Lopamudra (c. 800 BCE)

Lopamudra was a philosopher and wife of Agastaya, a sage (wise man). She is also known under the names of Kaushitaki and Varaprada.

She is best known for spreading the practice of the Thousand Names of the Divine Mother, (Lalita Sahasranama). A hymn in the Rig Veda is attributed to her.

The story of Lopamudra’s creation and birth is connected with the sage Agastya. It is said that once when he was in heaven, he saw his deceased ancestors suspended upside down. Since this was a sign that they were preparing to go to hell, Agastva asked them what they were doing.

They replied that since he was unmarried and had no son to carry on the family name or offer the necessary prayers for them, they would be going to hell.

Agastya wanted to fulfill his duties but could find no wife suitable since he was a renunciate. It is said that he used his yogic powers and created a female infant who had all the qualities necessary for being the wife of an sanysa or ascetic.

At that time a king, Vidarbha, in south central India was praying for the gift of a child since he remained childless. Agastaya arranged that the infant he had created was born to the daughter of this king.

The child was named Lopamudra by her parents. she was brought up well in the court and was said to be both intelligent and beautiful. When she came of age, Agastya approached the King and sought to marry Lopamudra.

The king was troubled because he knew that Agastya was an renunciate. But the girl insisted that her father accept the proposal.

Lopamudra was known to be both beautiful and well-mannered. After her marriage she left her royal life and joined her husband in his ascetic life.

But when he sought to consummate the marriage she demanded to be treated as a princess. Agastya complained that he had no money and could never give her a royal life. She replied that he then must give her the wealth of his knowledge.

It is said that Lopamudra wrote a two-stanza hymn, asking for Agastya’s attention and love. The couple had a son named Dridhasyu, who became a poet.

The Rig Veda includes long conversations between the Agasthya and Lopamudra that show the great intelligence and virtue of Lopamudra.






(1) http://rahulwrites.rediffiland.com/blogs/2008/10/18/Women-in-India-1.html