An Introduction of Poem Savitri by Toru Dutt

An Introduction of Poem Savitri by Toru Dutt

Introduction:

Toru Dutt's Savitri is a comprehensive poem in five parts. It consists of 996 lines divided into 83 stanzas of twelve lines each. The poem is divided in five parts under the following plan: 

Part I consists of 264 lines divided into 22 stanzas. It deals with Savitri's choosing of her husband, Narad's objection and ultimately her father's consent to the marriage. 

Part II consists of 276 lines divided into 23 stanzas. It deals with Savitri's marriage with Satyavan and after one year his death at night in a forest while Savitri is present with him. 

Part III consists of 36 lines divided into 3 stanzas. It brings to light the court of Death ruled by Yama who decides to go to take Satyavan's life. 

Part IV consists of 276 lines divided into 23 stanzas. It deals with Yama's departure with Satyavan's soul and his following by Savitri who succeeds in taking three boons: her father in law's restoration of eye sight and lost kingdom, one hundred children to her father and survival of Satyavan with boon of one hundred children to them. 

Part V consists of 144 lines divided into 12 stanzas. It concludes the poem.

Source of Story:  

The story of Savitri is borrowed from the Mahabharata. The poem opens in a traditional way bringing to light not only important characters but also the culture of the contemporary society. In those ancient days Indian girls were not confined to Zenanas, a portion reserve for ladies. Savitri was free to go to any place of her choice, for hours together with her friends. She used to visit gardens or hermit's huts to meet saints for seeing her they were pleased. They used to teach the best of their knowledge. 

“And gave her of the best they had In those far-off primeval days 

Fair India's daughters were not pent 

In closed Zenanas. On her ways 

Savitri at her pleasure went 

Whither she chose, and hour by hour 

With young companions of her age, 

She roamed the woods for fruit or flower, 

Or loitered in some hermitage, 

For to the Munis gray and old 

Her presence was as sunshine glad,

 They taught her wonders manifold

And gave her of the best they had.”

Savitri, A Gift of Lord Shiva: 

She was at liberty in all matters whether small or great for her father never feared for her. He had full faith in her snow like purity. He was blessed with this child after a long since his marriage. For her he had fasted and prayed severely. She was gifted by Lord Shiva and he would guard her. None could spoil her beauty. His faith was firm and without fear or doubt her father had given all to her that she wanted. 

“Her father let her have her way 
In all things, whether high or low; 
He feared no harm; he knew no ill 
Could touch a nature pure as snow. 
Long childless, as a priceless boon 
He had obtained this child at last
By prayers, made morning, night, and noon 
With many a vigil, many a fast; 
Would Shiva his own gift recall, 
Or mar its perfect beauty ever? 
No, he had faith, he gave her all 
She wished and feared and doubted never.” 

Her Father's Worry to Find A Suitable Match for Her:

And so like a boy she was free to wander anywhere. It was a happy time in which no worries could trouble her and no sorrow could spoil her youthful joy. Her father suffered from only one worry where to find out a proper match for such an innocent girl. With the Queen he used to discuss the problem how to select her match. She suggested to leave it to God with the hope that Savitri herself would find out her husband. 

“And so she wandered where she pleased 

In boyish freedom. Happy time! 

No small vexations ever teased, 

Nor crushing sorrows dimmed her prime. 

One care alone, her father felt 

Where should he find a fitting mate 

For one so pure? His thoughts long dwelt 

On this as with his queen he sate. 

Ah, whom, dear wife, should we select? 

Leave it to God, she answering cried, 

Savitri may herself elect “

Someday, her future lord and guide.”

An Embodiment of Serene Beauty: 

There is lively description of Savitri's qualities. Brave hard hearted soldiers used to smile on seeing her as mountains smile to see the spring. In short their response was joyful. She inspired freshness like a lotus in moon light during extremely hot season. She always looked happy and walked lightly. Unknown people meeting by chance used to turn back to look at her for a long time and wished for her joy. 

“Savitri was the only child 

Of Madra's wise and mighty king: 

Stern warriors, when they, saw her, smiled, 

As mountains smile to see the spring. 

Fair as a lotus when the moon 

Kisses its opening petals red, 

After sweet showers in sultry June! 

With happier heart, and lighter tread, 

Chance strangers, having met her, past, 

And often would they turn the head 

A lingering second look to cast; 

And bless the vision ere it fled” 

It was her own individual peculiar charm that she was pure, pretty and innocent like a child. No ill-intentioned man was able to observe her beauty, for he felt ashamed on marking her simplicity. Her face was blessed with divine purity. There was a reflection of divine grace in her rising youth. 

“What was her own, peculiar charm? 

The soft black eyes, the raven hair, 

The curving neck, the rounded arm, 

All these are common everywhere.

Her charm was this upon her face 

Childlike and innocent and fair, 

No man with thought impure or base 

Could ever look the glory there, 

The sweet simplicity and grace, 

Abashed the boldest; but the good 

God's purity there loved to trace, 

Mirrored in dawning womanhood.”