Rishi
RISHI.
[Source:
Dowson's Classical Dictionary
of Hindu Mythology] An inspired
poet or sage. The inspired persons to whom the hymns of the Vedas were
revealed, and under whose names they stand. "The seven Rishis" (saptarshi),
or the Prajapatis, "the mind-born sons" of Brahma, are often referred to. In
the Satapatha Brahmana their names are given as Gotama, Bharadwaja, Vishvamitra,
Jamadagni, Vasistha, Kasyapa, and Atri. The Mahabharata gives them as Marichi,
Atri, Angiras, Pulaha, Kratu, Pulastya, and Vasishtha. The Vayu Purana adds
Bhrigu to this list, making eight, although it stll calls them "seven." The
Vishnu Purana, more consistently, adds Bhrigu and Daksha, and calls them
the nine Brahmarshis (Brahma-rishis). The names of Gautauma, Kanwa,
Valmiki, Vyasa, Manu, and Vibhandaka are also enumerated among the great Rishis
by different authorities. Besides these great Rishis there are many other Rishis.
The seven Rishis are represented in the sky by the seven stars of the Great
Bear, and as such are called Riksha and Chitrasikhandinas, 'having bright crests.'
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Modern
Languages MLLL-4993. Indian Epics. Laura Gibbs, Ph.D.
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October 16, 2007 12:22 PM
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