Arundhati (,
IAST: Arundhatī) is the wife of the sage
Vashishta, one of the seven sages (
Saptarshi) who are identified with the
Ursa Major. She is identified with the
morning star and also with the star
Alcor which forms a double star with
Mizar (identified as Vashista) in Ursa Major. Arundhati, though the wife of one of the seven seers, is accorded the same status as the seven seers and is worshipped with them as such. In the
Hindu culture, there are several beliefs, practices and traditions centred around Arundhati including a ritual in the marriage ceremony after the
Saptapadi, a fast, a belief about imminent death, and a maxim.
In Hindu scriptures
Arundhati's birth and life are mentioned in various Hindu scriptures. The birth of Arundhati is found in the
Shiva Purana and
Bhagavata Purana. The instruction by
Brahma to Arundhati is described in the Uttara Kanda of the
Ramcharitmanas. The rivalry between
Vishvamitra and Vashista which leads to the death of her hundred sons is...
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