When Rama bade farewell to the sages of Chitrakuta, he paused in deep contemplation and arrived at a decisive conclusion—this place was no longer fit for their dwelling. He considered many factors before making this unexpected decision. “Here,” he said, “my brothers, my mother, citizens, and learned scholars met me. Their memories linger before my eyes. Moreover, the sanctity of this place is sullied by the droppings of horses, elephants, and camels. We should move to another abode.” With these words, Rama, accompanied by Sita and Lakshmana, set forth on his journey.
In due course, the illustrious prince reached the hermitage of the venerable Sage Atri, who welcomed him with the affection of a father. Extending warm hospitality, Atri greeted Sita and Lakshmana with equal regard. An embodiment of Dharma, the sage introduced his wife, Anasuya, a paragon of virtue and devotion.
“O Rama,” said Atri, “this land has suffered a grievous drought for ten long years, leaving the forests and plains desolate. But Anasuya, through her penance and unwavering devotion, sustained life here. She created fruits, roots, and other ascetic sustenance for us all, brought the sacred Ganga to these parched plains, and enabled the growth of grains and pulses. Her penance is so powerful that she even altered the course of the sun and moon at the behest of the gods, turning ten days into a single night to aid their tasks. She is like a mother to all beings, celebrated for her gentle nature, free from anger or jealousy. Let Sita seek her blessings.”
Rama, assenting to the sage’s suggestion, turned to Sita. “Dearest Sita, you have heard the sage’s words. Go now and pay your respects to Anasuya, whose virtue and austerity make this a sacred opportunity for us.”
With folded hands, Sita circumambulated Anasuya and reverently touched her feet. Despite her advanced age, Anasuya’s divine radiance was evident. With humility, Sita inquired, “O noble mother, are you in good health?”
Anasuya, pleased with Sita’s demeanor, spoke with kind affection. “O Sita, by the grace of the Supreme, you abide by Dharma. Despite wealth and comfort, you followed Rama to the forest, upholding the highest virtue of a devoted wife. A woman who stands steadfast by her husband, irrespective of his circumstances, attains a place in the divine realm. For a virtuous woman, the husband is the foremost relative, surpassing even rituals and temporal desires. Those who neglect their husbands and act out of selfishness stray from the path of virtue and invite ruin. But those who discern good from evil and truth from falsehood secure a place in higher realms. Be ever loyal to Rama, care for his needs, and remain in harmony with his soul.”
Sita, deeply moved, replied with utmost sincerity. “Revered mother, your words resonate with truth. Though I understand these principles, your guidance inspires me further. Rama is virtuous, kind, self-controlled, and respectful to all. Even a moment away from him would be unbearable for me. He treats all the queens of Dasaratha with the same respect he holds for Kausalya and honors his father’s memory deeply. My mother’s words, spoken at the time of my marriage, remain fresh in my mind: ‘Caring for your husband is the highest penance for a wife.’”
Anasuya, delighted by Sita’s devotion and wisdom, said, “Your virtuous thoughts bring joy to my heart. I have accrued great merit through my penance, and I wish to bestow a gift upon you. Ask anything you desire.”
Sita, overwhelmed, replied, “Your blessings alone are the greatest gift, noble mother. I seek nothing else.”
But Anasuya insisted, “O daughter of Videha, I cannot let you leave empty-handed. I shall grant you divine garments, ornaments, and fragrant balms that remain ever fresh and radiant. By adorning these, you shall resemble Goddess Lakshmi herself, serving her lord Vishnu. Wear them with grace and continue to care for Rama, the sacred soul.”
Accepting the gifts with humility, Sita folded her hands in reverence. Anasuya then requested, “Tell me, O Sita, of your marriage to Rama and the events that led to it.”
Sita recounted her story with poise and clarity. “My father, King Janaka of Mithila, ruled with wisdom and virtue. While plowing a field for a yajna, he discovered me, a child covered in dust, emerging from the earth. As he had no children, he took me as his daughter. A divine voice from the heavens proclaimed me to be of celestial origin. Raised with utmost care by my parents, I reached marriageable age, and my father resolved to find a worthy match.
He set a condition: only one who could lift and string the divine bow of Varuna, passed down from our ancestors, would win my hand. Many kings and princes tried, but none succeeded. Then came Rama, the noble prince of the Raghu lineage, accompanied by Lakshmana and Sage Vishvamitra. At the sage’s request, my father showed Rama the bow. With effortless grace, Rama lifted it, bent it, and strung it in a flash. The bow shattered with a thunderous sound that echoed across Mithila.
Though my father was ready to offer me to Rama at once, he awaited the consent of King Dasaratha. Messengers brought Dasaratha to Mithila, and in his presence, I was given to Rama in marriage. My sister Urmila was married to Lakshmana. From that moment, Rama became my life, and I cannot bear to be apart from him even for a moment.”
Anasuya, moved by Sita’s tale, blessed her warmly. “Your devotion and wisdom will uphold the divine purpose of Rama’s life. Remain steadfast, O daughter of Videha, and may you and Rama fulfill the destiny ordained by the heavens.”