Dark-complexioned, with lustrous hair and captivating beauty, she stood tall and graceful, her form as striking as a banyan tree. Men and women alike, beholding her, found no comparison in the world for her radiance. She was perfectly suited to the measure of the earth, embodying the very nature of womanhood. In that place, for a hundred thousand divine years, she undertook supreme austerities. During the scorching summers, she practiced the five-fold fire austerity, and in the freezing winters, that beautiful one stood immersed in water. For twenty thousand years, she sustained herself on nothing but fruits and water. Then, for forty thousand more, the slender-waisted ascetic lived on air alone. Her penance was so subtle and profound that even the lotus-born Brahma took notice, seeing her standing on one foot, her presence delicate and difficult to perceive. She, too, beheld Brahma, the Four-faced One, riding his swan mount, as he appeared before her. Brahma addressed her, saying, “O child, whether you seek devotion to Hari, liberation, or even immortality and freedom from old age, ask without hesitation.” Tulasi replied, “O all-knowing one, what shame can remain for me in your presence? I am Tulasi, and once I was a gopi in Goloka. There, bound in love for Govinda, I was unsatisfied and fainted in longing. Radhika, angered, rebuked Govinda and cursed me. Govinda then said to me, ‘You shall become a portion of me, four-armed.’ After speaking thus, the Lord of the gods vanished from my sight. But then I beheld Narayana, my beloved, serene and beautiful in form.” Brahma continued, “That radiant portion was born in Bharata as Alabhya. Now, due to Radhika’s curse, he is born in the race of the Danavas. Having seen you before in Goloka, his mind was stirred by desire. Remembering his past life, he performed austerities and, by a boon, obtained you. Therefore, O beautiful and auspicious one, become his wife. By the curse of Narayana himself, and through divine arrangement, you will become the foremost among all flowers, dearer to Vishnu than life itself. In Vrindavana, you will take the form of a tree and be known as Vrinda. As the goddess presiding over the trees, you will always be with Krishna.” Hearing these words, Tulasi smiled, her heart filled with joy. She spoke, “I speak the truth, O father, it is not so with the four-armed one. My longing for Govinda remains unfulfilled, for fate has interrupted our passion. Yet, by his grace, Govinda—who is so rare—will be attained once more.” Brahma assured her, “By my boon, you will become as dear to Radhika as life itself. Radhika will decree that your love with Govinda remain a secret between you both.” Having thus spoken, Brahma bestowed upon the goddess the sixteen-syllable mantra, along with the entire method of worship and the prescribed rites of preparation. Following Brahma’s instructions, Tulasi performed these sacred practices at the holy hermitage of Badarikā. For twelve divine years, she dedicated herself to worship. When her austerities and the mantra were perfected, she received the boon she desired. With her mind at peace, the goddess set aside the exhaustion of her penance. She ate, drank, and, satisfied, lay down to rest.