THaaikolam seithaeno Anasuyayai poale
Anasuya is wife of the great Athri Maharishi. Than the powers of Maharishi Athri, Anasuya’s selfless acts respect for her husband satisfied the gods. She even once changed one night of Devalok into 10 nights, for the sake of saving the Devas! Even when the prayers of all the sages and Kings failed the sky to pour rain on earth, Anasuya’s prayers alone brought Ganga to earth and it’s still flowing on earth in the name of River Mandhagini, as a tributary to Alaknanda River.
Sri Rama, when he started for his Vanavasa along with Sita and Lakshmana, he spent some time at Chithrakoodam. It is here Bharatha tried to get Him to go back to Ayodhya. Fearing further requests and following of people and especially Bharatha, Rama left Chithrakoodam silently. After tiring and long day’s walk, they reached Sage Athri's ashram on the banks of River Mandhagini. Sri Rama decided to spend the night stay in the Ashram of Maharishi Athri.
Athri Maharishi introduced his wife Anasuya to Sita, saying - "Anasuya is a great pativrata. She follows the path of dharma. One time when there was a famine, she created vegetables and tubers and also made Ganges flow here. Pray to her like she is your mother. She will take good care of you during your stay here". Rama too said the same.
Anasuya was pleased by the behaviour and character of Sita and said- “Being wife of a sage, I am destined to follow him to live in the forests. But that’s not the same with you! Born as a princess in a Palace to a King and married to a King, as the Queen of Ayodha, you can stay in the Palace in comfort and live safe and secured. But, you chose to follow your husband! I appreciate you leaving all the palace pleasures and following your husband to the forest. It shows your love for him and your respect for him. May you gain all good things". Sita bowed to Anasuya with respect, just like how she would do to her mother.
Taking care of Sita like her own daughter, Anasuya decorated her with flowers and garments and listened to her full story. Rama was pleased by the affection showed by Anasuya to Sita.
Thirukkolur Ammal is asking "Did I show the motherly affection to Thaayar (Sita) like Anasuya?"
