About Atri

Who is Atrimaha Rishi?

 

Atri is one of the seven great Rishi or Saptarshi  along with Marichi,Angiras,Pulah,kratu,Pulastya, and Vashistha.According to the legends of the Vedic era, sage Atri was married to Anasuya Devi. They had three sons, Dattatreya, Durvasas and Soma. As per divine account, he is the last among the seven saptharishis and is believed to have originated from the tongue. The wife of Atri was Anusuya, who is considered one of the seven female pathivrathas. When instructed by divine voice to do penance, Atri readily agreed and did severe penance. Pleased by his devotion and prayers, the Hindu trinity, namely, Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva appeared before him and offered him boons. He sought all the three to be born to him. Another version of the legend states that Anusuya, by the powers of her chastity, rescued the three gods and in return, they were born as children to her. Brahma was born to her as Chandra, Vishnu as Dattatreya and Shiva in some part as Durvasa. The mention about Atri is found in various scriptures, with the notable being in Rig veda. He is also associated with various ages, the notable being in Treta Yuga during Ramayana, when he and Anusuya advised Rama and his wife Sita. This Temple was worshipped by Atri years before.Idol of Atri is kept near Nandhi in this temple.It is said that worshipping Atri with "Agal" deepam brings goodness to your home.