Since ancient times, the seven sages have been discussed in various scriptures. According to the Puranas, Sanatana Dharma rests upon the Saptarishi, and they bear the responsibility of protecting the universe. These seven sages originated from the mind of Prajapati Brahma himself. They occupy the highest levels of knowledge, science, religion, astrology, and yoga. Learn about the seven sages and the seven stars in the sky named after them.
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Who are these seven sages?
The seven sages, who were the greatest scholars of all scriptures in ancient times, are collectively called the Saptarishi. The responsibility of maintaining the balance of the universe and guiding human civilisation on the right path lies with the seven sages. It is believed that these seven sages are still engaged in their work today. Religious belief holds that after death, they become celestial bodies in the sky. For this reason, the Saptarishi constellation is named after them. This cluster of seven stars can be seen in the night sky.
Names of the seven sages
The names of these seven sages mentioned in the Vedas are - Sage Kashyapa, Sage Atri, Sage Bharadwaja, Sage Vishwamitra, Sage Gautama, Sage Jamadagni, and Sage Vashishtha. It is believed that these seven sages continue to protect the Vedic religion.
Introduction to the Saptarishi
Sage Kashyapa
Kashyapa, the first of the seven sages, had 17 wives. From his wife, Aditi, were born all the gods, and from another wife, Diti, was born the demon race. It is believed that all living beings were born from Kashyapa's other wives. Kashyapa is the son of Marichi, who was Brahma's mind-born son. The prevailing belief is that the disciples of this great scholar-sage carried forward the work of creating the universe.
Sage Atri
Sage Atri was one of Brahma's 10 sons in Satyayuga. His wife was Anasuya. During Tretayuga, Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana took shelter in Atri's ashram during their forest exile. Atri's son was Dattatreya. Atri, a renowned scientist of ancient India, made important contributions to agriculture and scientific research.
Sage Bharadwaja
Sage Bharadwaja, one of the Saptarishi, was the author of many Puranas and texts. Among his written scriptures, Ayurveda is notable. Dronacharya, the weapons teacher of the Pandavas and Kauravas in the Mahabharata, was the son of this sage Bharadwaja.
Sage Vishwamitra
Vishwamitra, the fourth sage of the Saptarishi constellation, composed the Gayatri mantra. He was initially a king in his early life, later renouncing the world. Through his power, he achieved a vision of heaven while still alive in the Trishanku state.
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Sage Gautama
Sage Gautama's wife was named Ahalya. Gautama cursed his own wife and turned her into stone. Ahalya regained life through Ramchandra's grace. Sage Gautama brought the Ganges to the Brahmagiri mountain.
Sage Jamadagni
Jamadagni was the sixth sage of the Saptarishi constellation. Parashurama was the son of Jamadagni. Parashurama, one of Narayana's avatars, made the earth free of Kshatriyas 21 times.
Sage Vashishtha
The seventh sage Vashishtha was the guru of King Dasharatha's four children. He was the family guru of the Raghu dynasty in the Ramayana. He provided education to King Dasharatha, Ramchandra, and his brothers.
