He assured his ancestors that he would do the needful. But the task was easier said than done because there was no woman on earth worthy of his qualities and stature. Hence he created a woman by taking those parts that were regarded as highly beautiful, from creatures possessing them and joining them with his ascetic powers. At that time the king of Vidarbh was undergoing austerities in order to obtain an offspring. With the greatness of spirit that he was known for, Agastya decided to gift this child to the king. Accordingly he reduced her to a seed and had it implanted in the queen's womb. In due time, a girl was born to the queen. She was given the name Lopamudra.
Lopamudra grew up to be not only a very beautiful maiden but extremely well-mannered as well. At the appropriate time, Agastya asked for her hand in marriage. The king was in a quandary. If he agreed he was sending his daughter to the harsh life of an ascetic and if he refused he could suffer the consequences of the sage's wrath. Lopamudra played the role of a dutiful daughter and convinced her father to give her away to Agastya.
After the marriage she cast away her royal garments and shared her husband's life style completely and without complaining. Once when Agastya saw Lopamudra coming out of her bath he realized that he had yet to consummate their marriage. After all, the whole train of events had begun with his requirement of a son. When he summoned Lopamudra for this purpose she put forth a condition. She said, "In all your work as a hermit I am participating as a hermit's wife. But in matters of love I will need to be treated as a princess. I will accept you only on a bed like I had at the palace and clad only with the ornaments befitting my former royal status." Agastya argued that he was in no position to afford the luxuries she spoke off. Then Lopamudra advised him to exchange the wealth of his knowledge and powers for some material wealth.
