The lineages are identified by two main attributes – the Gotra and the Pravara. It is believed that all lineages in the Bharata Bhumi have originally their roots in one of the Rishi paramparas. The Rishis are also the pravarkatas – the propagators – of various vamshas, the lineages. ( Note: The above list of Rishis, under each category, is obviously not exhaustive) Origins of the Gotra-pravartaka Rishis Thus we find a variety of parameters based on which the ancient Rishis were identified and classified. Some of the well-known Rishis under this category are Bhrigu, Kavya, Prachetasa, Grutsamada, Nabha, Angirasa, Bharadhwaja, Gargya, Kanva, Vamadeva, Kakshivanta, Kashyapa, Vatsara, Raibhya-Asita, Atri, Valgutaka, Vasishta and Kundina. These Rishis are known as ‘ mantra-drashtaara-rishi’. Yet another classification of Rishis is based on their ‘drashtatva’ or ‘realization’ of the mantras of the Vedas. Some of the well-known Satyarshis are Vatsara, Nagrahu, Bharadhwaja, Bruhadutta, Sharadvanta, Vajashravasa, Dadichi and Vaishravana. There is another category of Rishis who attained their exalted position due to their relentless pursuit, and practice, of truth. These became Maharshis due to their jnana or knowledge. Some of the well-known Maharshis are Shukra, Brihaspati, Upanasha, Utathya, Vamadeva, Apojya, Ishija, Kardama, Vishravassu, Shakti, Valikhilya and Dhara. Seven of them are very well known – Bhrigu, Angirasa, Atri, Vishwamitra, Kashyapa, Vasishta and Shandilya.Īt the next level, the Rishis are known as Maharshis. These ten Rishis – Bhrigu, Marichi, Atri, Angirasa, Pulaha, Kratu, Manu, Daksha, Vasishta and Pulastya – came to be known as manasa-putras.Īs briefly mentioned earlier, those who attain the highest level of knowledge of parabrahman – amongst the Rishis – are known as Brahmarshis. When Chaturmukha Brahma (the four headed devata – different from parabrahma the Supreme Being) started his process of creation, ten Rishis emerged from his mind – the manas – and these ten were naturally endowed with the divine knowledge of parabrahman. In the Bala Kanda of the Valimiki Ramayana, there is a description of how Sage Vishwamitra performs repeated cycles of tapas to progressively attain each of these positions and finally ends up becoming a Brahmarshi.īased on the area of their excellence or fame, there are again a few categories into which Rishis are classified. Thus we have Rishis, Rajarshis, Devarshis, Maharshis and Brahmarshi. Within the category of Rishis also, there is a gradation based on their level of realization. This ability to know brahman is highest amongst the Rishis. Still, different souls have varying knowledge of this parabrahman, subject to the extent of their intrinsic ability – swaroopa.
Bhrigu rishi full#
Naturally, it is impossible for anyone to realize – or have full knowledge of – any entity that is infinite. He is ananta in every guNa – auspicious attribute – that we can think of. The shastras declare parabrahman as the one who is infinite in an infinite number of ways. The Rishis had, in their hearts, that parabrahman who has been described by the Vedas! Classification of Rishis The Vishnu Purana declares the greatness of Rishis thus Therefore, those souls who had great knowledge, were wedded to truth and always engaged themselves in austerities came to be known as Rishis. It indicates knowledge of the shastras, satya or truth and tapas or austerity. Although the root of the word Rishi indicates ‘gati’ or movement, its primary meaning is knowledge. These souls are what we collectively refer to as ‘Rishis’. These souls had complete knowledge of the truth of the world and were detached from the material bindings of samsara – the cycle of birth and death. In this very land were born numerous great souls – realized souls – who had direct perception of the Supreme Being – the parabrahman.
Bhrigu rishi how to#
This is the land where Rama established his ideal kingdom – Rama Rajya – and also the land where Krishna taught us how to fight adharma. This is the holy land where Sriman Narayana undertook numerous avataras to sustain dharma. This is the land where humans are born in order to undergo the churning due to karma – to simultaneously enjoy the blessings of punya and exhaust paapa through suffering. Our ancient land of Bharata is the cradle of Sanatana Dharma.