He who has incarnated himself as the jewel of the house of Raghu for the sake of his devotees is no other than the Supreme Eternal, all-pervading and ever free, Lord of all the worlds and master of Maya, whom steadfast sages, yogis (mystics) and siddhas (adepts) continually contemplate with their sinless mind and whose glory the Vedas and the Puranas and other scriptures sing, naming him ‘Not this, not this.’

Though Shiva repeated this many times, his teaching made no impression on the heart of Sati. Then Shiva, realizing in his heart the potency of Hari’s illusive power, said with a smile.

‘If you have a grave doubt in your mind, why not go and put the matter to the test? I shall be waiting in the shade of this banyan tree till you come back to me.

Using your critical judgement you should evolve some device by which you can be rid of your grievous ignorance and error.’ Thus obtaining Shiva’s leave, Sati proceeded on her mission, considering what step she should take (in order to test the divinity of Rama).

Meanwhile Shiva came to the conclusion that mischief was in store for Daksha’s daughter (Sati). ‘When her doubt is not dispelled even by my assurances’, he said to himself, ‘it seems the stars are adverse and no good will come of it.

After all, whatever Rama has ordained must come to pass; why should one spin out any longer discussion? So saying, Shiva began to repeat Hari’s name, while Sati proceeded to the spot where the all-blissful Lord Rama was.

After many an anxious thought Sati assumed the form of Sita and moved ahead on the same road by which the king of men (Rama) was coming.