Sītā, radiant with good fortune, approached the revered ascetic Anasūyā, who was famed for her devotion to her husband. Without hesitation, Sītā greeted her respectfully and introduced herself by name. With hands joined in reverence and her heart filled with delight, Vaidehī offered her salutations to the blameless ascetic and inquired after her well-being. Seeing Sītā before her—so virtuous and fortunate—Anasūyā’s face shone with joy. She addressed Sītā kindly, saying, “How blessed you are to walk the path of righteousness! O Sītā, you have left behind your family, your honor, and the comforts of prosperity to follow Rāma into this forest exile. Truly, it is by good fortune that you accompany him. “A woman whose husband is dear to her attains the highest worlds, whether he dwells in the city or the forest, whether he is virtuous or not. For women of noble nature, the husband, even if flawed in conduct or deprived of wealth, is to be revered as the highest deity. I see no relative greater than the husband, O Vaidehī; everywhere, he is worthy of the highest honor, like the inexhaustible fruit of austerity. “But ignoble women do not discern virtue or fault in their husbands; their hearts are led only by desire, and they wander, dependent upon their husbands. Such women, O Maithilī, who fall into improper conduct, indeed bring upon themselves disgrace and a fall from righteousness. But women like you—endowed with virtue and understanding the ways of the world—uphold their own nature, just as those who live by righteousness. “Therefore, steadfast in your devotion, following the path of faithful wives, be a companion in righteousness to your husband. From this, you shall attain both honor and virtue.” Thus ended that sarga in the sacred Ayodhyā Kāṇḍa of the ancient Rāmāyaṇa. Hearing these words from Anasūyā, Sītā, free from envy, honored her with gentle speech. “O noble lady,” Sītā replied, “it is no wonder that you speak thus to me; I too know that a husband is the highest reverence for a woman. Even if my husband were to lack good conduct, still I would serve him unwaveringly. How much more, then, when he is virtuous, praiseworthy, compassionate, self-controlled, steadfast in love, righteous, and as dear to me as a mother and father! “The way mighty Rāma treats Kausalyā, he treats all the royal women with the same respect. Even toward those women whom the king has seen only once, Rāma, devoted to righteousness, acts with the respect due to a mother, setting aside all pride. “As I entered this lonely and fearful forest, I held fast to the advice my mother-in-law gave me, and the words my own mother spoke at my wedding, in the presence of fire, remain in my heart. Your words, O righteous one, have renewed all these teachings within me. Truly, for a woman, there is no greater austerity than service to her husband. “Sāvitrī is honored in heaven for her devotion to her husband, and you too have attained heaven by your conduct. Among all women, she is foremost—a goddess in heaven. Rohiṇī is never seen apart from the Moon, even for a moment. In this way, the best of women, steadfast in their vows, are honored among the gods by the merit of their own deeds.” Anasūyā, delighted by Sītā’s words, embraced her and spoke with joy: “Through various disciplines I have gained great ascetic power, O Sītā of pure smile. By that strength, I wish to bless you. Your words are pleasing and appropriate, Maithilī. I am delighted—tell me, what fitting thing may I do for you?” Sītā, herself radiant with ascetic merit, was gently astonished and replied, “It is done.” Hearing this, Anasūyā was even more pleased and said, “O Sītā, I shall fulfill your joyful wish. Here are divine garlands, garments, ornaments, fragrant ointment, and precious unguent. These gifts I bestow upon you will adorn your limbs; they are fitting, unblemished, and will remain so always. Anointed with this divine ointment, O daughter of Janaka, you will shine before your husband as Lakṣmī does before the imperishable Viṣṇu.” Maithilī accepted the garments, ointment, ornaments, and garlands—an unsurpassed gift of affection. Having received these tokens, illustrious Sītā stood with joined palms, reverently attending upon the ascetic lady. As Sītā sat thus in attendance, Anasūyā, steadfast in her vows, began to speak on a pleasing topic. “O Sītā, I have heard the story that you were won by this illustrious Rāghava in a svayamvara. Maithilī, I wish to hear that story in detail; please recount it to me fully, just as you experienced it.” Thus addressed, Sītā said to the righteous lady, “Listen,” and began her tale: “The valiant ruler of Mithilā, named Janaka, was devoted to righteousness and governed the land according to the warrior’s code and justice.