Hearing herself cursed, the goddess did not respond with anger or retaliation. Yet, as the exchange continued, Sarasvati became visibly agitated, her face trembling with rage. Observing this, Ganga spoke: “This goddess, the mistress of speech, is harsh in her words and fond of quarrels. Whatever her abilities or power may be, let her declare what strength of hers matches my own.” With these words, Ganga pronounced that Sarasvati should descend to the mortal world, the realm where sinners dwell. Stung by this, Sarasvati uttered a curse in return. At that very moment, the Blessed Lord arrived among them. He gently took Sarasvati by the hand and seated her upon his chest. Having heard the secret of their curses and quarrel, the Lord addressed Sarasvati: “On earth, you will be born as a daughter, not from a womb. There, by the workings of fate, you will also take the form of a tree. Yet afterward, you shall become my wife—of this there is no doubt. By a portion of yourself, you will become a river and swiftly go forth, O beautiful-faced one. By another portion, you will go as Ganga, and in time you will purify the world, brought down by the great austerities of Bhagiratha. By my command, become the wife of the ocean, who is a portion of my own intoxication. And by Ganga’s curse, you, O Bharati, will go as a portion to Bharata. Then, return to Brahma’s abode and become Brahma’s beloved—peaceful, free from anger, devoted to me, and of my own form. By a part and a portion, all will be righteous and devoted to their husbands.” The Lord continued, “There will be three wives, three brothers-in-law, three servants, and relatives. In the house where women rule over men, and the husband is under his wife’s control—where a man’s wife is foul-mouthed, impure in conduct, and fond of quarrels—there, the people and the places seem ancient, and only misfortune is found. It is better to remain in fire or among violent creatures, for happiness is found even there. O beautiful-faced one, for men, even the flames of disease or poison are preferable. Truly, the life of a man conquered by a woman is fruitless. He is reviled everywhere in this world, and in the next, he goes to hell. It is not good for many co-wives to live together in one place. Go, O Sarasvati, to the place of Shiva, to the place of Brahma, and to the Ganga.” The Lord then explained, “He whose wife is easily managed, virtuous, and devoted to her husband is liberated, pure, and happy.” Having thus spoken, the Lord of the worlds, Nārada, became silent. After contemplating these words, all present spoke in turn to the Lord. Sarasvati asked, “If a virtuous husband abandons his wife, where do such women live?” She declared, “I will surely give up my body through yoga in Bhārata.” Ganga too said, “I will give up my body; grant death even to one who is faultless. Whoever abandons a faultless, loving woman in this world—” At this, Lakshmi spoke: “Grant us your favor, and forgiveness from the Lord.” Thus, the divine assembly expressed their concerns and sought the Lord’s grace and understanding.