At the hermitage, the sage advised, “Let Vaidehī approach this renowned woman, revered by all beings, aged and ever free from anger, known throughout the world as Anasūyā, whose fame springs from her virtuous deeds.” Hearing this, Rāma respectfully agreed and turned to Sītā, who was well-versed in righteousness. He spoke to her gently, “Princess, you have heard the sage’s words. For your own welfare, swiftly approach the ascetic.” Sītā, understanding Rāma’s intention for her well-being, rose and made her way toward the venerable wife, a woman deeply rooted in righteousness. Anasūyā was frail and wrinkled, her hair pale with age, her body trembling constantly like a banana plant swaying in the wind. Yet, her presence radiated peace and wisdom. With humility and grace, Sītā—fortunate and devoted—greeted Anasūyā, who was famed for her fidelity. She introduced herself without hesitation, bowing with joined palms in reverence and delight, and inquired after the ascetic’s well-being. Anasūyā, beholding Sītā’s radiant virtue, was filled with joy. She spoke kindly, “How fortunate that you uphold righteousness, O Sītā. You have left behind your kin, honor, and prosperity, and have followed Rāma into the forest. Blessed indeed are you to accompany him in his exile. “Whether a husband dwells in a city or a forest, whether he is virtuous or otherwise, for women whose husbands are dear, their worlds are greatly elevated. Even if a husband is of poor conduct, driven by desire, or deprived of wealth, for women of noble nature, the husband is the highest deity. I see no relative greater than the husband, O Vaidehī; everywhere, he is as worthy as the inexhaustible fruit of austerity. “But women of lesser nature do not discern virtue or fault in their husbands; their hearts are ruled by desire, and they wander, always dependent on their spouses. Such women, O Maithilī, who stray into improper conduct, indeed fall from righteousness and suffer disgrace. But women like you, endowed with virtue and understanding, naturally live by righteousness, just as those who uphold dharma. Therefore, steadfast in devotion and following the path of the faithful, be a companion in righteousness to your husband; in this way, you shall attain both honor and virtue.” Thus ended that sacred chapter of the Ayodhyā Kāṇḍa of the ancient Rāmāyaṇa. Hearing these words, Sītā, ever free from envy, honored Anasūyā’s counsel and replied softly, “O noble lady, it is no wonder that you speak thus to me, for 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 unwaveringly. How much more so when he is virtuous, praiseworthy, compassionate, self-controlled, steadfast in love, righteous, and as dear as a mother or father? “The way mighty Rāma behaves toward Kausalyā, he acts the same with all the other royal women. Even toward women whom the king has seen but once, the hero, devoted to righteousness, treats them with the respect due to a mother, setting aside all pride. “And as I entered this lonely and fearful forest, the advice my mother-in-law gave me remained firm in my heart. The words my own 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, renew all this 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 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 of women, firm in their vows, are honored among the gods by the merit of their deeds.” Anasūyā, delighted by Sītā’s words, embraced her tenderly and spoke to her with joy. “Through various disciplines I have attained great ascetic power, O Sītā of the pure smile. Relying on that strength, I wish to bless you. Your words are pleasing and true, Maithilī. Tell me, what fitting thing may I do for you?” Sītā, gently astonished at this offer, replied, “It is done.” But Anasūyā, even more pleased, insisted, “O Sītā, I shall fulfill your joyful wish.” She then presented Sītā with divine garlands, garments, ornaments, fragrant ointments, and precious unguents. “O Vaidehī, these gifts will adorn your limbs; they are flawless, and will remain so always. Anointed with this divine ointment, O daughter of Janaka, you will shine before your husband as Lakṣmī shines beside the imperishable Viṣṇu.” Sītā gratefully accepted the garments, ointment, ornaments, and garlands—a matchless gift of affection. With palms joined in reverence, she stood before Anasūyā, attending upon her with devotion. As Sītā sat thus, devoted in service, Anasūyā, steadfast in her vows, began to speak again, gently leading their conversation to pleasing and uplifting topics.