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