Savitri Poem by Susanta Pattnayak

Savitri

Savitri - A Legend

In a forest deep where shadows fall,
Satyavan swung his axe so tall.
His bride Savitri, eyes so wide,
Watched him work by her side.

Koel, O Koel, sing from the tree,
Witness the vow that set love free.
For love so pure, for fate to bend,
She followed Death to the world's end.

He fell like dusk upon the land,
She held his head with trembling hand.
Then came Yama, dark and grand,
With noose of time in mighty hand.

Koel, O Koel, with forest cry,
Tell how she walked 'neath burning sky.
No sword, no scream, just steady grace,
She met with Death and kept his pace.

'O Lord of Death, ' she gently said,
'My love is not a thread that's dead.
If dharma lives, then grant me light—
A boon of hope, to set things right.'

Yama paused, surprised and still,
Struck by her words, her iron will.
She spoke of truth, she spoke of soul,
And won him over, heart and whole.

Koel, O Koel, sing sweet and clear,
Of how she conquered loss and fear.
With wit and will, her love she spun,
And Yama said, "Your war is won."

He gave her back her husband's breath,
And turned away, defeated Death.
So when the new moon hides the sky,
The tale is sung, and spirits fly.

Koel, O Koel, on jamun high,
Call out her name where branches lie.
For hearts like hers, so brave, so true,
Can change the fate the gods once drew.

@~Role Change - Now it's Satyaban's Turn~@

In the forest shade where mangoes fall,
Sweet Savitri rose, the pride of all.
But fate was cruel, the winds turned gray,
And Yama came to take her away.

Koel, O Koel, sing on that tree,
How I begged the gods to set her free.
With trembling voice and dry, dry throat,
I chased Lord Yama in my dhoti coat!

I said, "O Death, she cooks so well!
Without her, life's a tasteless shell! "
He laughed and walked, said "Nice try, son, "
But I followed him—yeah, I had to run!

No fasting guide, no puja hacks,
Just Google searches and yoga apps.
I wore her bangles, held her saree tight,
And prayed all day (but snacked at night) .

Koel, O Koel, don't mock me please,
I tied the thread to random trees.
I slipped, I tripped, I lost my way,
But love kept pulling me each day.

I offered mangoes, I sang off key,
I even cried beneath a neem tree.
Yama sighed—"You're not so wise, "
But saw the tears in my puppy eyes.

Koel, O Koel, the gods gave in,
I brought her back with a goofy grin.
Now every year, we switch the scene—
I fast, she naps... like a jungle queen!


©️ Susanta Pattnayak

POET'S NOTES ABOUT THE POEM
A light humour based on the legend Satyaban and Savitri. Savitri Amavasya is a traditional Hindu ritual observed primarily by married women in Odisha (and parts of eastern India) , where wives fast and pray for the long life and well-being of their husbands. It falls on the new moon (Amavasya) day of the month of Jyestha (May-June) . Impressed by her devotion, wisdom, and unwavering love, Yama granted her a boon—and ultimately gave back Satyavan's life.
COMMENTS OF THE POEM
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Susanta Pattnayak

Susanta Pattnayak

Bhubaneswar, India
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