The venerable sage, wise in righteousness and ever intent on the welfare of all beings, addressed his aged wife with gentle words of comfort and respect as she approached him. Turning to Vaidehī, he spoke, “Receive Anasūyā, the most fortunate ascetic, who steadfastly follows the path of dharma.” He praised Anasūyā’s devotion to righteousness not only to his wife but also to Rāma, recounting her wondrous deeds. He told them how, when the world suffered under a relentless ten-year drought, Anasūyā, through her spiritual power, produced roots and fruits to sustain life and even caused the sacred Ganges to flow. Her fierce austerity and unwavering discipline had led her to perform penance for ten thousand years. Purified by her vows and having cleared all obstacles, Anasūyā once acted for the sake of the gods, creating a miraculous night that lasted ten days. “She is like a mother to you, O sinless one,” the sage said, “and is worthy of the highest reverence.” He urged Vaidehī to approach this renowned woman, who was revered by all beings, aged and gentle, ever free from anger, and famed throughout the world for her virtuous deeds. When the sage had spoken thus, Rāghava replied, “So be it,” and turned to Sītā, the embodiment of righteousness, saying, “Princess, you have heard the sage’s words. For your own welfare, go quickly to the ascetic.” Sītā, wishing to honor Rāma’s words, approached the aged wife, whose body trembled with age, her hair pale and her form frail, yet her spirit unwavering like a banana plant swaying in the wind. Sītā, herself blessed with good fortune, greeted Anasūyā, who was devoted to her husband, without hesitation, and introduced herself with humility and respect. With hands joined in reverence and a heart delighted, Vaidehī inquired after the well-being of the blameless ascetic. Seeing Sītā before her, Anasūyā, herself a paragon of righteousness, spoke kindly and with joy, “Fortunate indeed are you to walk the path of dharma. You have left behind kin, honor, and prosperity to follow Rāma into the forest; how blessed you are to accompany him.” She continued, “Whether a husband dwells in the city or the forest, whether he is virtuous or otherwise, for women whose hearts are devoted to their husbands, their worlds are greatly uplifted. Even if a husband is of poor conduct, driven by desire, or bereft of wealth, for noble women, he is the highest deity. No relative is greater than the husband, O Vaidehī; he is always worthy, like the inexhaustible fruit of austerity. Ignoble women, unable to discern virtue or fault, are swayed only by desire and wander, dependent on their husbands. Such women, O Maithilī, who succumb to improper conduct, bring upon themselves disgrace and fall from righteousness. But women like you, virtuous and wise, live by their own noble nature, as do all who uphold dharma. Therefore, remain steadfast in devotion, following the path of the faithful wife; by being a companion in righteousness to your husband, you will attain both honor and virtue.” Thus concluded the one hundred seventeenth sarga of the glorious Ayodhyā Kāṇḍa of the ancient and revered Rāmāyaṇa composed by Vālmīki. Hearing Anasūyā’s words, Sītā, free from envy, honored her advice and replied gently, “O noble lady, it is not surprising that you speak thus to me; I too know that a husband is a woman’s highest reverence. Even if my husband were without good conduct, he must still be served by me unwaveringly. How much more, then, when he is virtuous, praiseworthy, compassionate, self-controlled, steadfast in love, righteous, and as dear as a mother and father? Rāma treats Kausalyā with the utmost respect, and he behaves the same way toward all the royal women. Even toward those women the king has seen just once, Rāma, devoted to righteousness, shows the respect due to a mother, setting aside all pride.” She continued, “As I entered this lonely and fearful forest, the wise counsel my mother-in-law gave me remains firmly in my heart. The words my own mother spoke at my wedding, before the sacred fire, I have also kept in mind. Your words have rekindled these teachings within me, O righteous one; for a woman, there is no greater austerity than service to her husband. Sāvitrī, by serving her husband, is honored in heaven, and you too have attained heaven through such conduct. She is foremost among women, a goddess in heaven; Rohiṇī is never seen apart from the Moon, even for a moment. In this way, the best women, firm in their vows, are honored in the world of the gods by the merit of their deeds.” Hearing Sītā’s words, Anasūyā was delighted. She embraced Sītā’s head and spoke warmly, “Through various disciplines I have attained great ascetic power, O Sītā of pure smile. Relying on that strength, I wish to bless you. Your words are fitting and pleasing, Maithilī. I am delighted—tell me, what shall I do for you?” Sītā, gently astonished, replied, “It is done.” Anasūyā, even more pleased, said, “O Sītā, I shall fulfill your joyful wish.” She then presented Sītā with divine garlands, garments, ornaments, fragrant ointment, and precious unguents, bestowing upon her the blessings of her ascetic power.