अनसूया: The Embodiment of Chastity and Devotion
Anasuya was the devoted wife of Sage Atri, one of the SaptaRishis (seven great sages), and is celebrated as the most chaste among women. She was one of the many daughters of Daksha and became famous for her unwavering devotion to her husband and her remarkable spiritual power. One of her legendary feats includes the ability to bake beans made of iron without using fire, a symbol of her immense austerity and chastity.
Challenge of the Goddesses
Once, the consorts of the divine trinity—Parvati, Lakshmi, and Saraswati—were debating about who among them was the most chaste. Each believed she held the title. During their discussion, the sage Narada happened to pass by, and the goddesses asked him for his opinion. Narada responded, “While you are all unmatched in your chastity, Anasuya, the wife of Maharishi Atri, is the most chaste of all women.”
The goddesses were astonished. Narada further explained, “She is so chaste that she can bake beans made of iron without fire! Her power of austerity is so great that no one can approach her with improper thoughts. She has never swerved from her duty and remains fully devoted to her husband.”
Naturally, the goddesses were curious and a little envious. They decided to test Anasuya‘s claim. After Narada left, the goddesses approached their husbands—Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma—and requested that they test Anasuya‘s chastity.
The Gods’ Test
Reluctant but bound by their wives’ wishes, Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma disguised themselves as young sages and visited Atri’s hermitage while he was away. Anasuya welcomed them with great hospitality and invited them to stay for dinner, expecting her husband to return soon.
The disguised sages then set their plan in motion. They told Anasuya, “We have taken special vows and are observing a fast. We cannot eat unless the person serving the food is naked.”
This request put Anasuya in a dilemma. She could not break the sacred duty of hospitality by sending away her guests unfed, but at the same time, she could not disrobe in front of strange men. Drawing on her deep chastity and penance, she quickly realized the true identity of the sages. Praying to Brahman, she transformed the three sages into infants.
She then disrobed, fed the three babies, and afterward clothed herself again and went about her household chores.
Atri’s Return and the Gods’ Blessing
When Atri returned to the hermitage, he was astonished to see three beautiful infants inside. Anasuya explained the events to him, revealing how the gods had come to test her chastity. Atri praised her wisdom and actions. At his request, Anasuya returned the three infants to their original forms as Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma.
The gods, deeply pleased with Anasuya‘s virtue and purity, offered a boon to the saintly couple. Atri and Anasuya requested to see the three gods united in a single form, representing the supreme principle, Brahman. In response, the gods merged into a single form, embodying the attributes of Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma. This divine form is known as Dhattatreya.
Before leaving, the gods blessed the couple with eternal happiness and returned to their heavenly abode.
Key Events in Anasuya’s Story
Event | Details |
---|---|
Debate of the Goddesses | Parvati, Lakshmi, and Saraswati argue about who is the most chaste; Narada declares Anasuya the most virtuous. |
Test by the Gods | Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma visit Anasuya disguised as sages and ask her to serve them food while disrobed. |
Transformation into Infants | Anasuya, using her spiritual power, turns the gods into infants and fulfills their strange request. |
Atri’s Approval and Boon | Upon Atri’s request, Anasuya restores the gods to their original form, and they offer the boon of merging into Dhattatreya. |
Significance of Anasuya
Anasuya is regarded as the epitome of chastity, devotion, and spiritual power. Her ability to turn the gods into infants and fulfill her duties without compromising her virtue showcases her exceptional character. Her role as the mother of Dhattatreya—a deity who embodies the essence of Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma—further elevates her position in Hindu mythology.
Her story serves as a powerful example of the strength of chastity and devotion, and she remains an enduring symbol of unwavering virtue and spiritual greatness.