Lopamudra

Lopamudra

Lopamudra also known as Kaushitaki and Varaprada was a female philosopher according to ancient Vedic Indian literature. She was the wife of the sage Agastya who is believed to have lived in the Rigveda period. Her hymns elaborate on the relationship between husband and wife in order to follow celibacy.

About Lopamudra in brief

Summary LopamudraLopamudra also known as Kaushitaki and Varaprada was a female philosopher according to ancient Vedic Indian literature. She was the wife of the sage Agastya who is believed to have lived in the Rigveda period. She is credited to have composed hymn number 179 in the rigveda. Her hymns elaborate on the relationship between husband and wife in order to follow celibacy. Together with her husband she is also credited with spreading the fame of the Lalita sahasranama. In Rigvedan literature, she is considered as one of the prominent Brahmavadini who visualized the ‘Panchadasi’ mantra of the Sakta tradition of Hinduism. In the translation of the Sanskrit text of the Rig Veda by Ralph T. H. Griffith she is called ‘Mantra drashta’ She is also mentioned in Yajurveda Brihaddevtakara and in Agama granthas, and hailed as “Mantradrika” in Rigvedal literature. The first two verses of the hymn are expressions of her passion for her husband. The last six verses are titled ‘Rati meaning love, two are by Lopamu, two by Agastyya, and two are to the last disciple or Agastaigne’ The hymn has mystical meaning, with Agastayas getting out of his’secret dwelling place’ and getting more as a more. It is presented as a dramatic dialogue between his student and wife with the student commenting on his appreciation of his wife and husband’s love.

The third group, though attributed to female rishis, are not identified by any author and deal mostly with mythological characters and representation of theoretical qualities. They are presented under three headings: the first group has hynns contributed by female rishes only such as by Vishwavara and Apale. The second group some are attributed tofemale rish is Shashiyasi, wife of Taranta, and Lop amudra and Shashyasi. The final group is the group of hymNS written by male rishikas such as Agni, Apale, and Vishuvara, and the last group is by Agni’s son-in-law, Shashayasi, and his wife, Agni. The name LopAmudra signifies the loss that the animals and plants suffered by giving their distinctive beauties when Agastyan created her. The king of Vidarbha who was doing penance seeking for a progeny brought up Lopemudra as his daughter. When she grew up, Agastaya demanded her hand in marriage. She agreed to marry him and left the King’s palace for his hermitage. However, after some time, she grew tired of his austerity. She wrote hymn in therigveda, asking for his attention and love. She made Agast Ya realize his duties towards his wife.