The Triumph of Love The Immortal Romance of Savitri and Satyavan

'A greatness in thy daughter's soul resides That can transform herself and all around, But must cross on stones of suffering to its goal.' Sage Narad to Aswapati, father of Savitri - Savitri, Book VI, Sri Aurobindo The legendary romance of Savitri and Satyavan has been told and retold through opera, ballet, on stage, on film and television, across continents. One of the best-loved tales of ancient India, it has continued to weave its magic on the Indian as well as the global psyche. Unique among women in the Indian epics and scriptures, Savitri embodies not just the complete love for and commitment to her husband, which all epic heroines display, but matches that with the power of absolute will and action. Like Sita, Shakuntala and Draupadi, she is also a victim of circumstances; unlike them she does not seek help from without to free herself and her husband from a tragic fate. Once she has decided to marry Satyavan, even with the dire foreknowledge of the catastrophic event, she does not regret or waver from her choice. In fact, she becomes determined to confront and challenge fate and bend it to her indomitable will. What is perhaps unique to The Triumph of Love is the depth of its narrative that lends credence to the romance of Savitri and Satyavan, which has endeared itself to everyone down the ages, to this day.