By the power of devoted worship to the sacred fire and the Gāyatrī mantra, Gautama, a soul of great purity, attained the status of a brāhmaṇa. Through his steadfast practice, his life was lengthened, and he became renowned for his longevity. Gautama neither took a wife nor did anyone offer him a maiden in marriage. Instead, he wandered alone, dwelling in holy places, traversing various forests and sacred hermitages, dedicating his days to spiritual pursuit. During his wanderings, Gautama arrived at the mountain called Śītāgiri. There, he discovered a beautiful cave, adorned with lush creepers and stately trees. Feeling drawn to the place, Gautama, the best among brāhmaṇas, resolved to make the cave his dwelling. As he sat in contemplation, an extraordinary sight met his eyes: a woman entered the cave. She was aged and emaciated, her limbs loosened by time, but her bearing was steadfast. She had practiced severe austerities, lived in celibacy, and was utterly dispassionate, dwelling in solitude. Upon seeing her, the noble sage Gautama rose, intending to offer her respect. But she, perceiving his intent, restrained him, saying, "You will become my teacher; you should not bow to me. Whoever bows to their teacher loses their lifespan, knowledge, wealth, fame, virtue, and even heaven." Astonished, Gautama joined his hands in reverence and addressed her, "You are an ascetic, elderly, and foremost in virtue, O radiant one. I am young and possess little knowledge—how can I be your teacher?" The woman replied, "My beloved son was named Ṛtadhvaja, dear to Ṛṣṭiṣeṇa. He was famed for his virtue, intelligence, and heroism, devoted to the duties of a warrior. Once, drawn by the hunt, Ṛtadhvaja entered this very forest and rested in this cave. He was young, capable, and strong. While he rested, an apsaras named Suśyāmā, daughter of the king of the Gandharvas, beheld him. The king desired her, and she desired him. They enjoyed each other's company, and when their desires were fulfilled, Ṛtadhvaja, lord of kings, returned home. "From Suśyāmā, I was born. As my mother departed, she said to me, 'Whoever enters here, O blessed one, will become your husband.' Having said this, my mother left. Since then, you alone have entered this cave; no other man has ever come here. My father ruled for eighty thousand years and performed austerities here before ascending to heaven. After him, another ruled for ten thousand years. My brother too has gone to heaven; I alone remain. I have no other occupation, nor mother, nor father. I am mistress of myself, a warrior maiden, steadfast in vows and seeking a husband. Therefore, O Brahman, accept me. "I am blessed with a thousand years of life, yet you surpass me in age. I am young, you are old; such a union seems unfitting. But you were destined to be my husband—I consider no other as such. You were given to me by the Creator; you should not reject me. Or, if you do not desire me—who am uncorrupted and faithful—then I will abandon my life before your very eyes. For embodied beings, death is preferable to the pain of separation from a beloved; such abandonment does not lead to sin." Hearing these heartfelt words, Gautama replied, "I am without austerity, lacking knowledge, and possess nothing. I am not a suitable husband for you, being unattractive and deprived of pleasures. I am toothless—what can I do? I lack both austerity and learning. Therefore, O auspicious one, first obtain beauty and knowledge, then fulfill your words." The aged woman then spoke to Gautama, "By my austerity, O twice-born, I have pleased the goddess Sarasvatī, and likewise Agni, the giver of beauty, has granted me beauty. Therefore, Sarasvatī will grant you knowledge, and Agni, the beautiful god, will bestow beauty upon you." Having spoken thus, the aged woman addressed Vibhavasu (Agni) in prayer, and by her grace, Gautama was endowed with knowledge and beauty. Now possessing wisdom, fortune, and charm, Gautama joyfully accepted the woman as his wife. Together, they lived happily for many years in the delightful cave, their minds content. One day, as the joyful couple dwelled in the cave upon the mountain, a group of pure sages arrived. Among them were Vasiṣṭha, Vāmadeva, and other great sages, wandering to holy places, who reached the cave. Recognizing their arrival, Gautama and his wife welcomed and honored them. Yet, some among the sages—those young and intoxicated by youth, and those of middle age—laughed upon seeing Gautama and the aged woman together. Mockingly, they asked, "Is this your son or grandson? How did Gautama become old? Speak the truth, O blessed one." They jested further, "For the old, a young woman is poison; for the old woman, a young man is nectar. We have witnessed this union of opposites after a long time." Thus, some of the sages spoke as the couple listened. After being received as guests, all the great sages departed, leaving Gautama and his wife in their mountain abode.