Aranya Kaanda
112 - Sita's meeting with Anasuya (Atriís wife) and the latter's discourse on the duties of a devoted wife
Chaupais
Description
Janaka's Daughter (Sita) was overjoyed to hear this discourse and reverently bowed Her head at the feet of Anasuya. The All-merciful then said to the sage, "With your permission I would go to some other forest. Continue to shower your grace on me; and knowing me to be your servant never cease loving me." Hearing these words of the Lord, who was a champion of virtue the enlightened sage lovingly replied, "You are the same Rama ( the supreme Deity), the beloved of the desireless and the friend of the meek, whose favour is sought by Brahma (the Unborn), Lord Siva, the sage Sanaka and all other preachers (knowers) of the highest Reality; and yet you are addressing such polite words to me. I now understand the wisdom of Sri (Goddess Laksmi), who chose You (as Her Lord) to the exclusion of all other gods. How can He who is unequalled and unsurpassed by anyone else be less amiable than He is! How can I say,"You may go now, my lord? Tell me, my master, knowing as You do the hearts of all." Having spoken thus the sage kept gazing on the Lord, thrilling all over with emotion and his eyes flowing with tears.