Silently praising Sita’s beauty, the two brothers returned to their guru (Vishvamitra). Rama related everything to him, for his heart was simple and free from all guile.

The sage took the flowers and offered worship, and then blessed the two brothers, saying, ‘May your desires be fulfilled!’ Rama and Lakshmana were glad to hear the benediction.

After taking his meal the wise and noble sage, Vishvamitra, began to recite some old legends. When the day was thus spent, the two brothers first asked his permission and then went out to say their evening prayers.

The brilliant moon arose in the eastern sky and Rama rejoiced when he saw that her orb resembled Sita’s face. The Lord then reasoned within himself, ‘The moon is not to be compared with Sita.

Born of the ocean (with its salt water), with poison for her brother, lustreless by the day and spotted, how can the poor and wretched moon be matched with Sita’s face?

The moon waxes and wanes and brings sorrow to lovesick damsels, and Rahu swallows her whenever the appointed time comes round. She causes anguish to the chakava (the ruddy goose) and withers the lotus. Numerous, O moon, are your blemishes!

To compare you with Sita’s face will, therefore, amount to doing something highly improper and culpable. Thus, finding in the moon a pretext for lauding the beauty of Sita’s face, and realizing that the night was far advanced, Rama returned to the guru.