Thus, when the venerable Anasūyā had spoken, Sītā—Vaidehī, ever free from envy—honored her words and responded with gentle speech. “O noble lady,” she said, “it is not surprising that you speak to me in this way; I too understand that for a woman, there is no higher reverence than her husband. 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 my own mother and father? The way mighty Rāma behaves toward Kausalyā, he extends the same respect and affection to all the royal women. Even toward those women whom the king has seen only once, Rāma, devoted to righteousness, honors them as mothers, setting aside all pride. And as I journeyed into this lonely and fearful forest, the great counsel my mother-in-law gave me remained firmly in my heart. 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 devoted service to her husband. Sāvitrī, by serving her husband, was honored in heaven; and you too, through such conduct, have attained heaven. She is the foremost among all women—a goddess among the gods; 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 these words, Anasūyā was deeply delighted. She embraced Sītā’s head and spoke to Maithilī, gladdening her heart. “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 appropriate and pleasing, Maithilī. I am delighted—tell me, what fitting thing shall I do for you?” Hearing these words, Sītā, herself endowed with ascetic merit, was gently astonished and replied, “It is done.” Thus addressed, Anasūyā’s joy increased and she 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, unblemished, and shall 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.” Maithilī Sītā accepted the garments, ointment, ornaments, and garlands—an unsurpassed gift of affection. Having received these tokens of love, Sītā stood with joined palms, reverently attending upon the ascetic lady. As Sītā sat thus in attendance, Anasūyā, steadfast in her vows, spoke again, following a pleasing topic. “O Sītā, I have heard the story that you were won by this illustrious Rāghava in a svayaṃvara. Maithilī, I wish to hear that story in detail; please recount it to me fully, just as you experienced it.” Thus addressed, Sītā replied, “Listen, O righteous lady, and I will tell you. 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 he was 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 human—saying, ‘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. As I came of age, ripe 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, found no 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.’ At his great sacrifice, Varuṇa, the mighty one, gladly gave him a splendid bow and inexhaustible quivers. That bow, due to its weight, could not be moved by men even with effort; the kings were unable to bend it, not even in their dreams.