The eminent sage turned to Sītā, also known as Vaidehī, and spoke with reverence, “Receive Anasūyā, the highly fortunate ascetic who walks the path of righteousness.” He praised this noble ascetic, devoted to virtue, in Rāma’s presence as well. The sage recounted her wondrous deeds: “When the world was scorched by an unbroken drought for ten years, it was she who produced roots and fruits for sustenance, and even caused the sacred Ganges to flow. Endowed with fierce austerity and adorned with unwavering discipline, Anasūyā performed great penances for ten thousand years. Purified by her vows and removing all obstacles, she hastened to fulfill the work of the gods, once creating a single night that lasted ten days. She is like a mother to you, O sinless one.” The sage continued, “Let Vaidehī approach this renowned woman, revered by all beings, aged and ever free from anger, known throughout the world as Anasūyā, whose fame is born of her deeds.” When the sage finished, Rāma replied, “So be it,” and turned to Sītā, who was ever mindful of righteousness, saying, “Princess, you have heard the sage’s words; for your own welfare, quickly approach this ascetic.” Hearing Rāma’s words, spoken for her good, Sītā approached the venerable wife, wise in righteousness. Anasūyā was frail, her body wrinkled and aged, her hair pale with the passage of years, and her form trembling like a banana plant in the wind. Sītā, herself highly fortunate, greeted Anasūyā, who was devoted to her own husband, without hesitation and respectfully stated her name. With joined palms and delight in her heart, Vaidehī paid homage to the blameless ascetic and inquired after her well-being. Seeing Sītā, Anasūyā, herself a paragon of virtue and fortune, spoke kindly, rejoicing, “How blessed you are to walk the path of righteousness! O Sītā, you have left behind your kinsfolk, honor, and prosperity to follow Rāma into the forest. Fortunate indeed are you to accompany him. Whether a husband dwells in the city or forest, whether he is virtuous or not, for a woman whose husband is dear, her worlds are greatly elevated. Even if he is of bad conduct, swayed by desire, or deprived of wealth, for noble women, the husband is the highest deity. I see no relative greater than the husband, O Vaidehī; everywhere he is suitable, like the inexhaustible fruit of austerity.” Anasūyā continued, “But ignoble women do not discern virtue or fault in their husbands; their hearts are ruled by desire, and they wander, dependent on their husbands. Such women, O Maithilī, who fall into improper conduct, indeed incur disgrace and fall from righteousness. But women like you, endowed with virtues and understanding the ways of the world, live according to their nature, upholding righteousness. Therefore, you, steadfast in devotion, following the path of faithful wives, be a companion in righteousness to your husband; from this you will attain both honor and virtue.” When Anasūyā had spoken thus, Vaidehī, free from envy, honored her words and began to speak gently in reply. “O noble lady, it is not surprising that you speak to me in this way; I too know that a husband is a woman’s highest reverence. Even if my husband were without good conduct, still he must be served by me without deviation. How much more so, then, when he is virtuous, praiseworthy, compassionate, self-controlled, steadfast in love, righteous, and dear as a mother and father? The way mighty Rāma behaves toward Kausalyā, he behaves toward all the royal women. Even to those whom the king has seen only once, Rāma, devoted to righteousness, acts with the respect due to a mother, setting aside pride.” Sītā continued, “As I came to this lonely and fearful forest, the great advice my mother-in-law gave me remains firmly in my heart. And the words my mother spoke to me long ago at the time of my marriage, before the sacred fire, I have also kept in mind. Your words, O righteous one, have renewed all that within me; 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 by your faithful service. She is foremost among all 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 to their husbands, are honored in the world of the gods by the merit of their own deeds.” Delighted by Sītā’s words, Anasūyā embraced her 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 appropriate and pleasing, Maithilī. I am delighted—tell me, what fitting thing shall I do for you?” Hearing this, Sītā, herself endowed with ascetic power, was gently astonished and replied, “It is done.” But Anasūyā, even more pleased, said, “O Sītā, I shall fulfill your joyful wish.” She presented Sītā with divine garlands, garments, ornaments, fragrant ointments, and precious unguents, saying, “O Vaidehī, these gifts I bestow upon you will adorn your limbs; they are flawless, fitting, and will remain so always.” Thus, in the sacred forest, Sītā was blessed by Anasūyā, and their meeting shone with the light of virtue, wisdom, and affection.