषार्थे त्वं गृहाण मे,अश्वपति बोले--धर्मज्ञ राजर्षे! सावित्री नामसे प्रसिद्ध मेरी यह सुन्दरी कन्या है। इसे आप धर्मतः अपनी पुत्रवधू बनानेके लिये स्वीकार करें

Aśvapati said: “O royal sage, this is my beautiful daughter, renowned by the name Sāvitrī. O knower of dharma, accept her from me in accordance with righteous custom, taking her as a daughter-in-law for your house.”

Verse 9

हुमत्सेन उवाच च्युता: सम राज्याद्‌ वनवासम॒श्रिता- श्वराम धर्म नियतास्तपस्विन: । कथं त्वनर्हा वनवासमा श्रमे निवत्स्यते क्लेशमिमं सुता तव,द्युमत्सेन बोले--महाराज! हम राज्यसे भ्रष्ट हो चुके हैं एवं वनका आश्रय लेकर संयम-नियमके साथ तपस्वी जीवन बिताते हुए धर्मका अनुष्ठान करते हैं। आपकी कन्या ये सब कष्ट सहन करनेयोग्य नहीं है। ऐसी दशामें यह आश्रममें रहकर वनवासके इस कष्टको कैसे सह सकेगी?

Dyumatsena said: 'O king, we have fallen from our kingdom and have taken refuge in forest-dwelling. Living as ascetics—bound by purity, vows, and the discipline of dharma—we perform austerities. But your daughter is not fit to endure such hardship. How could she, in this hermitage, live through the suffering that this forest-exile entails?'

Verse 10

अश्वपतिरवाच सुखं च दुःखं च भवाभवात्मकं यदा विजानाति सुताहमेव च । न मद्विधे युज्यति वाक्यमीदृशं विनिश्चयेनाभिगतो5स्मि ते नूप,अश्वपतिने कहा--राजन्‌! सुख और दुःख तो उत्पन्न और नष्ट होनेवाले हैं। इस बातको मैं और मेरी पुत्री दोनों जानते हैं। मेरे-जैसे मनुष्यसे आपको ऐसी बात नहीं कहनी चाहिये। मैं तो सब प्रकारसे निश्चय करके ही आपके पास आया हूँ

Aśvapati said: “O king, pleasure and pain are of the nature of arising and passing away. My daughter and I both understand this. Such words are not fitting to be spoken to one like me. I have come to you only after firm deliberation and settled resolve.”

Verse 11

आशा नाहसि मे हन्तुं सौहदात्‌ प्रणतस्य च । अभितक्षागतं प्रेम्णा प्रत्याख्यातुं न मा्हसि,मैं सौहार्दभावसे आपकी शरणमें आया हूँ। आप मेरी आशा भग्न न करें--प्रेमपूर्वक अपने पास आये हुए मुझ प्रार्थीको निराश न लौटावें

Humatsen said: “Do not shatter my hope—especially when I have bowed to you and come seeking refuge in friendship. You ought not turn away, with refusal, one who has approached you in affection and trust.”

Verse 12

अनुरूपो हि युक्तश्न त्वं ममाहं तवापि च | स्‍्नुषां प्रतीच्छ मे कन्यां भारया सत्यवतः सतः,आप सर्वथा मेरे अनुरूप और योग्य हैं। मैं भी आपके योग्य हूँ। आप मेरी इस कन्याको अपने श्रेष्ठ पुत्र सत्यवान्‌की पत्नी एवं अपनी पुत्रवधूके रूपमें ग्रहण कीजिये

Humat-sena said: “You are indeed well-suited and worthy for me, and I too am worthy of you. Therefore accept my daughter as your daughter-in-law—let her be the wife of my noble son Satyavān.”

Verse 13

इुमत्सेन उवाच पूर्वमेवाभिलषित: सम्बन्धो मे त्वया सह | भ्रष्टराज्यस्त्वहमिति तत एतद्‌ विचारितम्‌,द्युमत्सेन बोले--महाराज! मैं तो पहलेसे ही आपके साथ सम्बन्ध करना चाहता था; परंतु इस समय अपने राज्यसे भ्रष्ट हो गया हूँ, ऐसा सोचकर मैंने ऐसा विचार कर लिया था कि अब यह सम्बन्ध नहीं हो सकेगा

Dyumatsena said: “Long ago I had already wished to form an alliance with you. But when I reflected, ‘I am one who has fallen from his kingdom,’ I concluded that such a relationship could not now be properly established.”

Verse 14

अभिप्रायस्त्वयं यो मे पूर्वमेवाभिकाड्क्षित: । स निर्वर्ततु मेडद्यैव काड्क्षितो हासि मेडतिथि:,किंतु मेरा यह अभिप्राय, जो मुझे पहलेसे ही अभीष्ट था, यदि आज ही सिद्ध होना चाहता है तो अवश्य हो। आप मेरे मनोवांछित अतिथि हैं

Dyumatsena said: “This intention of mine, long cherished from before, should be fulfilled today itself. You are the guest I have been hoping for.”

Verse 15

ततः सर्वान्‌ समानाय्य द्विजानाश्रमवासिन: । यथाविधि समुद्वाहं कारयामासतुर्न॒पौ,तदनन्तर उस आश्रममें रहनेवाले सभी ब्राह्मणोंको बुलाकर दोनों राजाओंने सत्यवान्‌- सावित्रीका विवाह-संस्कार विधिवत्‌ सम्पन्न कराया

Then, summoning all the twice-born Brahmins dwelling in the hermitage, the two kings had the marriage rite performed in due form—thus duly solemnizing the union of Satyavān and Sāvitrī according to sacred procedure and social duty.

Verse 16

दत्त्वा सो5श्चवपति: कनन्‍्यां यथाहं सपरिच्छदम्‌ । ययौ स्वमेव भवन युक्त: परमया मुदा,राजा अश्वपति दहेजसहित कन्यादान देकर बड़ी प्रसन्नताके साथ अपनी राजधानीको लौट गये

Having given the maiden in marriage—together with the appropriate gifts and provisions, as was proper—King Aśvapati, filled with the highest joy, returned to his own royal residence. The verse underscores the dharmic completion of a marriage rite: the bride is bestowed with due honor and support, and the giver departs satisfied that the obligation has been fulfilled rightly.

Verse 17

सत्यवानपि तां भार्या लब्ध्वा सर्वगुणान्विताम्‌ । मुमुदे सा च तं लब्ध्वा भर्तारें मनसेप्सितम्‌

Satyavān too, having obtained her as his wife—endowed with every virtue—rejoiced; and she also, having obtained the husband her heart had chosen, rejoiced in turn. The verse underscores the ethical ideal of marriage grounded in mutual consent, virtue, and inner harmony rather than mere circumstance.

Verse 18

उस सर्वसदगुणसम्पन्न भार्याको पाकर सत्यवान्‌को बड़ी प्रसन्नता हुई और सत्यवान्‌को अपने मनोवांछित पतिके रूपमें पाकर सावित्रीको भी बड़ा आनन्द हुआ ।। गते पितरि सर्वाणि संन्यस्याभरणानि सा । जगृहे वल्कलान्येव वस्त्र काषायमेव च,पिताके चले जानेपर सावित्री अपने सब आभूषण उतारकर वल्कल तथा गेरुआ वस्त्र पहनने लगी

When her father had departed, she (Sāvitrī) set aside all her ornaments. Choosing the austere life she had embraced, she took up only bark-garments and wore only ochre clothing—an outward sign of inner resolve, self-restraint, and fidelity to dharma in her chosen marriage.

Verse 19

परिचारैर्गुणैश्वेव प्रश्रयेण दमेन च । सर्वकामक्रियाभिश्न सर्वेषां तुष्टिमादथे,सावित्रीने सेवा, गुण, विनय, संयम और सबके मनके अनुसार कार्य करनेसे सभीको प्रसन्न कर लिया

Dyumatsena said: “By attentive service, by good qualities, by humility, and by self-control—and by acting in ways that suited the wishes and needs of all—she won the satisfaction of everyone.”

Verse 20

श्वश्वृं शरीरसत्कारै: सर्वैराच्छादनादिभि: | श्वशुरं देवसत्कारैर्वाच: संयमनेन च,उसने शारीरिक सेवा तथा वस्त्राभूषण आदिके द्वारा सासको और वाणीके संयमपूर्वक देवोचित सत्कारद्वारा ससुरको संतुष्ट किया

He pleased his mother-in-law through every kind of bodily service and respectful care—providing coverings, garments, and the like; and he satisfied his father-in-law by honoring him as one would a deity, chiefly through disciplined, restrained speech. The passage highlights household dharma: reverence to elders expressed through service, modesty, and self-control.

Verse 21

तथैव प्रियवादेन नैपुणेन शमेन च । रहश्वैवोपचारेण भर्तारें पर्यतोषयत्‌,इसी प्रकार मधुर सम्भाषण, कार्य-कुशलता, शान्ति तथा एकान्तसेवाद्वारा पतिदेवको भी सदा प्रसन्न रखा

In the same way, by sweet and considerate speech, by skillful conduct in duties, by calm self-restraint, and by private, attentive service, she continually kept her husband pleased. The verse highlights a domestic ethic of harmony: gentleness in words, competence in action, and quiet care offered without display.

Verse 22

एवं तत्राश्रमे तेषां तदा निवसतां सताम्‌ | कालस्तपस्यतां कश्चिदपाक्रामत भारत,भरतनन्दन! इस प्रकार उन सब लोगोंको उस आश्रममें रहकर तपस्या करते कुछ काल व्यतीत हो गया

O Bhārata, O joy of the Bharata line, as those virtuous ones dwelt in that hermitage and practiced austerities, some time passed by there in the course of their disciplined life. The verse underscores how steady residence, restraint, and tapas quietly mature events without haste or agitation.

Verse 23

सावित्र्या ग्लायमानायास्तिष्ठन्त्यास्तु दिवानिशम्‌ । नारदेन यदुक्तं तद्‌ वाक्यं मनसि वर्तते,इधर सावित्री निरन्तर चिन्तासे गली जा रही थी। दिन-रात सोते-उठते हर समय नारदजीकी कही हुई बात उसके मनमें बनी रहती थी--वह उसे क्षणभरके लिये भी नहीं भूलती थी

As Sāvitrī stood there, wasting away with anxiety, day and night, the words that Nārada had spoken kept revolving in her mind. She could not set them aside even for a moment, for they continually pressed upon her heart.

Verse 294

इस प्रकार श्रीमह्ाभारत वनपर्वके अन्तर्गत पतित्रतामाहात्म्यपर्वमें सावित्री- उपाख्यानविषयक दो सौ चौरानबेवाँ अध्याय पूरा हुआ

Thus concludes the two hundred and ninety-fourth chapter of the Savitri episode, within the ‘Glory of the Pativrata’ section of the Vana Parva of the Śrī Mahābhārata. The narration, spoken by Mārkaṇḍeya, closes this chapter by affirming the exemplary power of a devoted wife’s dharma as a moral ideal.

Verse 295

इति श्रीमहा भारते वनपर्वणि पतिव्रतामाहात्म्यपर्वणि सावितरयुपाख्याने पज्चनवत्यधिकद्धिशततमो<ध्याय:

Thus, in the revered Mahābhārata, within the Vana Parva, in the section extolling the greatness of devoted wives (pativratā), in the sub-narrative of Sāvitrī, ends the two-hundred-and-ninety-fifth chapter (i.e., the 295th adhyāya). This is a concluding colophon that frames the episode as an ethical exemplum celebrating steadfast marital fidelity and dharma.