Sati Anusuya Temple
This Hindu temple is dedicated to a
woman called Anusuya, who lived during Lord Ramas time. In more
recent times, sati was a
rite whereby a widow immolated herself on the pyre of her dead
husband. This practice was legally abolished by Lord William Bentick
in 1829, and is now a criminal offense.
Literally speaking, sati is an exemplary woman. Sati Anusuya was
completely loyal, faithful and dedicated to her husband, the great
sage, Atri. Nonetheless, Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, (Creator, Preserver
and Destroyer of the Universe) themselves were greatly attracted by
her divine charms. This enraged Anusuya to such an extent that she
transformed them into infants.
This explains why the Hindu Holy Trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva,
appeared in the form of infants, in Chitrakoot.
In the temple are also enshrined idols of the sages Durvasa and Atri,
along with those of Anusuyas son, Dattatreya, and, Chandrama, or
the moon-god.
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