As Sītā sat before her, the venerable Anasūyā, radiant with ascetic power and kindness, beheld the noble princess with joy. She spoke warmly, her voice full of affection, “O Sītā, how fortunate you are to uphold righteousness so steadfastly! You have abandoned your kinsfolk, honor, and prosperity, and followed Rāma into the forest, sharing his exile. Truly, you are blessed to accompany him.” Anasūyā continued, “Whether a husband dwells in the city or forest, whether he is virtuous or not, for women whose husbands are dear to them, 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, he remains their highest deity. I see no relative superior to the husband, O Vaidehī; everywhere he is as suitable as the inexhaustible fruit of austerity. Ignoble women do not discern virtue or fault in their husbands; their hearts speak only desire, and they wander, dependent on their husbands. Women who fall under the sway of improper conduct, O Maithilī, indeed incur disgrace and a fall from righteousness. But women like you, endowed with virtues and understanding the ways of the world, live according to their own nature, just as those who uphold righteousness. Therefore, you, steadfast in devotion, following the path of the faithful wives, be a companion in righteousness to your husband; from this you will attain both honor and virtue.” Thus ended the sarga, marking a moment of wisdom in the Ayodhyā Kāṇḍa of the ancient and revered Rāmāyaṇa. Hearing these words, Sītā, free from envy and full of humility, honored Anasūyā’s counsel and replied gently, “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 to lack good conduct, still he must be served by me without deviation. How much more, then, when he is virtuous, praiseworthy, compassionate, self-controlled, steadfast in love, righteous, and as dear as a mother and father?” Sītā spoke further, “The way mighty Rāma behaves toward Kausalyā, he behaves in the same way toward all the royal women. Even toward those whom the king has seen only once, Rāma, devoted to righteousness, acts with the respect due to a mother, setting aside pride. And as I came to this lonely and fearful forest, the great advice my mother-in-law gave me remains firmly in my heart. The words my own mother spoke to me long ago, at the time of giving my hand in marriage, in the presence of fire, I have also kept in mind. All that has been renewed in me by your words, 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 by such conduct in service to your husband. She is the 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.” Anasūyā, delighted by Sītā’s words, embraced her head lovingly and said, “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?” Sītā, gently astonished by the offer, replied simply, “It is done.” Anasūyā, even more pleased, said, “O Sītā, I shall fulfill your joyful wish.” She presented divine garlands, garments, ornaments, fragrant ointments, and precious unguents to Vaidehī. “O Sītā, 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 upon your husband as Lakshmi does upon the imperishable Vishnu.” Maithilī accepted the garments, ointments, ornaments, and garlands—an unsurpassed gift of affection. Having received them, 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 ask her, following a pleasing topic. “O Sītā, I have heard the story that you were won by this illustrious Raghava 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 Mithila, named Janaka, was devoted to righteousness and governed the land according to the warrior’s code and justice. As he was ploughing a field with his own hands, it is said that I, the king’s daughter, arose breaking through the earth. Seeing me, covered in dust and intent on scattering clods, King Janaka was astonished. Though childless, out of affection he lifted me onto his lap, saying, ‘This is my daughter,’ and poured his love upon me.” Thus, Sītā began to recount her wondrous origin, honoring Anasūyā with the story of her birth and the devotion that had shaped her life.