अनसूया
अनसूया (Anasuya): The Most Chaste Among Women
Anasuya is the wife of the sage Atri, one of the SaptaRishis (seven great sages) in Hindu mythology. Known for her extraordinary chastity and devotion, Anasuya is often revered as the epitome of virtue and purity. She is one of the daughters of Daksha, and her unique abilities, including the power to bake beans made of iron, are legendary.
The Test of Chastity
Once, a debate arose between the consorts of the divine trinity—Parvati, Laxmi, and Saraswati—about who was the most chaste among them. Each goddess naturally believed that she was the most virtuous. As they were arguing, the sage Narada happened to pass by, and the goddesses put the question to him. Narada responded, “Devis, while you are all incomparable in your chastity, Anasuya, the wife of Maharishi Atri, is the most chaste among all women.”
This answer surprised the goddesses. Narada continued, “Her chastity is so great that she can even bake beans made of iron without using fire. Such is the power of her austerity that no one can approach her with impure thoughts. She is completely devoted to her husband and has never strayed from the path of duty.”
Curious and a bit jealous, the goddesses decided to test Anasuya’s abilities. They tried baking beans made of iron themselves but failed, which further fueled their envy. After Narada left, the goddesses approached their husbands—Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma—and requested them to test Anasuya’s chastity by getting her to commit an indiscretion.
The Gods’ Test
Though Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma were reluctant, they went along with the plan at their wives’ insistence. Disguised as three young sages, they arrived at the hermitage of Atri. Since Atri was away, Anasuya welcomed the guests and invited them to stay for dinner, expecting her husband to return shortly.
The disguised sages then said, “Respected Madam, we are observing a special fast and cannot eat unless the person serving the food is naked.”
This unusual request placed Anasuya in a difficult situation. She could not refuse to feed the guests, as it would violate the rules of hospitality, but she could not disrobe in front of strangers. However, through her spiritual power and chastity, she quickly discerned the true identities of the three sages. She prayed to Brahman, and miraculously, the three sages were transformed into infants.
She then disrobed and fed the three babies, fulfilling their strange condition. After feeding them, she dressed again and continued with her daily household duties.
Atri’s Return and the Boon of Dhattatreya
When Atri returned to the hermitage, he was astonished to find three beautiful infants in the house. Anasuya explained to him what had happened and how the gods had come to test her chastity. Atri praised her for her wisdom and actions. At his request, Anasuya restored the three babies to their original forms as Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma.
The three gods, deeply impressed by Anasuya’s virtue and her ability to pass their test, offered the couple a boon. Atri and Anasuya asked to see the three gods united in a single form, as a manifestation of the supreme principle, Brahman. The gods obliged and merged into one being, known as Dhattatreya, an incarnation that embodies the qualities of Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma.
Before returning to their heavenly abode, the gods blessed the saintly couple with all forms of happiness.
Summary of Events
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Chastity Debate | Parvati, Laxmi, and Saraswati debate 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 | Through her spiritual powers, Anasuya transforms the gods into infants and fulfills their request. |
| Restoration and Boon | Atri arrives, and upon his request, the gods return to their original forms and bless the couple. |
| Dhattatreya | The gods merge into a single form, Dhattatreya, embodying the attributes of Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma. |
Significance of Anasuya
Anasuya is revered as a symbol of ideal womanhood, embodying devotion, purity, and unwavering loyalty to her husband. Her story not only highlights the power of chastity and devotion but also the importance of wisdom and spiritual strength. By passing the test put forth by the gods, Anasuya demonstrated that true virtue transcends even divine challenges.
Her son Dhattatreya is considered a significant figure in Hinduism, representing the combined essence of the trinity—Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma—and continues to be worshiped as a teacher and guru.