Setiawan - Sawitri

Ketika tiba ajalnya, Setiawan mati dipelukan Sawitri isterinya. Nyawanya berada digenggaman Sang Hyang Yama, dewa pencabut nyawa. ”Sawitri Engkau seorang isteri yang setia, oleh karenanya sepeninggal suamimu, dewa memberikan anugerah kepadamu untuk mengajukan tiga permohonan, asalkan tidak memohon nyawa Setiawan.” “Mengapa tidak boleh memohon suamiku hidup?” “Karena sudah menjadi suratan takdir bahwa hari ini Setiawan mati” “Baiklah  Hyang Yama, terimakasih. Pertama hamba memohon agar Ayahanda sembuh dari kebutaan.” “Lihatlah Sawitri, sekarang juga ayahmu sembuh dan dapat melihat kembali” “Terimakasih Hyang Yama, untuk permohonan nomor dua, sudilah kiranya paduka mengembalikan kerajaan Ayahanda yang telah dirampas musuh, sehingga Ayahanda kembali menjadi raja” “Sawitri, sekarang juga engkau dapat melihat ayahmu kembali menjadi raja. Tinggal satu permintaan lagi Sawitri, tapi ingat jangan nyawa Setiawan.” “Terimakasih Hyang Yama, untuk permohonan nomor tiga aku menginginkan anak keturuan yang lahir dari rahimku.” “Aku kabulkan permohonanmu, kelak engkau akan mempunyai anak.” Selesai berkata demikian Hyang Yama segera kembali ke Kahyangan, dengan membawa nyawa Setiawan. Sawitri bergegas menyusul  dan bersimpuh di depan kaki Hyang Yama sembari berkata: “Ampun Hyang Yama, jika Setiawan suamiku mati, bagaimana aku bisa mempunyai anak?” “Engkau dapat mencari suami lagi” “Itu tidak mungkin hamba lakukan, karena hamba telah berjanji sehidup semati dengan Kanda Setiawan.” Hyang Yama tertegun atas kecerdasan Sawitri. Sebagai seorang Dewa pantang menarik kembali apa yang telah disabdakan. Maka akhirnya Setiawan dihidupkan kembali, untuk memberi keturunan kepada  Sawitri.   

Setiawan-Sawitri 
Setiawan and Sawitri are the symbol of true love. When his time came, Setiawan died in the embrace of his wife, Sawitri. Setiawan’s soul was taken by Sang Hyang Yama, the god of death. “Sawitri, you are a loyal wife. Because your husband has died I will grant you three wishes, as long as you do not ask me to bring Setiawan to life,” said the god. “Why can I not ask you to bring Setiawan to life?” asked Sawitri. “Because it is a divine instruction that Setiawan will die today,” replied Sang Hyang Yama. “As it is then, Hyang Yama. Thank you,” said Sawitri. “First I want to ask that my father is cured of his blindness.” “Look at your father, Sawitri. Your father has been cured and he can see again.” “Thank you Hyang Yama. For my second wish I would like you to return my father’s kingdom that was seized by enemies. I would like my father to be the king of his kingdom again.” “Sawitri, now you can see that your father’s kingdom has been returned to him. You have one wish remaining. Remember that you cannot ask for Setiawan to be brought back to life.” “Thank you Hyang Yama. For my last wish I would like a child from my own womb.“ Hyang Yama granted her the final wish so that in time, she would bear a child. After granting the final wish Hyang Yama immediately departed for the heavens, taking Setiawan’s soul with him. However, Sawitri chased after him and fell at his knees. She said, “Forgive me Hyang Yama. If Setiawan is dead, how can I fall pregnant again?” “You may find another husband,” replied the god. “That is impossible as I have sworn to be loyal to Setiawan, in life and death.” Hyang Yama was startled. As a god he was unable to break his words. In the end he brought Setiawan back to life in order that he may give a child to Sawitri.

Oil on canvas

80 cm x 60 cm