Written by Bijal Shukla , Guru and guide: Pandit Sanjay Rath
The Markandeya Purāṇa narrates the sacred story of the birth of Soma (the Moon-god) in the context of the great sage Atri and his virtuous wife Anasūyā. Pleased by Ansuya’s help to restore the order of day and night, the divine powers granted her an extraordinary boon.
Anasūyā prayed:
योगञ्च प्राप्नुयां भर्तृसहिता क्लेशमुक्तये ॥ 16.89
yogañca prāpnuyāṃ bhartṛsahitā kleśamuktaye || 16.89
together with my husband, attain spiritual realization and freedom
from all afflictions.”
The boon was fulfilled through the manifestation of the Trimūrti as the children of Atri and Anasūyā. The first of these manifestations was Soma, who arose directly from the mind of the sage Atri:
पुत्रः समस्तसत्त्वानामायुराधार एव च ॥ 17.5
putraḥ samastasattvānām āyurādhāra eva ca || 17.5
He became Atri’s son and the very support of the lifespan
of all living beings.”
The Purāṇa explains that Soma was not merely a celestial body but a divine manifestation endowed with the power to sustain life itself. As the source of nourishment, vitality, and growth, he became essential to the welfare of all creatures.
The text further identifies the three sons of Atri and Anasūyā with the three cosmic deities:
दुर्वासाः शङ्करो जज्ञे वरदानाद्दिवौकसाम् ॥ 17.11
durvāsāḥ śaṅkaro jajñe varadānād divaukasām || 17.11
and Durvāsā was born as Śaṅkara, through the boon granted by the celestial gods.”
Thus, Soma is described as the manifestation of Brahmā, Dattātreya as the manifestation of Viṣṇu, and the sage Durvāsā as the manifestation of Śiva. Through these divine births, the boon granted to Atri and Anasūyā was fulfilled.
The Markandeya Purāṇa then describes Soma’s continuing role in sustaining the universe:
आप्याययन् सदा स्वर्गे वर्तते स प्रजापतिः ॥ 17.12
āpyāyayan sadā svarge vartate sa prajāpatiḥ || 17.12
the herbs, and human beings. Ever abiding in heaven,
that Prajāpati sustains the world.”
Soma’s cool rays symbolize nourishment, fertility, healing, and longevity. The Moon governs the growth of plants and medicinal herbs, influences the waters of the earth, and supports the vitality of all living beings. For this reason, the Purāṇa calls him āyur-ādhāra—the support and foundation of life itself.
