Apala is the name of a woman saint mentioned in the eighth
mandala of the Rig Veda Samhita. She is also mentioned in the Satyayana
Brahmana. It is believed that Apala is the daughter of Sage Atri. She is
believed to have had a serious skin disease. Due this her husband, Krshasava,
abandoned her.
Sage Atri advised Apala to do intense penance to please
Indra. She is believed to have offered the juice of somalata plant to Indra
when she appeared before her.
It is believed that Apala asked for three boons – one to
transform the barren field of her father into fertile land, cure for her
father’s baldness and a cure to her skin disease.
Indra grants all the three boons.
To eradicate her skin disease Indra cleanses her thrice –
first her human body, next her vital breathing and finally her soul. After this
ritual Apala transforms into a beautiful woman.
Story of Apala is found in the Sukta 91 of the
18th manadala of the Rig Veda. Seven mantras here dedicated to Indra
were chanted by Apala.