Among all good women who adore their husbands as gods, O Mother, you rank foremost! Your measureless majesty is more than a thousand Sarasvatis and Sheshas could tell!

The four-fold rewards of life (viz., religious merit, worldly riches, sensuous enjoyment and liberation) are easily attainable through your service, O granter of boons, beloved of Shiva (the slayer of Tripura)! All who adore your lotus feet, O goddess, attain happiness, be they gods, men or sages.

Full well you know my heart’s longing, O you whose dwelling-place is in the hearts of all; wherefore I have refrained from declaring it aloud’. With these words Videha’s daughter clasped the feet of the goddess.

Girija was overcome by Sita’s humility and devotion; a garland slipped from her and the image smiled. Reverently Sita placed the divine gift upon her head, and Gauri herself with a heart full of joy thus spoke;

‘Hear, O Sita, my infallible blessing! Your heart’s desire shall be fulfilled, for Narada’s words are ever faultless and true; the suitor on whom your heart is set shall, indeed, be yours.

The dark-complexioned and naturally handsome prince, on whom you have set your heart, shall be your husband. The gracious and omniscient Lord knows your loving disposition and your love’. Sita and all her companions were overjoyed to hear this blessing from Gauri’s lips. Worshipping Bhavani again and again, Sita, says Tulasidasa, returned to the palace, rejoicing in her heart.

Finding Gauri favourably disposed towards her, Sita was more glad of heart than words can tell. Her left side began to throb, a sure omen of good fortune.