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Sati Savitri
Manu said that a woman’s dharma is to be mother, daughter, sister and wife in service of men, regardless of the caste. In modern times we call this patriarchy. In the Veda, the need to control and favour hierarchy, is an expression of an anxious mind.
Hindu, Buddhist and Jain lore is full of tales where women do not let men define their dharma. In modern times we call this feminism. In the Veda, the acceptance of a woman's choice is an expression of a wise and secure mind.
While in Western myth, patriarchy is traditional and feminism is progressive, in Indian myth both patriarchy and feminism have always co-existed, in eternal tension, through endless cycles of rebirth. Liberation thus is not a foreign idea. It has always been here.
You have heard tales of patriarchy. This book tells you the other tales—the ones they don’t tell you.
Hindu, Buddhist and Jain lore is full of tales where women do not let men define their dharma. In modern times we call this feminism. In the Veda, the acceptance of a woman's choice is an expression of a wise and secure mind.
While in Western myth, patriarchy is traditional and feminism is progressive, in Indian myth both patriarchy and feminism have always co-existed, in eternal tension, through endless cycles of rebirth. Liberation thus is not a foreign idea. It has always been here.
You have heard tales of patriarchy. This book tells you the other tales—the ones they don’t tell you.
201 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 29, 2024
40 people are currently reading
172 people want to read
About the author
Devdutt Pattanaik
287 books3,335 followersDr. Devdutt Pattanaik (born December 11, 1970) is an Indian physician turned leadership consultant, mythologist and author whose works focus largely on the areas of myth, mythology, and also management. He has written a number of books related to Hindu mythology, including Myth = Mithya: A Handbook of Hindu Mythology, a novel, The Pregnant King, and Jaya: An Illustrated Retelling of the Mahabharata (2010).
He is the Chief Belief Officer of Future Group, one of India’s largest retailers, bringing the wisdom of Indian mythology into Indian business, especifically in human resource management. He also writes a column for the newspaper MID DAY.
He has also written a novel based on a tale from the Mahabharata titled 'The Pregnant King' published by Penguin Books India
He is the Chief Belief Officer of Future Group, one of India’s largest retailers, bringing the wisdom of Indian mythology into Indian business, especifically in human resource management. He also writes a column for the newspaper MID DAY.
He has also written a novel based on a tale from the Mahabharata titled 'The Pregnant King' published by Penguin Books India
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
July 9, 2024
The author is well-known for his books and show on Hindu mythology, but I think this is the first time he has delved into non-Hindu Indian mythology. This book explores tales centred on women from Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism. These tales talk about inter alia goddesees, princesses, queens, nymphs, daughters, sisters, mothers, wives.
While western religions (western here means countries west to India) are based on the idea of a single God, who is often perceived as male, Hinduism is based on the divine feminine and divine masculine, two complementary equals who cannot exist without each other.
The title draws from two different stories of Hindu mythology; "Sati" and "Savitri" both being the epitome of the perfect dutiful wife in Indian society. Today when we think of ancient India we imagine a society that oppresses women. While that may be true to a certain extent, that isn't the whole truth. The author explores well-known stories of Sita and Draupadi, as well as lesser known stories. This was a really informative and interesting read.
I'll highly recommend this if you're interested in Indian mythology and/or a feminist take on mythology.
My rating: 4/5 ⭐️
While western religions (western here means countries west to India) are based on the idea of a single God, who is often perceived as male, Hinduism is based on the divine feminine and divine masculine, two complementary equals who cannot exist without each other.
The title draws from two different stories of Hindu mythology; "Sati" and "Savitri" both being the epitome of the perfect dutiful wife in Indian society. Today when we think of ancient India we imagine a society that oppresses women. While that may be true to a certain extent, that isn't the whole truth. The author explores well-known stories of Sita and Draupadi, as well as lesser known stories. This was a really informative and interesting read.
I'll highly recommend this if you're interested in Indian mythology and/or a feminist take on mythology.
My rating: 4/5 ⭐️
April 19, 2024
This was my first of Devdutt but I must say, I enjoyed every bit of it. Some statement were added repetitively but due to the concept and detailing, I think I can ignore that part.
Story has facts that the concept of feminism is not new this was presence as per the Hindu Lore and was untold.
Must give it a try.!!
Story has facts that the concept of feminism is not new this was presence as per the Hindu Lore and was untold.
Must give it a try.!!
October 11, 2025
Sati Savitri is a book that explores the evolution of womanhood and feminism across different yugas, showing that women’s strength and power have always existed. While I felt the narrative and exploration could have been written more compellingly, it still left me with mixed emotions, both happy and sad. Happy to know that feminism has deep, ancient roots, yet sad to see how, with every passing yuga, women’s respect and dignity diminished as patriarchy took center stage.
It’s an average read, but one that every woman, especially in India should pick up to understand where the roots of feminism lie and to be reminded of the importance of continuing the fight toward equality and the end of patriarchy in every sphere.
It’s an average read, but one that every woman, especially in India should pick up to understand where the roots of feminism lie and to be reminded of the importance of continuing the fight toward equality and the end of patriarchy in every sphere.
February 9, 2025
Seemed like a sorry excuse for salvaging the image of the woman as created by the Brahmanical texts. A desperate attempt at being sorry for it, yet justifying the same.
2 stars for the effort that a Gay man at least wrote it - tried to get women some respect. Queer folx are really doing their best for the women in India.
2 stars for the effort that a Gay man at least wrote it - tried to get women some respect. Queer folx are really doing their best for the women in India.
May 13, 2025
Quite difficult to read given that I don’t know the original stories- it jumps backwards and forwards and refers back again to previously mentioned stories which did help.
Read
December 23, 2025I’ve always felt true Hinduism has space for the feminine. Our gods of war and finance are women . So the book which champions this seemed like a very important view point. Some very interesting insights , although much of the subject matter is well known .
1. Sati as a proper known is the first wife of shiva . As a common noun the practice of wives burning themselves on the pyre of their dead husbands , or a chaste wife whose fidelity grants her magical powers to protect her husband . Like Savitri who cheated Yamadev to restore her husbands life , Kannagi who pines for her wayward husband Kovalan who is in love with courtesan Madhavi and ensures he comes back to her .
2. Apsaras - the opposite of satis, they had no desire to belong or be wives and mothers . Menaka abandoned her daughter with Vishwamitra in the forest and she grew up to be Shakuntala . The apsara comes from apsa ( fluid) and Gandharva from gandha ( fragrance) , both embody the sensory and erotic aspects of nature and are entourage of Vasant , the spring god . Patriarchy came in later to limit the sexual freedom of women to ensure lineage verification and pass on property as agriculture grew . The Indus Valley civilisation was probably more hedonistic and matriarchal as many trading based coastal cities are .
3. Nuns - women had red seed in the tantric texts which cannot be controlled by the human mind . Men’s white seed could be. Hence tantric texts believed monks more spiritual and capable of salvation than nuns . It had more to do with the fact that survival depended on female fertility and couldn’t afford them to become nuns . In tantric texts , female yoginis were believed to had great power and occult powers were used to harness this power , this of course was replaced when the Bhakti phase of Hinduism took over which was more puritanical
4. The Goddess domesticated Shiva , making him from the hermit Shiva into the householder Shankar . As too the wild Kali became the demure Gauri . Shiva beat hunger and became Mahadev . All other gods ate food given by man to the fire ( svaha) and fed humans in turn ( tathastu) . Both nature ( eat and be eaten) and culture ( feed and be fed ) are based on this reciprocity. Shiva rejected it all - a woman is equated to food and a man to hunger . Because he wasn’t hungry he never consumed Sati . It was Parvati who finally fed the god who was never hungry . Sati’s father was a prajapati, Daksh who wanted to give his daughters as offering to the gods . Sati rejected this and chose Shiva . Daksh did not approve and she walked out to be his wife . Daksh invites all his sons in law to a yagna but not shiva . While shiva did not care , he had no debts and was free , he also fed no one and was the indifferent one ( udasin) . Daksh didn’t care about Sati either and she chose to die . The tension between the hermit and the patriarch shapes her death . After sati dies , shiva goes to the mountain to meditate . It is left to Parvati to show him that he feeds no one , to teach him to care . They produce 2 sons who offer the world what it needs . Kartikeya protects the insecure world and Ganesh provides food and contentment
4. Uma is wild Kali of the forest , Gauri of the field , Chaminda of the crematorium, Durga of the battlefield and Annapurna of the kitchen . She chooses to take these forms to provide for her family as her guileless wild husband is clueless about household responsibilities. The goddess rejects brahma since he wants to control her , marries Shiva to bring him to culture and comes back to Vishnu who protects her . Nobody therefore worships Brahma. The male body lends itself to symbolise invisible states of mind like hunger as it transforms visibly when aroused , female body lends itself to visible states of matter like food . If life is created , the belly expands if not the woman bleeds
5. While patriarchal Hinduism tried to curb desires of women and reduce them to baby makers alone , stories like Lopamudra making demands to bear Agastya’s children , Ganga agreeing to marry Shantanu if he didn’t question her , Satyavati agreeing to marry Shantanu if her children would rule and not Bhishma son of Ganga also abound
6. Sita is not the helpless faithful wife who was abandoned despite her purity as is popularly believed . Ram simply had to perform the role defined by his avatar and is bound by mortal rules of space and time . He is a King first and husband later . He is Maryada ( following rules ) Purshotam while Krishna is Leela ( playing games ) Purshottam . Sita exercises agency in multiple places - going to the forest with Ram , crossing the Laxman Rekha , not returning with Hanuman , going to Ayodhya despite risk of rejection and finally going back to Mother Earth - her final choice . She took decisions, some right some wrong , she had liberty but it came at a price
7. The status of women deteriorated markedly between Sita and Draupadi . Draupadi is assaulted twice , once Jayadrath who was spared since he was Dushala’s husband and once in exile by Kichaka when she was asked to suffer silently . She was publicly humiliated in court at the game of dice .
1. Sati as a proper known is the first wife of shiva . As a common noun the practice of wives burning themselves on the pyre of their dead husbands , or a chaste wife whose fidelity grants her magical powers to protect her husband . Like Savitri who cheated Yamadev to restore her husbands life , Kannagi who pines for her wayward husband Kovalan who is in love with courtesan Madhavi and ensures he comes back to her .
2. Apsaras - the opposite of satis, they had no desire to belong or be wives and mothers . Menaka abandoned her daughter with Vishwamitra in the forest and she grew up to be Shakuntala . The apsara comes from apsa ( fluid) and Gandharva from gandha ( fragrance) , both embody the sensory and erotic aspects of nature and are entourage of Vasant , the spring god . Patriarchy came in later to limit the sexual freedom of women to ensure lineage verification and pass on property as agriculture grew . The Indus Valley civilisation was probably more hedonistic and matriarchal as many trading based coastal cities are .
3. Nuns - women had red seed in the tantric texts which cannot be controlled by the human mind . Men’s white seed could be. Hence tantric texts believed monks more spiritual and capable of salvation than nuns . It had more to do with the fact that survival depended on female fertility and couldn’t afford them to become nuns . In tantric texts , female yoginis were believed to had great power and occult powers were used to harness this power , this of course was replaced when the Bhakti phase of Hinduism took over which was more puritanical
4. The Goddess domesticated Shiva , making him from the hermit Shiva into the householder Shankar . As too the wild Kali became the demure Gauri . Shiva beat hunger and became Mahadev . All other gods ate food given by man to the fire ( svaha) and fed humans in turn ( tathastu) . Both nature ( eat and be eaten) and culture ( feed and be fed ) are based on this reciprocity. Shiva rejected it all - a woman is equated to food and a man to hunger . Because he wasn’t hungry he never consumed Sati . It was Parvati who finally fed the god who was never hungry . Sati’s father was a prajapati, Daksh who wanted to give his daughters as offering to the gods . Sati rejected this and chose Shiva . Daksh did not approve and she walked out to be his wife . Daksh invites all his sons in law to a yagna but not shiva . While shiva did not care , he had no debts and was free , he also fed no one and was the indifferent one ( udasin) . Daksh didn’t care about Sati either and she chose to die . The tension between the hermit and the patriarch shapes her death . After sati dies , shiva goes to the mountain to meditate . It is left to Parvati to show him that he feeds no one , to teach him to care . They produce 2 sons who offer the world what it needs . Kartikeya protects the insecure world and Ganesh provides food and contentment
4. Uma is wild Kali of the forest , Gauri of the field , Chaminda of the crematorium, Durga of the battlefield and Annapurna of the kitchen . She chooses to take these forms to provide for her family as her guileless wild husband is clueless about household responsibilities. The goddess rejects brahma since he wants to control her , marries Shiva to bring him to culture and comes back to Vishnu who protects her . Nobody therefore worships Brahma. The male body lends itself to symbolise invisible states of mind like hunger as it transforms visibly when aroused , female body lends itself to visible states of matter like food . If life is created , the belly expands if not the woman bleeds
5. While patriarchal Hinduism tried to curb desires of women and reduce them to baby makers alone , stories like Lopamudra making demands to bear Agastya’s children , Ganga agreeing to marry Shantanu if he didn’t question her , Satyavati agreeing to marry Shantanu if her children would rule and not Bhishma son of Ganga also abound
6. Sita is not the helpless faithful wife who was abandoned despite her purity as is popularly believed . Ram simply had to perform the role defined by his avatar and is bound by mortal rules of space and time . He is a King first and husband later . He is Maryada ( following rules ) Purshotam while Krishna is Leela ( playing games ) Purshottam . Sita exercises agency in multiple places - going to the forest with Ram , crossing the Laxman Rekha , not returning with Hanuman , going to Ayodhya despite risk of rejection and finally going back to Mother Earth - her final choice . She took decisions, some right some wrong , she had liberty but it came at a price
7. The status of women deteriorated markedly between Sita and Draupadi . Draupadi is assaulted twice , once Jayadrath who was spared since he was Dushala’s husband and once in exile by Kichaka when she was asked to suffer silently . She was publicly humiliated in court at the game of dice .
November 16, 2024
Sati Savitri is yet another detailed outlook on concepts of mythology—but this time with the female point of view. Each of the instances added by Devdutt Pattanaik is a story of the feminine energy from Indian, Buddhist, and Jain mythology to be specific.
Sati Savitri expands our knowledge and throws light on how male energy correspondingly depends on female energy to create the balance of good and bad. The book has an abundance of details. From the home-bound Annapurna and Gauri nourishing the family and giving purpose to Shiva to the fates of the mythological characters Sita and Draupadi from Ramayana and Mahabharata, we see Pattanaik disclose a truth that we barely thought. It felt like watching a mythological series again in words as Pattanaik establishes the differentiation between the women of the Mahabharata throughout generations.
Mythology has always fascinated me. The stories of Gods, the stories behind their specific forms always grabbed my attention. Pattanaik’s works, though I have read just two of them, have always levelled up my curiosity. Pattanaik proves time and again that simplicity is such a powerful asset. The conviction that Sati Savitri had in the portrayal of each female character showcased their unabashed, unapologetic yet softy and filled with ambition. Furthermore, the author meticulously examines the often-overlooked subtleties in the narratives that shape these female figures, illustrating their complexities as they navigate a world dictated by patriarchal norms. This examination does not diminish their strength; rather, it highlights the resilience and intelligence women possess when faced with societal constraints. Thus, through mythical tales that resonate with contemporary issues, Pattanaik furthers an engaging discourse on gender dynamics, inviting readers to reflect upon the evolving role of women in both ancient and modern contexts.
Trust Pattanaik to write beginner-friendly and rich mythology literature always. His ability to foster understanding while enriching the reader's perspective on mythology is truly commendable. Consequently, Sati Savitri offers not only a compelling exploration of feminine energy but also a reminder of the integral role women play in mythology and life alike. Highly recommended.
Sati Savitri expands our knowledge and throws light on how male energy correspondingly depends on female energy to create the balance of good and bad. The book has an abundance of details. From the home-bound Annapurna and Gauri nourishing the family and giving purpose to Shiva to the fates of the mythological characters Sita and Draupadi from Ramayana and Mahabharata, we see Pattanaik disclose a truth that we barely thought. It felt like watching a mythological series again in words as Pattanaik establishes the differentiation between the women of the Mahabharata throughout generations.
Mythology has always fascinated me. The stories of Gods, the stories behind their specific forms always grabbed my attention. Pattanaik’s works, though I have read just two of them, have always levelled up my curiosity. Pattanaik proves time and again that simplicity is such a powerful asset. The conviction that Sati Savitri had in the portrayal of each female character showcased their unabashed, unapologetic yet softy and filled with ambition. Furthermore, the author meticulously examines the often-overlooked subtleties in the narratives that shape these female figures, illustrating their complexities as they navigate a world dictated by patriarchal norms. This examination does not diminish their strength; rather, it highlights the resilience and intelligence women possess when faced with societal constraints. Thus, through mythical tales that resonate with contemporary issues, Pattanaik furthers an engaging discourse on gender dynamics, inviting readers to reflect upon the evolving role of women in both ancient and modern contexts.
Trust Pattanaik to write beginner-friendly and rich mythology literature always. His ability to foster understanding while enriching the reader's perspective on mythology is truly commendable. Consequently, Sati Savitri offers not only a compelling exploration of feminine energy but also a reminder of the integral role women play in mythology and life alike. Highly recommended.
March 2, 2025
Devdutt Pattanaik’s *Sati Savitri* is an engaging exploration of Indian mythology, reintroducing familiar stories with a fresh perspective. While many of us have grown up hearing tales of gods and goddesses, this book reframes them through a feminist lens, shedding new light on the women of mythology and their significance beyond traditional narratives.
One of the book’s strengths lies in its ability to challenge conventional interpretations, making it a thought-provoking read for believers, agnostics, and atheists alike. It encourages readers to look beyond the surface of these age-old stories and appreciate the agency and resilience of mythological women.
However, the book's writing style can feel jumbled at times. The narrative jumps between different characters and timelines, making it difficult to follow the flow of events. This can be disorienting, especially for readers unfamiliar with the myths being discussed.
That said, *Sati Savitri* remains a compelling read, offering valuable insights and a refreshing perspective on mythology. It is a must-read for anyone interested in reinterpreting ancient tales through a modern, more inclusive lens.
November 24, 2025
“Sati Savitri” felt like a strained attempt at polishing the image of womanhood as shaped by Brahmanical narratives. The book seems eager to acknowledge the problematic elements of these texts, yet ends up circling back to justify or soften them, creating a contradictory and somewhat apologetic tone.
While the intention to re-examine traditional stories is appreciated, the execution feels defensive rather than transformative. It reads more like an effort to rescue the old narratives than to genuinely challenge or reinterpret them for a modern audience.
While the intention to re-examine traditional stories is appreciated, the execution feels defensive rather than transformative. It reads more like an effort to rescue the old narratives than to genuinely challenge or reinterpret them for a modern audience.
May 24, 2024
I read some of the books and articles written by the author earlier. Thought the latest one would also give some interesting reading and throw some new facts unknown to me.
I was disappointed to some extent finding most of the facts and fables included in this book were already written by him in some form or the other earlier albeit the chapter on the origin of zodiac system connecting the story of the moon and his wives, the constellations was quite interesting and refreshing.
I was disappointed to some extent finding most of the facts and fables included in this book were already written by him in some form or the other earlier albeit the chapter on the origin of zodiac system connecting the story of the moon and his wives, the constellations was quite interesting and refreshing.
January 18, 2025
Thought provoking read. Some of the chapters are very well written and gives a new perspective on position of some of the most notable women of the Hindu History / mythology. There are some chapters and points in book where it might feel that the author is reading too much into something and also gives a perspective that might seem questionable and debatable. Overall a good crash course in lot of fascinating stories from various epics and scriptures.
June 14, 2025
Good, informative mythological read supplemented with stories alongside to support the information the author researched for the book.
Special mention to chapter 11 though that illustrates strongly the decline of women in Indian society in Mahabhartha and compares the status and autonomy of women in Ramayana and Mahabhartha. That was an amazing read for me indeed! 🙌
Special mention to chapter 11 though that illustrates strongly the decline of women in Indian society in Mahabhartha and compares the status and autonomy of women in Ramayana and Mahabhartha. That was an amazing read for me indeed! 🙌
January 14, 2026
Enjoyed reading the book. Details about how a women's role changes in the Yugas are described well. My perspective about the epics Ramayana and Mahabharata has certainly changed. Some information felt repetitive and also some content felt unrelated. Overall was definitely a good read and might pick this book up again in the future.
May 11, 2024
Another enjoyable book by Devdutt Pattanaik. I've read all his other books and find his interpretation of myths intriguing. With this one however, I felt his writing is getting a bit repetitive. A lot of the stories (and their interpretation) in this book are not new. Still it was a refreshing read
July 25, 2024
A book which have true facts and it opens the metaphors of all our mythology. It is written in a way that anyone can read and understand it properly. The stories of the books were so interesting and their explanation too.
January 12, 2025
4.5/5
Such a satisfying read this was! Loved the concept, the ideas, the themes and the tales that came with all of it! The analysis, line of thought and connections were so interesting.
I may not agree with the author at some points, but that does not make it a less wonderful experience.
Such a satisfying read this was! Loved the concept, the ideas, the themes and the tales that came with all of it! The analysis, line of thought and connections were so interesting.
I may not agree with the author at some points, but that does not make it a less wonderful experience.
May 23, 2024
Always a pleasure to read Dev Dutt Patnaik.. lots to learn.. the book taught us the evolution of perception of Feminity
June 19, 2024
Good
Some useful information but I was a bit disappointed. When it comes to Devi, this author focuses too much on sexuality.
Some useful information but I was a bit disappointed. When it comes to Devi, this author focuses too much on sexuality.
September 14, 2024
My first book by this authors. Interesting observational analysis of old texts. Loved it.
Must read to understand contexts and stories from past.
Must read to understand contexts and stories from past.
December 21, 2025
I enjoyed it a lot actually. debunked a lot of myths and I ended learning a lot.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews