Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature c4.1144

c4.1144

Atri was pleased by drinking the water. He asked Anasūyā where she got such nice fresh water. She explained to him all matters. Atri expressed his desire to see Gaṅgā Devī. She appeared before him at once. Anasūyā prayed to her that Gaṅgā should continue to exist in the world always. Gaṅgā Devī answered that she would do so if Anasūyā was prepared to give her the fruit of one year's Tapaśśakti and of devoted service to her husband. Anasūyā agreed to that condition. Suddenly Śiva appeared there in the shape of a Liṅga. At the request of Atri and Anasūyā Śiva took his seat there permanently assuming the name of "Atriśvara". (Śiva Purāṇa).