The Meeting with Sage Atri and Anasuya

After Bharata and the others returned to Ayodhya, Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana visited the ashram of Sage Atri. The sage warmly welcomed them and introduced them to his wife, Anasuya.

Anasuya was renowned for her virtues and devotion to her husband. There is a story about a severe ten-year famine that caused a devastating drought on earth. Anasuya, using divine powers obtained through her unwavering faithfulness to her husband, miraculously made the river Ganga flow in the drought-stricken areas. She was also known for her ability to remove obstacles from sages' meditation.

When Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana met Anasuya, she was old and frail, unable to walk properly. Sita paid her respects by touching Anasuya's feet, and in return, Anasuya blessed Sita. She spoke affectionately to Sita and shed light on the importance of a wife's duties. 

"You have accepted exile to be with your husband. In doing so, you have sacrificed your family, relatives, royalty, and happiness. A woman ought to serve her husband regardless of whether he is living in the city or the jungle. This is the prime mantra of faithfulness."

Sita listened attentively, absorbing the wisdom imparted by Anasuya. This deepened her understanding of duty and devotion, reinforcing the bond between Rama and her.

Anasuya presented Sita with a flower garland, clothes, jewelry, and perfumes. "Accept these and wear them," she said. "They will never become dirty or dry up. You and your husband will look beautiful, like Goddess Lakshmi with Lord Vishnu." 

Sita gladly accepted these gifts.