Athri-Anasuya, a divine and enviable couple.
After Bharata's return to Ayodhya, Rama dwelling in the forest one day observed the Sages living there in the vicinity were anxious and perturbed. Rama inquisitively asked the reasons for their distress and anguish as to whether they were disturbed by His or Lakshmana or Seetha's improper behavior, if any.
Discounting Rama's apprehension they said it is rather on account of the atrocities of the demons Khara and Dushana, Ravana's younger brothers, that they are moving out to a safe and better place. These demons who stay in Janasthana are cruel and eaters of human flesh make the sages life beyond endurance. The eldest of the sages complaining this to Rama cautioned Him to be watchful of their danger and requested Him to move along with them.
Rama continued to live there keeping the memories of the visit of Bharata, all His mothers to that place. But could not stay for long in deprivation of the sages, who departed. So Rama, Lakshmana and Seetha left the place too deciding to move elsewhere.
Moving down south on the banks of Mandakini river, they reached at the ashram of Atri. The sage welcomed them with full honors and introduced his revered, devoted and virtuous wife. She appeared feeble with wrinkled face, hair turned grey due to old age and her body shaking like a banana tree hit by a storm. Seetha introduced herself, by announcing her name to Anasuya.
The Puranas claim that Atri is born to Brahma from his eyes. Anasuya is the child of Devahooti and Khardama and marrying Atri she gave birth to Pracheena Bargis and to them were born the 10 Praachetas, the descendant of whom Sage Valmiki is one.
The three Gods, Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva were born as Moon, Datatreya and Dhurvasa respectively to Anasuya by a boon granted to her for her being the cause of releasing the sun God kept arrested by one Seelavathi alias Susheela. Such is the greatness of this divine couple.
Anasuya receiving Seetha, who greeted her with respect, gives a detailed account of the role and responsibility of a devoted wife, which have relevance to this day.
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