Shiva Puranaby | Chapter 5 - The story of Sandhyā

In this story, the celestial sage Nārada approaches his father, Brahmā, with a deep curiosity about the mysteries of the universe, particularly asking about the fate of Sandhyā, Brahmā's mind-born daughter. Nārada wishes to know what happened to her after Brahmā, the god of love Kāma, and other deities departed to their realms.

Brahmā, drawing on his divine memory, recounts Sandhyā's tale. She was born from Brahmā's thoughts, but her beauty caused unintended desires, even in her father and other sages. Sandhyā, feeling guilty for being the cause of this disturbance, decided to perform penance to atone for her perceived sins. She traveled to Mount Candrabhāga, intending to purify herself and relinquish her mortal form through a sacrificial act.

Brahmā then sent his son Vasiṣṭha to guide Sandhyā through her penance. Disguised, Vasiṣṭha approached Sandhyā and instructed her on the path of silence and devotion to Lord Śiva. Sandhyā embraced these teachings and devoted herself to worship with unwavering commitment.

Her intense penance pleased Lord Śiva, who appeared before her and blessed her with purification. He prophesied her rebirth as Arundhatī, destined to become the virtuous wife of Vasiṣṭha. Reborn with new purity, Arundhatī became a symbol of chastity and devotion, respected across the celestial and mortal realms.

The story concludes with Nārada gaining a deeper understanding of the power of atonement, devotion, and the grace of divine beings like Śiva. It emphasizes themes of redemption, spiritual transformation, and the importance of inner purity in the path to spiritual liberation.