In the sacred forest of austerity, Tulasī spoke, explaining that even Śaṅkhacūḍa had been tested for the sake of knowledge—to understand the true power of learning. She described how virtue and character are essential: those lacking in virtues, the elderly, the ignorant, those consumed by excessive anger, or bearing an unpleasant countenance; the dull, mute, eunuch-like, or sinful—all were contrasted with those who are peaceful, virtuous, youthful, and learned. Tulasī then warned of a grave sin: if someone, after protecting a maiden, were to sell her, that sinner would suffer terribly, forced to consume the urine and feces of the maiden in that context, and would be reborn among disease-ridden species. Having spoken these words, Tulasī fell silent in the forest. She, Śaṅkhacūḍa, and Nārada bowed their heads in reverence. Then Brahmā addressed Śaṅkhacūḍa, questioning his conversation with Tulasī. Brahmā praised both: Śaṅkhacūḍa, a jewel among men, and Tulasī, a jewel and virtuous among women. He reminded them that a king abandons rare happiness without conflict or trouble, and wondered why such a beloved, virtuous man would be neglected. Brahmā invoked the sacred unions of the cosmos: just as Lakṣmī is with her Lord, Rādhikā with Kṛṣṇa, the earth with Varāha, Menā with Himālaya, Rohiṇī with the moon, Rati with Kāma, Ahalyā with Gautama, Devahūti with Kardama, Dakṣiṇā in sacrifice, Svāhā with fire, Devasenā with Skanda, and Mūttī with Dharma. He assured Tulasī that, for a long time, she would be united with her handsome husband, Śaṅkhacūḍa. Afterwards, she would again attain Govinda in Goloka. Having bestowed his blessings, Brahmā returned to his own abode. In heaven, celestial drums resounded and flowers showered down in celebration. United with her new husband, Tulasī was overcome and fainted in bliss. Together, they enjoyed sixty-four kinds of pleasure, measured by the sixty-four arts, embracing with limbs and sub-limbs in ways charming to women. They dwelled in an exceedingly delightful place, free from all other creatures—a flower garden on the riverbank, adorned with blossoms and sandalwood. Tulasī, adorned with ornaments, was exceedingly beautiful and enchanting, captivating her husband’s mind with playful virtue. She sported with sandalwood on his chest and tilaka on his arms. Śaṅkhacūḍa joyfully left the mark of her nails upon his chest. When their lovemaking ceased, they arose together. Tulasī gave him a tilaka made of sandalwood mixed with saffron, offered him fragrant betel and garments purified by fire, and presented an excellent ring made of priceless jewels. Again and again, she declared, “I am your servant,” smiling as she drank in his lotus-like face with her eyes. Śaṅkhacūḍa, drawing her close, placed his beloved upon his chest, their hearts united in love.