Shloka 4
Dharma-pratyabhijñāna and Vara-pradāna (धर्मप्रत्यभिज्ञानम्—वरप्रदानम्)
त॑ं श्रुत्वा नियम तस्या भृशं दुःखान्वितो नृपः । उत्थाय वाक्यं सावित्रीमब्रवीत् परिसान्त्वयन्,सावित्रीका यह कठोर नियम सुनकर राजा झचुमत्सेनको बड़ा दुःख हुआ। उन्होंने उठकर सावित्रीको सान्त्वना देते हुए कहा
taṁ śrutvā niyamaṁ tasyā bhṛśaṁ duḥkhānvitō nṛpaḥ | utthāya vākyaṁ sāvitryam abravīt parisāntvayan |
Hearing of her austere vow, the king was overwhelmed with sorrow. Rising from his seat, he addressed Sāvitrī with words meant to console her—seeking to soften the severity of her resolve through gentle counsel.
मार्कण्डेय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical tension between steadfast personal vows (niyama) and compassionate guidance: firm resolve is respected, yet elders respond with empathy and counsel to ensure that austerity serves dharma rather than mere harshness.
After hearing about Sāvitrī’s strict observance, the king (Dyumatsena) becomes deeply distressed. He stands and speaks to her in a consoling manner, attempting to comfort her and temper the severity of her determination.