Tulasi spoke with openness, acknowledging that in the presence of the all-knowing Lord, she felt no shame. She revealed her story: once, she had been a gopi in Goloka, deeply attached to Govinda. Yet, her longing for him remained unfulfilled, and she often fainted from the intensity of her desire. This devotion stirred Radhika’s anger, and Radhika rebuked Govinda, cursing Tulasi. In response, Govinda comforted Tulasi, telling her, “You shall become a portion of me, four-armed.” After uttering these words, the Lord of the gods vanished from her sight. Tulasi then beheld Narayana, her beloved, serene and beautiful in form. Brahma explained that this radiant portion of Narayana was born in Bharata as Alabhya. Owing to Radhika’s curse, Alabhya took birth among the Danavas. Having seen Tulasi previously in Goloka, his mind was stirred with desire. Remembering his past life, Alabhya performed austerities and, through a boon, obtained Tulasi. Brahma instructed Tulasi, “Now, O beautiful and auspicious one, become his wife.” By Narayana’s own curse, and through divine arrangement, Tulasi would become the foremost among all flowers, dearer to Vishnu than life itself. In Vrindavana, she would take the form of a tree and be known as Vrinda. As the goddess presiding over trees, she would always remain with Krishna. Hearing these words, Tulasi smiled, her heart filled with joy. She spoke again, assuring her father, “I speak the truth—it is not so with the four-armed one. I am unsatisfied with Govinda, as fate has interrupted my passion. Yet, by his grace, Govinda, who is extremely rare, will once again be attained.” Brahma promised Tulasi, “By my boon, you will become as dear to Radhika as life itself. Radhika will command that your love remain secret between you both.” Having spoken thus, Brahma gave Tulasi the sacred sixteen-syllable mantra and taught her the entire method of worship and the prescribed rites of preparation. Following Brahma’s instructions, Tulasi performed these rites in the sacred hermitage of Badarikā. For twelve divine years, she carried out her worship. When her austerities and the mantra were perfected, she obtained the desired boon. Content in mind, Tulasi let go of the fatigue of her austerities. She ate, drank, and, satisfied, lay down to rest. Narayana then spoke: Tulasi, endowed with fresh youth and praised for her excellence, became the target of the five-arrowed one. Kamadeva, the god of love, shot five arrows at her. Her whole body was covered in goosebumps; she trembled, and her eyes turned red. For a moment, she felt anxious; for a moment, she experienced pleasant drowsiness. At times she regained consciousness, at times she became despondent. She wandered in distress, departed for a moment, and returned again. Her bed of flowers and sandalwood transformed into thorns. The dwelling became formless, and her fine garment felt like fire. In a moment of drowsiness, Sati saw a well-adorned man. His entire body was smeared with sandalwood and adorned with jeweled ornaments. He spoke lovingly, describing the pleasures of love, and repeatedly kissed her lips.