As the story unfolds, a remarkable event takes place: by a stroke of fate, a devoted wife falls, and as she descends, she casts an angry gaze upon the Sun. The radiant Sun, Vivasvan, leaves his celestial sphere and falls to the earth, his brilliance lighting the way. Witnessing this, the king, astonished, asks the Sun, “O radiant one, for what reason have you abandoned your place in the heavens and come here?” The Sun, with gentle conciliation, replies to the king, “O king, I have descended, following your command. Nowhere, whether on earth or in heaven, is such an occurrence seen. Truly, your courage and strength are praised by all.” The conversation turns to the virtuous woman at the heart of this tale. The Sun describes her as pure and suitable, an excellent woman whose austerity shines forth. She is likened to Śacī, the beloved consort of Indra, and is said to be as fortunate as the king himself. Her origin is noble, for she was born of a suitable, handsome, and well-governed lineage. The Sun then grants the king the freedom to do as he wishes with this beloved field—his heart’s desire. To honor her, divine sandals and an umbrella adorned with celestial ornaments are bestowed, all for the enjoyment of happiness and the reward of great merit. Having spoken thus, the Blessed Lord acts accordingly in that place, refreshing the auspiciously marked goddess with water. The goddess, witnessing these wonders, opens her eyes wide in astonishment. In her wonder, she turns to the king and asks, “O king, tell me this doubt of mine, O ascetic: this god, O great goddess, is called Vivasvan by name. Out of compassion for you, O goddess, he left the sky and came here. Let me know what pleasure I should offer him, what he desires.” She then asks the Sun, “O Lord, what shall I do for you?” Seeking safety for herself and for all women, she appeals, “Let there be safety for me, O great king, and for women, O giver of honor.” The king, his heart gladdened, speaks lovingly to his beloved. Filled with supreme affection, she is ever dear to his heart. In devotion, he gives two sandals, both for the feet of Shankara, and honors the devoted wife, bowing reverently before her. Thus concludes the two hundred and eighth chapter of the glorious Varaha Purana, named ‘The Story of the Devoted Wife,’ within the cycle of worldly existence. Now begins the description of the greatness of the devoted wife. The question arises: by what action, O king of kings, or by what austerity, O ascetics, does a wife attain such merit? The righteous one replies to Narada: “O Brahmin, for her, there is no rule, no austerity, nor any strict vow. Neither fasting, nor giving gifts, nor even worship of the gods is required.” He continues, “She who sleeps when her husband sleeps, and wakes of her own accord when he is awake; she who remains silent when he is silent, and stands when he stands of her own will; she who looks only to him, whose mind is fixed on him alone, who acts according to her husband’s word—such a virtuous woman is worthy of worship even by the gods, supremely radiant. Whether she is flourishing or rejected, O foremost of Brahmins, she always remains so.” Such a devoted wife, it is said, does not enter the jaws of death. She follows her husband with unwavering devotion, regarding him as her mother, her father, her relative, and her supreme deity. To such a virtuous and devoted wife, reverent salutations are offered. Moreover, a woman who grieves for her husband does not see the door of death. She who neither hears nor sees another does not see the door of death. Thus, the greatness and sanctity of the devoted wife are extolled, her virtues shining forth as a beacon for all.