The saptarishis are the seven great sages of Hindu mythology, who are regarded as the mind-born sons of Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe. They are the guardians of the divine laws and the custodians of the knowledge and energies required for the transition or dissolution of the universe. They are also the ancestors of the Brahmin gotras or clans, and the authors of many Vedic scriptures and hymns. The saptarishis are:
- Atri: He is one of the oldest rishis, who composed many hymns in the Rig Veda. He is the father of Dattatreya, Durvasa, and Soma. He is also credited with discovering the secret of the fire ceremony. He is married to Anasuya, who is known for her chastity and devotion.
- Bharadwaja: He is one of the most revered rishis, who mastered various sciences and arts, including Ayurveda, astrology, music, warfare, and aviation. He is the father of Dronacharya, the guru of the Pandavas and Kauravas in the Mahabharata. He is also the grandfather of Ashwatthama, one of the seven immortals. He is married to Suseela, who bore him a son named Garga and a daughter named Devavarnini.
- Gautama: He is one of the most influential rishis, who founded the Nyaya school of philosophy and logic. He is also known for his moral code and ethical teachings. He is the husband of Ahalya, who was cursed by him for being seduced by Indra, but later redeemed by Lord Rama. He is also the father of Aniruddha, Shatananda, and Satyakama.
- Jamadagni: He is one of the most powerful rishis, who possessed a divine bow called Pinaka and a divine cow called Kamadhenu. He is the father of Parashurama, one of the incarnations of Lord Vishnu. He is also the ancestor of Rama and Krishna. He is married to Renuka, who was beheaded by him for being infatuated with a king, but later revived by Parashurama.
- Kashyapa: He is one of the most prolific rishis, who fathered many races and species of beings, including gods, demons, humans, animals, birds, reptiles, and plants. He is considered as the father of all living creatures. He is married to thirteen daughters of Daksha Prajapati, including Aditi, Diti, Kadru, Vinata, and Surasa.
- Vashishta: He is one of the most respected rishis, who was the chief priest and preceptor of many kings and sages, including Dasharatha, Rama, Vishwamitra, Shakti, and Parashara. He is also the author of many hymns in the Rig Veda and other scriptures. He possessed a divine cow called Nandini and a divine staff called Brahmadanda. He is married to Arundhati, who is regarded as an ideal wife and a star in the sky.
- Vishwamitra: He is one of the most remarkable rishis, who rose from being a king to a Brahmarishi through his intense penance and perseverance. He is also known for his rivalry and friendship with Vashishta. He is the creator of many celestial weapons and mantras, including Gayatri Mantra. He is also the mentor of Rama and Lakshmana in their early years. He had many wives and children, including Shakuntala, Shunahshepa, Madhavi, and Dhanvantari.
| Name | Family | Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Atri | Wife: Anasuya; Sons: Dattatreya, Durvasa, Soma | Composed many hymns in the Rig Veda; Discovered the secret of the fire ceremony |
| Bharadwaja | Wife: Suseela; Son: Dronacharya; Grandson: Ashwatthama | Mastered various sciences and arts, including Ayurveda, astrology, music, warfare, and aviation |
| Gautama | Wife: Ahalya; Sons: Aniruddha, Shatananda, Satyakama | Founded the Nyaya school of philosophy and logic; Known for his moral code and ethical teachings |
| Jamadagni | Wife: Renuka; Son: Parashurama | Possessed a divine bow called Pinaka and a divine cow called Kamadhenu; Ancestor of Rama and Krishna |
| Kashyapa | Wives: Thirteen daughters of Daksha Prajapati, including Aditi, Diti, Kadru, Vinata, and Surasa | Fathered many races and species of beings, including gods, demons, humans, animals, birds, reptiles, and plants |
| Vashishta | Wife: Arundhati; Sons: Shakti, Parashara; Grandson: Vyasa | Chief priest and preceptor of many kings and sages, including Dasharatha, Rama, Vishwamitra; Author of many hymns in the Rig Veda and other scriptures |
| Vishwamitra | Wives: Many; Children: Shakuntala, Shunahshepa, Madhavi, Dhanvantari | Rose from being a king to a Brahmarishi through his intense penance and perseverance; Creator of many celestial weapons and mantras, including Gayatri Mantra; Mentor of Rama and Lakshmana |