So the rishis built an ashrama in the Hima- layas and stayed there.

For twelve years the famine continued.The rishis too stayed on in the Himalayas all those twelve years.

Down below in the country Arundhati had nothing to eat. She therefore started doing tapas herself.

God Siva wanted to test her. He came to her dressed like an old Brahmin. He said to her, "O lady, I am hungry.Give me some thing to eat."

Arundhati said, "O Brahmin, I have no rice left. Please eat these badari seeds."

God Siva said, "Will you cook these for me?"