Thursday 23 June 2011

Sapta Rishi (Seven Sages)

Sapta Rishi (Seven Sages)

When Lord Brahma decided to create our universe, he created seven sages out of his thoughts. They were called the Sapta Rishis and also "Maanasa Putra"(created out of mental thoughts). The Sapta Rishis are :

Bhrigu
Bhrigu is said to have stepped on Brahma, Shiva and Vishnu to test the greatness of each God. Brahma and Shiva were furious but Vishnu treated the Sage with respect and was declared the greatest. His descendants are supposed to have composed the Atharva Veda.

Angira
Angira alongwith Sage Atharvan is said to have composed Atharva Veda. He is also mentioned in the other Vedas.

Atri
Atri is the rishi who composed the fifth Mandala (chapter) of Rig Veda. He proclaimed the theory of three starnds of the sacred thread : Janeu/Janou. The three strands symbolise creation(represents Brahma and the letter "A"), sustenance(represents Vishnu and the letter "U") and destruction(represents Shiva and the letter "M"). Together these three strands show the vow that a Brahmin takes to recite and adhere to AUM/OM.

Gautama
He is credited to have created mantras and also Godavari was formed after he prayed to Lord Shiva. Shiva descended to Tryambakeshvar and this gave rise to the river Godavari. He is said to be the creator of Dharma Sutras that contain the rules for the four Ashramas, the forty Samskaras, the four Varnas, kingly duties, the punishments for various offences, etc.

Kashyapa
He is the father of Gods and Demons. Sage Kashyapa is said to have two wives : Aditi (mother of Gods) and Diti (mother of demons).

Vashishta
He was chief of Saptarishis and the Rajaguru of the Suryavamsha (Solar Dynasty). Vasishtha is said to be the chief author of seventh Mandala (Chapter) of the Rigveda. He also wrote the "Vasishtha Samhita" - a book on Muhurtha/Muhurt that forms the basis of electional astrology.

Agastya
He is said to one of the greatest of all Sapta Rishis. He is credited with spreading the vedic religion to South India and creating the Tamil language. He married Lopamudra, the human daughter of Brahma.

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