In the serene hermitage of Sage Atri, the venerable and pious Anasuya, a paragon of virtue and wisdom, listened with rapt attention to Sita’s recounting of her sacred experiences. Her heart swelled with boundless joy, and as the tale concluded, she embraced Sita with maternal affection, her touch imbued with the tenderness of a mother cradling her long-lost child. The warmth of this moment rekindled in Anasuya the joy of having her own daughter nestled in her lap.
With a voice melodious and tinged with awe, Anasuya extolled Sita’s eloquence, marveling at the sweetness of her narration. “Your words,” she said, “are like a cascade of nectar, flowing with the purity and precision of the ancient Vedic tongue. Your expressions are laced with the subtle charm of ‘Shikha,’ the pinnacle of grammatical excellence revered in our sacred texts. How wondrous it is to hear such an outpouring of divine grace in human speech! The account of Rajarshi Janaka’s grand self-selection ceremony was known to me, but your further revelations are like a refreshing stream flowing into the depths of my soul. Truly, your presence here as my daughter fills me with boundless delight.”
As the sun sank behind the western horizon, painting the skies in hues of amber and crimson, the hermitage came alive with the rhythms of nature. Birds, weary from their daylong foraging, returned to their nests. Their eager and restless fledglings fluttered their tender wings and chirped with unrestrained joy at the sight of their mothers. The cacophony of these young ones, their attempts to imitate their elders, filled the air with a symphony that, though imperfect, resonated with the raw beauty of untamed innocence.
Nearby, sages gathered around their sacred fires, chanting Vedic hymns that reverberated through the forest. The fragrant smoke from burning herbs ascended like ethereal clouds, suffusing the air with a divine aroma. Shadows danced amidst the glowing embers, and the firelight illuminated the gentle visages of sages lost in meditative rituals. The entire hermitage vibrated with the sanctity of their prayers, a living testament to the harmony between man, nature, and the divine.
Even the animals partook in this sacred ambiance. Beasts of the forest sought their shelters, while domesticated creatures lay near the warmth of the fire, their eyes reflecting a serene acceptance. The sages, upholding the principle of non-violence, neither shooed them away nor disturbed their repose. Compassion flowed seamlessly in this abode of peace, encompassing all beings—be they human, bird, animal, or serpent.
Among these hermits was Sage Naga Vruddha, who devoted himself to tending injured reptiles. His hands, though weathered, were gentle as he applied herbal remedies, ensuring their recovery. Many creatures, once healed, lingered near the hermitage, reluctant to return to the wilderness, as if drawn by the invisible threads of kindness and care.
Sita, as she moved through this haven, was deeply moved by the unyielding compassion and equality extended to every living being. It was a revelation—a redefinition of service that transcended conventional beliefs and embodied the highest ideals of humanity.
As the moon ascended into the night sky, scattering its silvery glow, Anasuya said, “O Sita, night has fallen, adorned with stars that twinkle like celestial jewels. The moon, gentle and radiant, bathes the forest in its soothing light. Go now and rest. Share with Rama the joys and marvels you have witnessed here. Your words, imbued with purity and grace, will soothe his heart and lighten any burdens he carries.
“Adorn yourself with the ornaments and garments I have bestowed upon you. Let me behold your celestial beauty, fully adorned.” Sita, ever obedient, complied with Anasuya’s request, bowed low, and touched her feet in reverence before retiring to Rama’s abode.
Rama, upon hearing of Anasuya’s blessings, was overcome with gratitude. “Devi Anasuya’s greatness,” he said, “is beyond the scope of human language. Only through experience can one grasp the depth of her grace. Sita, you have been bestowed with a rare honor, one that no other mortal has attained. Her blessings are immeasurable.”
The night passed peacefully in the hermitage, and at dawn, after performing their morning rituals, the trio prepared to journey deeper into the forest. The sages cautioned them, saying, “This path is fraught with dangers. Demons lurk in every shadow, their hunger insatiable, their cunning unmatched. Lakshmana, remain ever vigilant. Protect Rama and Sita with unyielding resolve. Fear not, for the divine power of Sage Atri and Devi Anasuya ensures safety within this sanctuary. But beyond its bounds, the forest is an untamed wilderness where only the bold prevail.”
Thus forewarned, Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana ventured onward, their resolve unshaken, as if the rising sun had infused them with renewed strength. In the days to come, they would face perils that tested their mettle and faith, yet through every trial, they would uncover the profound wisdom woven into the fabric of their divine journey.
