Significance of Sarmishtha
Sarmishtha is depicted in the Purana as the second wife of King Yayati and the daughter of the Asura king Vrishaparva. She bore King Yayati three sons, who were said to resemble Devas, and had a contentious relationship with his other wife, Devayani. Sarmishtha is characterized by her unparalleled beauty and represents the struggles of her existence, symbolizing both joy and sorrow, as indicated by her association with the term Vishakanyaka.
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Sarmishtha'
Sarmishtha, in Hinduism, embodies complexity as King Yayati's beautiful wife and the Asura princess, reflecting themes of beauty, familial conflict with Devayani, and the sorrow of her existence as represented by her title, Vishakanyaka.
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) The princess of the Asura king Vrishaparva, who has a contentious relationship with Devayani and becomes part of Yayati's story.[1]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki
(1) One of King Yayati's wives, described as possessing unparalleled beauty, born of Diti and the Daitya Vrashparvan.[2]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) The name given to Vishakanyaka, symbolizing her like spittle of happiness thrown out by her father, reflecting her unwanted state and the sorrow of her existence.[3]
From: Gautami Mahatmya
(1) The second wife of King Yayati, daughter of Vrishaparvan, who bore him three sons resembling Devas.[4]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Another of Yayati's wives, contributing to his legacy and family.[5]
From: Matsya Purana (critical study)
(1) Another of Yayati's wives, who bore him three sons.[6]