SUCHINDRAM

In this Jnanaranya lived many celebrated Maharishis doing penance and spreading education. Among them, Sage Atri occupied a predominant place, and his devoted wife Anasuya was so famous for pativratya-matrimonial fidelity that even the celestials were envious of her position and power.  She was performing many miracles, like bringing rains during the periods of severe drought; boiling the steel pieces into edible gram, purging off the sins of mahapapis, controlling the movements of heavenly planets etc.  All with by mere sprinkling of her husband's Pada thirtha only.

When news travelled to high heavens, the Trimurthinis - Saraswathi, Lakshmi and Parvathi were visibly upset.  Bitten by jealousy they sent their husbands to put her to test and bring dishonor even by nefarious ways.  The Trio desiring to teach lessons of humility and fidelity to their wives went to Anasuya disguised as old brahmins in the absence of Atri and asked for alms.  While she was about to serve food, they said in chorus that they vowed to take food only when served by woman naked.  

She at once sprinkled her Pati's padathirtha on there.  And lo! they turned into suckling toddlers. Hearing the heart- rending tale, the Trimurthinis descended and prayed for Mangalayabiksha with streaming eyes, quivering frames and repenting hearts.  Moved as she was, she sprinkled the Padathirtha over the babes, who instantly regained original forms.  Before vanishing they blessed the couple with three children at their request. No sooner did they disappear than there sprouted three Swayambhu lingas one over other at the feet of Konrai tree with Vishnu forming the base, Brahma in the centre and Siva at the top.  This is seen even today and is worshipped with utmost veneration.

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