Sītā

Sītā went to Anasūyā. The wife of Atri was frail and wrinkled, and her hair had turned white with age, and her whole body trembled like a plantain tree in the wind. Sītā greeted her calmly and spoke her own name, and with joined palms and a glad heart she asked after her health.

Anasūyā comforted her and spoke to her joyfully. It is your good fortune, Sītā, that you hold to dharma, that you have left your kin and your pride and your comforts behind and followed Rāma into the forest in his exile. Women to whom their husband is dear, whether he lives in the city or in the forest, whether he is bad or good, win the high worlds. For a woman of noble nature, even if her husband is ill-behaved, or goes his own way, or has no wealth, her husband is her highest god. I have thought about it, and I see no kinsman greater than he. Be your husband's true companion in dharma, Sītā, and you will win both fame and merit.

Sītā answered her gently. It is no wonder, noble lady, that you speak to me so. I too know that a husband is a woman's teacher. Even if my husband had no virtue, I would serve him without wavering. How much more when he is praised for his virtues, is full of compassion, master of himself, constant in his love, firm in dharma, and as dear to me as a father and a mother. Rāma treats every one of his father's queens as he treats his own mother Kausalyā. What my mother-in-law told me as I set out for the forest, I hold close in my heart, and what my mother told me long ago at my wedding, before the sacred fire, I have kept too. Your words have renewed them all.

Anasūyā was overjoyed. She kissed Sītā on the head and said: I have won great power by my many observances, and relying on it I want to give you a gift. Your words are fitting and lovely, Sītā. I am very pleased. What shall I give you?

Sītā wondered a little at this, and said only, You have done enough already.

That made Anasūyā gladder still. Then I will make your joy complete, she said. Here are a divine garland, garments, ornaments, a fragrance and a precious ointment. Let them adorn you, Sītā. They will always suit you and never fade. Anointed with this fragrance, daughter of Janaka, you will grace your husband as Śrī, the goddess of fortune, graces the imperishable Viṣṇu.

Sītā took the garments and the fragrance, the ornaments and the garlands, the gift of love, and sat down beside her with joined palms.