Arundhati, the wife of the great sage Vasishta, is revered as a symbol of marital fidelity, devotion, and virtue. She is the eighth of the nine daughters of sage Kardama, who was a wish-born son of Lord Brahma, and his wife, Devahuti. Arundhati is also known by the name Akshamala, embodying the spiritual and moral ideals that a devoted wife and woman should hold.
Marriage and Family Life with Vasishta
Arundhati and Vasishta shared a relationship marked by harmony, mutual respect, and spiritual devotion. Together, they had a hundred sons, among whom Shakti, their eldest, is well-known in Hindu mythology. Vasishta, being one of the Sapta Rishis (the seven great sages), lived a life dedicated to austerity and dharma, with Arundhati as his constant companion. Her role as an unwavering partner to Vasishta signifies not just her dedication to him but also her understanding of and commitment to the highest principles of dharma.
Arundhati and Vasishta as a Symbol in Marriage Rituals
In Hindu wedding rituals, particularly in South India, Arundhati and Vasishta are commemorated as an ideal couple. A part of the marriage ceremony involves showing the newly-wed bride the star pair of Arundhati and Vasishta in the constellation of Ursa Major (known as the Big Dipper or Great Bear in the West and as the Sapta Rishi Constellation in India). This tradition is intended to set forth Arundhati’s qualities as an example for the bride, encouraging her to embody her virtues in her own marriage.
The unique arrangement of the Arundhati-Vasishta star pair, where the two stars revolve around each other rather than one orbiting the other, serves as a cosmic representation of the couple’s equality, loyalty, and love. In mythology, this celestial positioning mirrors their relationship, where Arundhati and Vasishta are shown as equals, sharing life’s responsibilities and spiritual duties harmoniously.
Arundhati as an Exemplary Woman in Hindu Mythology
Arundhati is not only known for her dedication as a wife but also revered as a woman of wisdom and spiritual insight. She is considered an epitome of moral integrity, strength, and purity. In the Mahabharata, Draupadi invokes Arundhati’s name as a reference to virtue and inner strength. This invocation highlights Arundhati’s high standing in the collective consciousness of ancient Indian society as a model of ethical and spiritual strength.
Arundhati’s virtues are often compared to those of other iconic figures in Hindu mythology, such as Sita, the devoted wife of Rama, and Savitri, who won her husband’s life back from Yama, the god of death. Like them, Arundhati exemplifies the ideal qualities of courage, sacrifice, and loyalty.
Arundhati and the Sapta Rishi Constellation
The Sapta Rishi Constellation, which is a prominent group of seven stars in the northern sky, is named after the seven great sages in Hindu mythology: Vasishta, Atri, Bharadvaja, Gautama, Jamadagni, Kashyapa, and Vishvamitra. As the wife of Vasishta, Arundhati holds a unique position, symbolized by her star near Vasishta’s in the constellation. This constellation, seen as a spiritual guide, is considered auspicious in Hindu astronomy and is used to mark time in certain calendars.
This symbolic positioning of Arundhati and Vasishta in the sky underscores the balance and unity they represent as a married couple, exemplifying the ancient Vedic vision of a marriage rooted in equality and mutual spiritual pursuit.
Legacy of Arundhati in Hindu Philosophy
Arundhati’s legacy continues as she is often invoked as a guiding figure for married women, emphasizing the principles of love, respect, and devotion in marriage. Her story represents the Hindu ideal of a woman who maintains her own spiritual integrity while being a supportive partner. This balance of personal spiritual discipline and dedication to family duty is a recurring theme in Hindu philosophy, reflecting the harmonious fusion of dharma (righteous duty) with personal spiritual growth.
In Hindu mythology, Arundhati is often spoken of alongside her husband, illustrating that their relationship transcends time and space. Her presence in mythology serves as a reminder of the strength of commitment and moral values, making her a revered figure in the spiritual and cultural heritage of Hinduism.