Opening Remarks for the Canto Three

The expected foreseen morn has arrived after one long year whence Savitri battled within alternating between joy and grief. She then took up yoga and is now ready to face the challenge of destiny. This Canto describes the day when Satyavan is destined to die. Savitri has kept this fact carefully hidden in her heart. She has not disclosed it either to Satyavan or to his parents lest they would pass their days in fearful anticipation. Instead she has silently prepared herself for this day through an intense yoga that has given her both the knowledge and the power to wrestle with death.

She wakes up as usual but makes a rather unusual request to Satyavan’s parents that she would like to accompany him to the forest. Thus she hopes to keep a watch and guard Satyavan against the noose of death as prophesied. The two walk together to the forest, Satyavan in joy while Savitri keeps a silent vigil over him. But soon the moment arrives and Satyavan comes down from a tree filled with deep anguish and pain seeking Savitri’s help and wanting her to be near and around him. Savitri tries to hold Satyavan as if to guard him. But the moment arrives and Death, the dark robed godhead begins to draw away the life of Satyavan. The canto and the book closes with the death of Satyavan. The rest of the action takes place in the Books that follow.