Arundhati is a saintly woman mentioned in Hindu Puranas,
epics and other scriptures. Her parents were Kardama Prajapati (father) and
Devahuti (mother) and she was their eighth daughter. Her father was the son
Brahma and her mother was also known as Akshamala.
Arundhati on account of her chastity and devotion to her
husband Sage Vasishta, was endowed with great spiritual powers.
Story Of Shiva And Arundhati In Mahabharata
The Mahabharata tells the story of Arundhati receiving the
blessings of Lord Shiva and holding a position equal to the seven great Rishis
(Sapta Rishis). While the seven great rishis (Kashyapa, Atri, Bharadwaja,
Vishwamitra, Gautama, Jamadagni and Vasishta) were living in the Himalayas
there was a long drought for twelve years. The rishis had to go without even the
bare means of subsistence. Then Arundhati undertook an intense penance to get
rain. Pleased with her penance, Shiva appeared before her in the guise of a
Brahmin. As Arundhati had no food to serve the guest, she offered the lord only
some seeds which she had with her. Shiva was immensely pleased with her
devotion and listened to her discourse on dharma even as it rained heavily.
Shiva resuming his original form, blessed her saying “Arundhati’s tapas is
greater than that of the Rishi’s of the Himalayas.”
There are numerous other stories illustrating Arundhati’s
exceptional intelligence, generosity and chastity.
As per Mahabharata, Arundhati had once won acclaim by
pointing out to Vrishadarbhi the evils of receiving remuneration.
She was articulate about the secret principles of ethics.
Arundhati Patron Goddess Of Brides
Arundhati is the patron saint of marriage and newlywed
brides. On the threshold of conjugal life, they are asked to see the Arundhati
star which is positioned close to the star of Vasishta. Arundhathi is looked
upon as a role model for every married woman.
On a separate occasion all the devas eulogized Arundhati and
she received the blessings of Brahma.
Arundhati and sage Vasishta did intense
tapa (meditation) at the sacred Saraswati – Tirtha and attained salvation.
Source
- The Great Women of India (1997) – R C Majumdar and Swami Madhavananda – Institute of Culture Kolkata
- Aryans and Hindu Women (1995) – Pruthi Raj and Bela Rani Sharma – Anmol Publications New Delhi
- Women Politics and Religion (1991) – Sarojini Bisaria and Hemlata Swarup – AC Brothers Etawah
- Encyclopedia of Hinduism Volume I page 427 – 28 – IHRF