Paishaca Teertha - Story of Anjana and Adrika

(Brahma Purana - Gautami Mahatmya - 14)

• Anjana and Adrika on Anjana mountain: Anjana mountain is located at the side of Brahmagiri mountain on the southern bank of river Gautami Ganga (Godavari). On that mountain stayed celestial ladies Anjana and Adrika who had their downfall due to a curse. Due to the curse, Anjana's face resembled that of a monkey and Adrika's face resembled that of a cat. They were wives of Kesari.

• Anjana and Adrika getting boon from sage Agastya: Once Kesari went to the Southern Sea. Sage Agastya arrived there. Both of them worshipped the sage duly. Sage Agastya became pleased and told them to ask for a boon. Both of them asked for a mighty son. Sage Agastya granted the boon and went to the southern side.

• Anjana and Adrika getting sons: Once when Anjana and Adrika were sporting on the top of the mountain, Vayu deva and Nirrita devas came there. They were attracted towards Anjana and Adri and asked them to become their wives. Anjana and Adri accepted them. They sported on the top of the mountain. Hanuman was born to Anjana and Vayu deva and Adri was born to Adrika and Nirriti.

• Anjana and Adrika regaining their celestial forms: When the devas were leaving, Anjana and Adrika told them about their curse. The devas told Anjana and Adrika to take bath in Gautami Ganga to get relieved of the curse. Then to please his brother, Adri (who had form of Pishaca) took Anjana and made her bathe in the Gautami. Similarly Hanuman took Adrika and made her bathe. The place thus became known as Paishaca and Anjana. Nearby are the holy places Marjara, Hanumanta and Vrishakapi, and the confluence of Phena.