Illustration/Devdutt Pattanaik

In the Rig Veda, most hymns are by male sages. But there are a few by women, the rishikas, some independent and others wives of sages. Lopamudra is the wife of Agastya and both compose hymns. In her hymn, she expresses her sexual longing and asks him to stop his rituals and focus on her. She warns him of old age and reminds him of the value of progeny. He resists at first. But then submits. Commentators equate Lopamudra with Rati, goddess of pleasure.