Anasūûyāâ, the wife of Sage Atri, was well known for Her chastity (pativratāâ). As a result, she had acquired tremendous power, due to which Deity Indra and other deities felt threatened. So, they went to Deity Brahmāâ, Shri Vishnu and Deity Mahesh (Shiva) and told Their agony. The trinity of Deities decided to test Anasuya’s chastity.
Once, when Her husband Sage Atri had gone out, the trinity of Deities disguised as guests and approached Anasuya asking for alms. She requested Them to wait till Sage Atri returned; but They insisted on being served food immediately. They further said, ‘we have heard that you serve guests food as per their wishes in your hermitage; that is why, we have come here.’ Anasuya agreed to serve Them food as per their wishes. The Deities laid down a condition that She should serve Them in nude. Baffled by this, She thought, ‘my mind is pure, the prowess of my husband’s penance will save me.’ She then contemplated upon her husband and got a thought, ‘these guests
