When Shiva perceived that Sati was sorrowful, he began to amuse her with pleasant tales; and thus recounting various legends all the way. Vishvanatha came to Kailasa.

Then Shiva, recalling his vow, sat down beneath a banyan in the lotus-posture of meditation, and communing with his own self, he fell into an endless and unbroken trance.

Meanwhile, Sati dwelt in Kailasa, sorrowing grievously; no one knew anything of her secret; each day that she passed seemed like an age.

Ever was Sato’s heart burdened with a fresh sorrow: ‘When shall be able to cross this ocean of sorrow? I who slighted Raghunatha and held my husband’s word to be untrue!

Providence has repaid me for my sins and all that he has done is fitting; but now, O God, think it not right to preserve my life when I am alienated from Shankara!’

The anguish of Sati’s heart was beyond words, but wisely she thought on Rama and said, ‘Lord, if you are said to pity the humble, and the Vedas have hymned your glory as remover of distress,

- then with folded hands I supplicate that this body of mine be speedily dissolved. If I truly love Shiva’s feet, and my wifely vow is true in thought and word and deed,