Anasūyā, wise and steadfast in devotion, spoke to Sītā with gentle counsel: “Therefore, O faithful one, following the path of devoted wives, be a true companion in righteousness to your husband. By doing so, you will gain both honor and virtue.” With these words, the sarga came to its close in the illustrious Ayodhyā Kāṇḍa of the ancient and revered Rāmāyaṇa composed by Vālmīki. Receiving Anasūyā’s advice, Sītā—Vaidehī, free from envy and full of grace—honored the elder’s words and replied in a gentle voice. “O noble lady, it is no wonder that you speak so wisely to me. I too know that a husband is a woman’s highest reverence. Even if my husband were to stray from good conduct, still, O noble one, I would serve him unwaveringly. How much more, then, should I serve him when he is virtuous, praiseworthy, compassionate, self-controlled, steadfast in love, righteous, and as dear to me as my own mother and father? “The way mighty Rāma acts toward Kausalyā, so does he behave toward all the royal women. Even to those whom the king has seen but once, Rāma, ever devoted to righteousness, shows the respect due to a mother, setting aside all pride. As I journeyed into this lonely and fearful forest, the great advice my mother-in-law gave me has remained firmly in my heart. And the words my own mother spoke to me, long ago at the time of my marriage in the presence of fire, I have also kept in mind. “Your words, O righteous one, have renewed all these teachings within me. For a woman, there is no greater austerity than serving her husband. Sāvitrī attained honor in heaven by serving her husband, and you too, revered one, have reached heaven by such conduct. Among all women, she is foremost—a goddess in heaven; Rohiṇī is never seen apart from the Moon, not even for a moment. In this way, the best of women, firm in their vows to their husbands, are honored in the world of the gods by the merit of their own deeds.” Hearing Sītā’s heartfelt words, Anasūyā was filled with delight. She embraced Sītā’s head and, gladdened, spoke to her: “Through various disciplines I have gained great ascetic power, O Sītā of the 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 can I do for you?” Sītā, endowed with her own ascetic power, was gently astonished by Anasūyā’s words and replied, “It is done.” The righteous Anasūyā, even more pleased, said, “O Sītā, I shall fulfill your joyful wish. Here are divine garlands, garments, ornaments, fragrant ointment, and precious unguent, O Vaidehī. These gifts I bestow upon you will adorn your limbs; they are pure and will remain so always. Anointed with this divine ointment, O daughter of Janaka, you will shine beside your husband as Lakshmi shines beside the imperishable Vishnu.” Maithilī accepted the garments, ointment, ornaments, and garlands—an unsurpassed gift of affection. Having received these tokens of love, the illustrious Sītā stood reverently before the ascetic lady, palms joined in respect. As Sītā sat thus in attentive service, 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 tale in detail; please recount it to me fully, just as you experienced it.” Thus addressed, Sītā replied to the righteous lady, “Listen,” and began to tell her story: “The valiant ruler of Mithilā, my father 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. Then a voice was heard in the sky, not of human origin, declaring, ‘So it is, O king; by righteousness, she is your daughter.’ “My father, the righteous ruler of Mithilā, was overjoyed and, having gained me, attained great prosperity. I was given to that noble elder goddess, who performs virtuous deeds; by her affection and maternal friendship, I was honored and cherished. When I came of age, suitable for union with a husband, my father, troubled by loss of wealth and other hardships, fell into anxiety. In this world, the father of a maiden—whether she is equal or inferior—suffers dishonor, even if he is as mighty as Indra, if she is not properly married. Seeing that dishonor approaching, the king, overwhelmed by anxiety, could not find a way out, like a swimmer unable to reach the shore. Knowing that I was not born from a woman, the king, after much consideration, could not find a suitable and fitting husband for me among the rulers. Constantly pondering, the wise king formed this resolve: ‘I will arrange a self-choice ceremony for my daughter.