With a serene, knowing gaze, the sage spoke: “By the power of the Krishna-mantra, I remember my previous births. This wisdom is clear to me. And you—do you know? You yourself have taken birth on the sacred earth of Bharata because of Radhika’s anger.” Having revealed these truths, the sage fell silent, his words lingering in the air. Then Tulasī, her voice gentle yet candid, replied, “A beloved always yearns for such a lover, driven by passion. Indeed, by your reasoning, I must admit defeat. For when a man is conquered by a woman, his fathers, gods, and relatives reproach him.” She continued, her tone contemplative, “A brahmin regains purity in ten days, whether after a birth or a death. A shudra requires a month. The Vedas say that one born of mixed castes is like a mother—yet his ancestors do not willingly accept his offerings of rice-balls. What use, then, are his knowledge, austerity, recitation, sacrifice, or worship?” Tulasī looked kindly at her companion. “You, too, have been tested by me, so that I might understand the power of learning and the depth of knowledge. For one who lacks virtue, is old, or ignorant; for one who is excessively angry or unpleasant in appearance; for one who is dull, mute, like a eunuch, or sinful; and also for the peaceful, virtuous, youthful, and learned—if any of these, after protecting a maiden, then sells her, that sinner will eat her urine and feces as a consequence. Afterward, he is certainly reborn among disease-ridden species.” Having spoken thus, Tulasī fell silent within the forest of austerity. In reverence, Tulasī, Śaṅkhacūḍa, and Nārada bowed their heads together. Then a voice addressed Śaṅkhacūḍa: “What are you doing, conversing with her? You are a jewel among men, she is a jewel among women, virtuous above all. A wise king abandons rare happiness neither through conflict nor trouble. Why do you neglect such a beloved, virtuous man, O chaste one?” The voice continued, evoking sacred unions: “Just as Lakṣmī is with her Lord, just as Rādhikā is with Kṛṣṇa; just as the earth is with Varāha, and Menā is with Himālaya; just as Rohiṇī is with the moon, and Rati with Kāma, O chaste one; just as Ahalyā is with Gautama, and Devahūti with Kardama; just as Dakṣiṇā is present in the sacrifice, and Svāhā with the fire; just as Devasenā is with Skanda, and Mūttī with Dharma—O beautiful one, for a long time you will be united with this handsome man. And afterward, you will again attain Govinda in Goloka.” Having bestowed this blessing, Brahmā returned to his own abode. At that moment, the heavens resounded with the joyous beating of celestial drums, and a shower of flowers rained down in celebration. Overcome with emotion, Tulasī, now united with her new husband, Śaṅkhacūḍa, fainted in bliss. Together, they enjoyed the sixty-four kinds of pleasure, delighting in the sixty-four arts. With embraces both tender and enchanting, in a place of supreme delight where no other creatures roamed, they reveled in a flower garden by the riverbank, adorned with blossoms and sandalwood. Tulasī, adorned with every ornament, shone with surpassing beauty and enchantment, her radiance captivating all who beheld her.