PHILIPPINE NORMAL UNIVERSITY
The National Center for Teacher Education
MINDANAO
Multicultural Education Hub
Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur
Rogena L. Cabolao BEE-AG-II-I
Dr. Adelyne M. Costelo-Abrea Survey of Afro-Asian Literature
Read “Savitri” and answer the following:
1. Describe the following characters:
a. Ashwapati – He is the king of Madra, a virtous and pious king who is childless for
how many years.
b. Narada - He is the god-sage who carries news and enlightening wisdom, he can see
the fate of man.
c. Dyumatsena - He is the Kshatriya king of Shalvas who had lost his eyesight and
kingdom. With his wife and children, he lives in the woods and practices sanctity.
Even though he has lost everything due to an adversary, his character remains strong.
d. Satyavan – He is the son of king Dyumatsena, the husband of Savitri. When his father's
empire was lost, he was born in the city but grew up in the forest.
2. Give the background of Savitri’s birth. Describe her. Cite evidence to prove your point.
Her father was childless for how many years, Savitri is such a blessing of
Ashwapati, she is the outcome in the propitiation of Goddess Savitri, that is why
her name was Savitri because she is named by the deity who gave the boon.
Savitri was born and grows up bright and beautiful. She is described at the
Chapter 1 of the story.
3. How did Savitri win back her husband from Yama?
Savitri win her husband from Yama by impressing the God with her wits. He devotedly
pursued God as it carried the life of her husband, who did all he could to prevent her from
following. She would give her wisdom by praising Dharma, Tantra, and Yama himself
whenever the God convinced her that her efforts were futile. Yama, taken aback by her
wise words, would advise her to ask for any boon she desired, except her husband's life.
She had previously requested a hundred children for herself and Satyavan as a boon.
Since the last boon wanted Satyavan to be alive, she outwitted the God. Yama eventually
approved her request after being impressed by her determination and perseverance.
4. Cite five dominant Hindu cultures revealed in “Salvitri”
The story shows how their child pay respect to the. Savitri, didn’t complain and
heeded to the request of his father to seek for a husband, and Satyavan adores his
parents even though they became powerless and they lost their kingdom.
Their religious values pervade their daily lives, and faith is central to their way of
life. They are devout worshippers of Gods and Goddesses. According to the
legend, King Ashwapati devoted his life to worshiping Gods and Goddesses.
People who wanted to devote themselves to a more rigorous religious regimen
gave up or gave up everything materialistic and glorious in order to live a simple
life. They'd go to an ashram, or hermitage, which acted as a center for people who
wanted to live in seclusion. To demonstrate this, King Dyumatsena and his family
retired to the forest to live a holy life.
Savitri's story is an example of an Indian woman who has vowed to serve her
husband until death do them part. Savitri's loyalty to her husband exemplifies how
Indian women respect their marriage and honor their husbands.
The story shows Indian custom of marrying someone inside their social group.
Savitri and Satvayan's marriage exemplifies the coming together of two families
from the same social class. Despite his poor living conditions, Satvayan is still
considered a nobleman by caste standards.
