In the sacred Varaha Purana, it is told that the nourishment one receives from milk pudding brings strength to the body, while rice cooked with ghee bestows gentleness and a pleasing nature. The giving of chariots in charity leads a person to attain a divine aerial car and even a palanquin in the next world. Most wondrous of all, the gift of fearlessness fulfills all desires. Thus concludes the two hundred and seventh chapter, named “The Delusion of Men in the Cycle of Samsara.” Now begins the narration of the devoted wife. At that very moment, she appeared, adorned in divine ornaments, her presence radiant and auspicious. Gathered around were brahmanas—those accomplished in austerity—together with their wives and kin. Amidst them stood the king, his face pale, his former brilliance and splendor faded. Seeing him so devoid of luster, an ascetic gazed upon this king of righteousness and spoke: “O King, you shine forth like another lord of cattle. Why do you sigh so deeply, like a serpent, and grieve thus?” Yama, the lord of death, replied, “O great sage, listen to what I have witnessed. There are brahmins who wander, devoted to a life of gleaning, who delight in welcoming guests, ever self-controlled and engaged in their duties. Such souls do not come near me, nor do they fall under my power. Their bodies are anointed with divine fragrances, adorned with garlands, and dressed in fine garments.” Then, a question was asked, “O Death, for whom do you stand here? Who is death, and how does it arise? Truly, you always slay those attached to greed, the most sinful, those devoid of righteousness. But I am unable either to punish or to show favor to the great-souled.” As this was spoken, a radiant being arrived in a celestial chariot, her beauty dazzling, accompanied by the sound of great instruments. Standing in her chariot, this auspicious woman of graceful limbs addressed those present. She said, “Do not harbor jealousy toward brahmins engaged in austerity. Brahmins who have mastered the Vedas are beyond the comprehension of all beings. Brahmins are always to be revered; indeed, they are all the deities. Through you, both good and bad deeds are always offered to the wise.” Having spoken, she was seen departing through the sky, swift as a flash of lightning. At that place, the sage Narada spoke to Dharmaraja, who had just arrived. “O King,” Narada inquired, “that woman whom you worshipped, who spoke words of benefit and then departed—I am filled with curiosity and wish to know more about her.” Yama replied, “My dear, even though I worshipped her with all devotion, let me tell you her story. In ancient times, during the Kṛta Yuga, there was a king named Nimi, renowned for his great fame. His son was called Mithi, and from his wife was born Janaka. She, the queen, was steadfast in virtue, ever faithful and devoted to her husband. The king himself was greatly fortunate, always engaged in the welfare of all beings, and he ruled the entire earth in accordance with righteousness. Under his reign, the gods constantly sent rain, and in his realm, no mortal was seen who was sick, afflicted, or even unhappy. The queen, O best of brahmanas, spoke humble and respectful words to the king: ‘Whatever wealth exists on earth or in your house, all of it has been distributed, and you have always been present. There is no such regulation for us, nor do we even possess the price of a single flower.