Even as work is performed in this world, one may wonder: how does it truly bear fruit? The answer lies in the qualities of the heart. One who is affectionate toward all beings and speaks only gentle, auspicious words sows the seeds of merit. Once, near the edge of the water, a beautiful goddess found herself in a tranquil dwelling, a place where none were troubled. Yet above, the fierce Sun blazed relentlessly in the sky, and the season’s heat was harsh beyond measure. The goddess’s feet, smooth and coppery, were scorched by the burning ground. At midday, the Sun’s rays, fiery and intense, made the suffering even greater. Overcome by thirst and tormented by the heat, the goddess turned to the great king and confessed her distress. In her anguish, she spoke of her suffering, and, overwhelmed, she collapsed. As she fell, her gaze—full of anger—met the Sun in the sky. In that moment, the radiant Sun, Vivasvan, left his heavenly course and descended to earth. The king, astonished, asked the Sun, “O radiant one, for what reason have you left your sphere and come here?” The Sun replied with gentle conciliation, “O king, I have come down because your command, born of your compassion and virtue, compelled me. Nowhere, on earth or in heaven, has such a thing been seen. Truly, your courage and strength are worthy of praise.” The Sun then looked upon the goddess: “She is pure and suitable, an excellent woman perfected by her austerity. She is to you, O fortunate one, what Śacī is to Indra—your devoted and beloved companion. And he from whom she was born is also worthy and noble. Do with this cherished field as you desire, according to your heart’s wish.” To honor her and to shield her from the burning heat, divine sandals and an umbrella, adorned with celestial ornaments, were bestowed—gifts of great merit, meant for happiness. As the Blessed Lord spoke, he acted accordingly at that very place, and the auspiciously marked goddess was refreshed with cool water, her suffering eased. The goddess, her eyes wide with astonishment at this wondrous event, turned to the king. “O king, O ascetic, tell me—who is this god? O great goddess, he is called Vivasvan, the Sun. Out of compassion for you, he has left the sky and come to this earth.” Grateful, the goddess asked, “Tell me, what pleasure should I offer him? What does he desire?” She turned to the Sun and said, “O Lord, what shall I do for you?” The Sun replied, “Let there be safety for me, O king, and for women everywhere, O giver of honor.” With these words, the king’s beloved, her heart gladdened and filled with supreme affection, honored him. The king, cherishing her devotion, gave two sandals for the feet of Shankara, as a mark of reverence. Thus, I honor and bow to the devoted wife, O Brahmin. This concludes the two hundred and eighth chapter of the glorious Varaha Purana, named ‘The Story of the Devoted Wife’ in the great cycle of worldly existence. Now begins the description of the greatness of the devoted wife. “By what action, O king of kings, or by what austerity, O ascetics, is such greatness attained?” Thus questioned, the righteous one spoke to Narada: “For her, O Brahmin, there is no need for rules, no austerities, nor any strict vows. Neither fasting, nor giving gifts, nor even worship of the gods is required. She who sleeps when her husband sleeps, and wakes of her own accord when he awakes—she alone is the devoted wife, and her merit surpasses all.