Principal Rishis...

[Tamohara dasa ADMIN.]

BHAKTIVEDANTA PURPORT: “The nine principal rishis, or sages, are Marichi, Atri, Angira, Pulastya, Pulaha, Kratu, Bhrigu, Vashishtha and Atharva.

Kutsa Rishi

BY: SUN STAFF

The Battles of Indra and Associates

Sep 12, 2014 — CANADA (SUN) — A study of the famous Rishis and Munis of Vedic literature.

Kutsa Rishi is one of the last Saptarishis we will cover in this series. He is mentioned many times in the Rig Veda, in various contexts. He is often associated with Lord Indra, both as a close friend and as a look-alike. In one Rigvedic hymn, Kutsa is mentioned as Arjuneya, the son of Arjun. Elsewhere, Kutsa is invoked together with Indra, as Indra-Kutsa. The Rishi is also known for his sweetness.

Rig Veda 4.16.10 there is mention of a conversation between Sage Vamadeva and Indra which illustrates how Kutsa and Indra were not only intimate friends, but were also 'look-alikes' -- so much so that at one point, Indrani herself could not tell them apart.

Rishi Kutsai was the son of a Rajarishi named Ruru. Indra helped Ruru by decimating his enemies, and he invited Kutsa to Indraloka to celebrate the victory. Once, Kutsa fell into a deep well, and Indra came running to save his friend. This pastime is mentioned in Rig Veda10.40.6.

In Rig Veda106.6 there is a suktam consisting of seven mantras. Although Kutsa Rishi discovered this suktam, he named it in conjunction with his guru, Angirasa, as the Kutsa Angeerasa. In Panini's Ashtadhyayi, he is mentioned as an old acharya. He is described as worshipping Agni in different forms, addressing him with different names.

One of Kutsa's enemies is Shushna, who he defeats with Indra's help. Indra removed the Sun disc for Kutsa, who is also referred to as Indra's charioteer. In one hymn 'the Kutsas' are mentioned in plural as a family of singers, in a song praising Indra. The Naighantuka states that Kutsa is a synonym of Indra's vajra.

In some sastric references, Kutsa is defeated by Indra, along with Ayu and Atithigva. In Rig Veda 1.53, the three of them are delivered by Indra to the young king Turvayana.

Kutsa is mentioned not only in the , but also in the Yajur and Samaveda. He is a descendant of Rishi Angira, so he is sometimes called Angiras.

There are several hymns found in Rig Veda Mandala 1 which are attributed to Kutsa Angirasa, and another hymn in the eighth Mandala (10.105) is attributed to Durmitra or Sumitra Kautsa, a descendant of Kutsa Rishi.

In the Rudram of Yajurveda, 65 out of 82 suktams are attributed to Kutsa. It is also stated that Kutsa Maharishi explained the allegories of the first laws of celestial bodies. In a chapter of the Raghuvamsa, Kalidasa invokes Sage Kutsa; he is acknowledged as having blessed the Raghus -- the dynasty to which the crown jewel, Lord Rama belongs.

 

(Kutsa Rishi, to be continued…)

Kutsa Rishi, Part Two

BY: SUN STAFF

Thiru Anbil Gopuram, where Kutsa Rishi did penance

Sep 13, 2014 — CANADA (SUN) — A study of the famous Rishis and Munis of Vedic literature.

Although Kutsa Rishi is known for the quality of sweetness he embodies, his name might appear to indicate something different. The Sanskrit word 'kutsa' means 'reproachful' or 'contemptuous', and is often associated with fault-finding. But in the case of Rishi Kutsa, the name indicates that as a great sage, he was displeased by the vagaries of the material world and verbally disciplined others.

Kutsa Rishi is known for another sort of sound vibration – the Prokshana-mantram

"Om Bhoo, Om Bhuvaha, Om Suvahaâ"

This is the fourth vyahrithi, 'swvah' in the Prokshana-mantram, familiar to those who meditate on Gayatri.

Sastra states that water has the ability to purify anything it touches. This potency is transmitted to water by the power of the Prokshana-mantram. The Taittriya-samhita states that the mantra drishtas, or the personal embodiments of this mantram, are Atri, Brigu and Kutsa Maharishis.

Despite Kutsa Rishis strict observances, however, it is said that he once made a mistake in pronouncing a Veda mantram, and for this he was cursed to be a frog in a well. Once his period of atonement had passed, Veda Purusha told him that even while he was a frog, he would remember his previous birth and could be relieved of the curse if he did penance in a pushkarani (holy waters), praying to Soundararaja Perumal at Valmiki kshetram for 48 days. This the Rishi did, the curse was released, and he regained his former body.

The Valmiki kshetram referred to here is Thiru Anbil, which is situated 5 miles east of Lalgudi, in Tiruchy District of Tamil Nadu. It is the birthplace of the great sage, Valmiki, and is one of the 108 Divya Desams. The temple pushkarani (theertham) is known as Mandooka Pushkarani.

Thiru Anbil temple is believed to have been built by the Medieval Cholas of the late 8th century A.D., with later construction by the Vijayanagar kings and Madurai Nayaks. The copper plate inscriptions from Anbil indicate generous contributions by the Chola kings to the temple. A granite wall surrounds the temple, enclosing all its shrines and theertham. The rajagopuram, the temple's gateway tower, is east facing and has a 3-tier structure. The temple is located on the banks of river Kollidam. Sundararajan Perumal (Lord Visnu) is believed to have appeared to Brahma and sage Suthaba.

[Tamohara dasa ADMIN.]

Bhrigu Rishi

BY: SUN STAFF

Bhrigu Rishi

Sep 03, 2014 — CANADA (SUN) — A study of the famous Rishis and Munis of Vedic literature.

Maharishi Bhrigu is not only one of the seven great sages, or Saptarshis, he is principal among the Prajapatis. Like other Rishis previously discussed, Bhrigu is considered manasa-putra, a mind-born-son of Lord Brahma. In Bhagavad-gita 10.25 Lord Krsna states:

maharsinam bhrgur aham
giram asmy ekam aksaram
yajnanam japa-yajno 'smi
sthavaranam himalayah

"Of the great sages I am Bhrgu; of vibrations I am the transcendental om. Of sacrifices I am the chanting of the holy names [japa], and of immovable things I am the Himalayas."

PURPORT

Brahma, the first living creature within the universe, created several sons for the propagation of various kinds of species. Among these sons, Bhrgu is the most powerful sage. …"

Along with Manu, Bhrigu contributed to the Manu-smriti, which was constituted out of a sermon to a gathering of great saints in Brahmavarta, after great floods in the area some 10,000 years ago. Rishi Bhrigu is also credited with being the original compiler of predictive astrology, and he is the author of Bhrigu Samhita, the classic jyotish sastra.

Bhrigu Rishi's asrama was on the bank of the Vadhusar River, a tributory of Drishadwati River near Dhosi Hill, in the Vedic state of Brahmavarta, which is on the border of present day Haryana and Rajasthan states. According to the Skanda Purana, Bhrigu migrated to Bhrugukucch Bharuch on the banks of Narmada River in Gujarat, leaving his son Chyavana at Dhosi Hill.

He was married to Khyati, the daughter of Daksha. They had two sons, Dhata and Vidhata. His daughter Sri or Bhargavi, married Lord Vishnu (Narayana). Bhrigu had one more son through Kavyamata (Usana). This son was Shukra, learned sage and guru of the asuras. The Sage Chyavana was his son through Puloma. [Maha:1.5]

Sage Bhrigu is mentioned in the Shiva Purana and Vayu Purana, where he is described as having been present during the great Yagna of Daksha Prajapati (his father-in-law). He supported the continuation of the Yagna of Daksha even after being warned that without an offering for Lord Shiva, he would be asking for catastrophe on everyone present there. This story will be covered in our next segment.

REFERENCES

Mahabharata translated by Kisari Mohan Ganguli (1883 -1896), Book 2: Sabha Parva: Lokapala Sabhakhayana Parva, section:XI. p. 25
A.V. Sankran, Saraswati - the ancient river lost in the desert, Current Science, 1997, Vol. 72, pages 160-61
Brigu www.urday.in
Vishnu Purana 'Sacrifice of Daksha' from the Vayu Purana. The Vishnu Purana, translated by Horace Hayman Wilson, 1840. 67:6
Bhagavad-gita As It Is 10.25
Wikipedia

Bhrigu Rishi, Part 2

BY: SUN STAFF

Sati at her Father Daksha's Yagna; Rishi Bhrigu on left
British Museum Collection

Sep 04, 2014 — CANADA (SUN) — A study of the famous Rishis and Munis of Vedic literature.

There are several narratives about Rishi Bhrigu and the great fire yagna carried out under his supervision. One describes how many great sages were gathered on the bank of the River Sarasvati to participate in a maha-yagya, with Maharishi Bhrigu present. All the great saints and sages could not decide Who, out of the Trimurti of Lord Vishnu, Brahma and Shiva, was pre-eminent and should be offered the designation of pradhanta (master) of that yagya. With the consent of all the gathered saints, it was decided that Maharishi Bhrigu would determine who was pre-eminent in this regard.

Rishi Bhrigu first decided to test decided Lord Brahma, and went to see him in Brahmaloka. Arriving there, Maharishi displayed utter disrespect to Lord Brahma, on purpose. Lord Brahma became angry and wanted to punish the Rishi, but Goddess Saraswati saved Maharishi from his anger. Maharishi Bhrigu then cursed Lord Brahma that no one would worship him in Kaliyuga. To this day, there are very few temples devoted to Lord Brahma (the notable exception being the Brahma Temple at Pushkar). [This is one of several narrations on why Brahma is no longer worshipped.]

Bhrigu Rishi next visited Lord Shiva at Kailash Parvata. Arriving there, Nandi stopped him from going inside because at that time, Shiva and Parvati were engaged in sporting pastimes. Bhrigu cursed Lord Shiva to be only worshipped in Linga form.

Then in order to test Lord Vishnu, Maharishi reached Vaikunth Dhama. He entered the Dhama without the Lord's permission and saw that He was taking rest. Maharishi asked him to wake up, but Lord Visnu was in deep sleep. On seeing no reaction from the Lord, the Rishi hit Him on the chest. The outline of that mark is known as sri-vatsa).

On realizing that the Rishi had hit him with his foot, Lord Visnu asked him, "Maharishi, are you hurt in your foot? My chest is strong but your foot is not so strong". Seeing the decorum of Lord Vishnu, Bhrigu was pleased and declared him superior amongst the Trideva.

Goddess Laxmi also witnessed the event, and could not tolerate the disrespect displayed by Bhrigu towards Lord Vishnu. She cursed him that henceforth, she would never visit Brahmins and they will all live in the absence of wealth.

Hearing this curse from Maha Laxmi, Maharishi told her the true purpose of visiting Vaikunth Dhama and his mission of testing. Laxmi thus amended her position, saying that whenever a Brahmin worships Lord Vishnu, he will be liberated from the curse.

After this incident Bhrigu Rishi wrote his Bhrigu-samhita, to help the Brahmins earn their living. Maharishi Bhrigu collected numbers of birth charts, wrote predictions for their full lives and compiled them together in what is today known as the Bhrigu-samhita. While much of the Bhrigu-samhita was destroyed over the ages, a few parts of the book are said to still exist in Hoshiarpur, a city in the Punjab.

 

REFERENCES

Brigu www.urday.in
Wikipedia

[Tamohara dasa ADMIN.]

Rishis

BY: SUN STAFF

The Saptarishis: (top left and clockwise: Vishwamitra, Jamadagni, Gautama,
Vasishtha, Attri, Bharadwaj and Kashyapa
Pahari, c. 1700

Sep 16, 2014 — CANADA (SUN) — A study of the famous Rishis and Munis of Vedic literature.

Conclusion

Our brief series on the Saptarishis offers only a glimpse of the many Rishis glorified in Vedic literature, what to speak of the breadth and depth of Vedic knowledge they have imparted. The Saptarishis and other Maharishis deliver the Absolute Truth in the form of mantram, and demonstrate for humanity knowledge in all areas of life, from performing yagna to varnasrama, yoga, science, cosmology, physics, ayurveda, mathematics, astrology and palmistry, samvat, vimana and space travel, and medicine.

These divine personalities appear across the ages, in the different Manvantaras. Vedic literature mentions ancient and medieval Rishis, but also 'modern' Rishis from the ancient Vedic period. We know of no definitive count of the number of Rishis -- not even an exact count of the Saptarishis, what to speak of the inconceivable number of others. As mentioned in our segment on Kratu Rishi, his sons, the Valkhilyas, alone numbered 60,000.

In general, the Rishis are distinguished by their empowerment to hear or envision, and impart Vedic mantras. Of course, each of these mantra drashtas also have attributed to them a long list of devotional potencies, achievements and pastimes. They deliver the Absolute Truth in sound vibration, and establish that Truth as it is embodied in all forms of social activity: science, medicine, household life, agriculture, etc. As described in the Mahabharata:

yugante anterhitan vedan setihasan maharshayah
tapasya lebhire purvamanugyatah swayambhuway

"Those are the rishis who brought back the Mantras from oblivion through their penance. After the deluge and at the end of a yuga, the Vedas were lost in the oblivion. They were brought back by the Maharshis who recreated them through penance at the beginning of another."

The Rig Veda 10.71.3 states:

yagyena vachah padveeyama
ayantamnvavindannrishishu pravishtham
tamabhritya vyadadhuh purutra
tam sapta rebha abhi sam navante

'The learned or the Rishis receive the meaning of great words through their indulgence into yajna or magnanimous deeds. The words were revealed to and received by the heart of the essence-knowing Rishis. After receiving they popularised them. In this way they expressed them in the form of prayers.' ['By means of the sacrifices they (the Brahamanas) found the meaning of the speech which they found dwelling in the Rishis.']

Beginning with the original four Rishis, the four Kumaras -- Sanaka, Sanandana, Sanatana, and Sanat -- countless Rishis have manifest over the ages. There exists a particular hierarchy and what might be loosely described as a 'transcendental competition' among the Rishis. There are the Munis who aspire to be Rishis, and Rishis who aspire, through prayer and penance, to be Maharshis and Brahmarishis.

There are also the divine kings who became Rishis, known as the Rajarishis, as well as the Devarishis, who travel freely among the demigods throughout the three worlds. Among the latter group, Rishi Narada is the most famous of all. And of course, Srila Vedavyasa is the spotless Rishi and deliverer of Vedanta.

It would no doubt take many lifetimes to catalog the glorious pastimes of the Vedic Rishis, who are scattered like gems on the beach of Sri Krsna's all-pervading transcendental ocean. But one could begin right here, with a list of more than 400 of these divine personalities:

Abhitapa Abhivarta Aditi Agastya Aghamarshana Aghashansa Agni Agni Chakshusha Agni Ghishnya Agni Pavaka Agni Shouchika Agni Sthore Agni Tapas Agni Vaishvanar Ahomug Aja Ajamilah Akrishta Masha Aksha Amaheeyu Ananata Andhugi Ang Aurava Anil Apala Apastamba Apratiratha Arbuda Archan Archanana Aristanemi Arun Aruni Asang Ashataka Ashtavakra Ashtradanshtra Ashvinni Kumars Ashvalya Ashvamedha Ashva-samudri Asita Asvasukti Atharva Atharvana Atma Atri Atri Sankhya Avasyu Avatsara Ayasya Ayu Ayungkshvahi Babhru Badarayani Bahubrikta Bandhu Baru Basu Basukarna Basushruta Bhaga Bhagali Bhaka Bharadvaja Bharata Bharge Bhikshu Bhishka Bhrigu Bhringira Bhutansha Bhuvan Bihavya Bindu Brahma Svayambhu Brahmacharis Brahmanaspati Brahmatithi Brihadasva Brihadiva Brihaduktha Brihaspati Brishakapi Budha Chakshu Manava Chakshu Sourya Charak Chatana Chyavana Dadhici Dakhina Daman Dattatreya Deerghatamas Deorata Devala Devamuni Devapi Devashrava Devavat Dhanapati Dhanvantari Dharma Sourya Dharma Tapasa Dharun Dhaumya Dhaymya

Dhruva Dhyumna Divya Dravinoda Druhavana Dulahchyuta Durmitra Durvasa Duvasyu Dyumnika Dyutana Edhmavaha Ekadyu Esha Eta Gagi Garga Gathi Gatu Gauriviti Gautama Gavistir Gaya Ghore Ghosha Godha Gopatha Gopavan Gosukti Gritsamada Gurutmana Haimavarchi Harimant Haryat Havirdhana Hiranyagarbha Hiranyastupa Indra Indra Matas Indra Mushkavana Indra Pramati Indragni Indrani Irimbithi Jaimi Jamadagni Jaratkaru Jatikayana Jeta Kabandha Kakshivana Kali Kanada Kandu Kankayana Kanva Kapila Kapinjala Kapota Karnashruda Kashipa Kasyapa Kata Katyayana Kaurupathi Kaushika Kavash Ketu Khara Krisha Kritnu Kumar Kurma Kurusuti Kushika Kusidi Kutsa Latyayana Laughakshi Lomasha Lopamudra Lusha Lushodhanaka Madhuchchanda Mahidasa Maitreya Maitreyi Mandavya Mandhata Yauvanas Mandukhy Manu Manu Apasava Manu Sanvarana Manyu Markandeya Marudganas Matanga Matarishva Matasya Matrinama Mauktavaha Medhatithi Medhva Mrigari Mrikandu Mudgala Nabha Nabhaka

Nabhanedishtha Nadya Nahusha Nar Narada Narayana Nema Nidhrubi Nimi Nipatithi Nodha Nrimedha Ournavabha Paila Panini Parasara Parasurama Paruchchhepa Parvata Patang Patanjali Pativedana Paur Pavitra Payu Pippalada Prabhubasu Pracheta Pradurakshi Praibhanu Prajapati Praskanva Prasyavan Pratardhana Pratha Pratichhatra Pratiprabha Pratiratha Prayoga Prishadhra Prishina Prithu Priyamegha Punarvatsa Purana Puru Puruhanma Purumedha Purumilah Purumilaha Pushtigu Rahugana Rakshoha Ramyakshi Ratahavya Ratri Rebha Ribhu Rijishva Rinanchaya Rishabh Romasha Sadanad Sadaprina Sadhvansa Sahasra Sakyayana Sambanana Samiga Samvarta Sandhri Sandipani Sanjivani Vidya Sankusuka Sanvaran Sapratha Saptagu Saptavadhri Sapti Sarasvati Sasa Satyadhriti Satyashrava Satyatapa Savita Shakaputa Shakti Shaktyayana Shambhu Shandilya Shantati Shanyu Sharangagana Sharyta Shasavati Shashakarna Shatatapa Shaunaka Shikhandini Shirimbitha Shivi Aushiner Shraddha Kamayani Shringa Shrushtigu Shrutabandhu Shrutakaksha Shrutavita Shuastya

Shukra Shunahotra Shyavasva Shyumarashmi Sindhudvipa Sindhukshita Sishu Snusha Sobhari Soma Somahuti Somaka Soma-shushma Sons of Kratu Sons of Vrishagir Stayavrata Subandhu Suditi Suhotra Sukadeva Sukaksha Sukesha Sukriti Suniti Sunu Suparna Suparna Surya Savitri Sushruta Sutambhar Suvedas Svastya Svaya Svanaya Svasa Tanva Tapu Mrudha Tiraschi Trasadasyu Trayaruna Trishira Trishoka Trita Uchathya Uchchhochana Uddalaka Ula Unmochana Upamanyu Uparibhrava Upastuta Urdhagrava Urdhvakrishana Urdhvanabha Urdhvasadama Uru Uruchakri Urukshaya Utakila Utathaya Vaishampayana Valmiki Vamadeva Vamdeo Vamra Varun Vasha Vashishtha Vashistha Putragan Vasuyu Vatapi Vatsa Vatsapri Vatsyayana Vavri Veda Vyasa Veetahavya Vena Vibhandhaka Vidarbhi Viprabandhu Virupa Vishnu Prajapatya Vishravas Vishvamitra Vishvasama Vishvavara Vishvamitra Visvaka Visvamana Vyaghrapada Vyasva Yagyavalkya Yajata Yayati Nahusha Yevaya

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Vasistha Rishi, Part Three

BY: SUN STAFF

Vasistha (on asana), Vishvamitra, Khamadhenu and Nandini

Sep 07, 2014 — CANADA (SUN) — A study of the famous Rishis and Munis of Vedic literature.

As the story continues of Rishi Vasistha's great feud with the sage Vishvamitra, after the untimely death of his sons at the hand of his nemesis, his life was renewed by the discovery that a grandson, Parashara, was to be born.

Despite his personal situation the Rishi, being of spotless character, performed many selfless deeds. Having freed Kalmashapada from the bonds of being a rakshasa, Vasistha's noble spirit became known even to Vishvamitra. And even though his own sons had been slain, Vasistha was willing to assist king Dileep, who was suffering a barren marriage.

When the king came to Vasistha for help, he explained to the king that the reason for his being childless was due to his having offended Khamadhenu, by walking past her without greeting her. The Rishi thus instructed the king that if he would serve Kamadhenu's child, the calf Nandini for 21 days, he would beget a child.

The king did as Vasistha Rishi instructed, but on the 21st day a strange occurrence took place. Nandini was attacked by a lion. King Dileep drew his bow to shoot the lion, but found that his arm was paralyzed, and he could not shoot. Realizing that the lion had some mystic powers, he begged it to let Nandini go, and to instead take him as his prey.

Just as the king was about to give up his life, the lion disappeared. Nandini then explained that this had been a test, admirably passed by the king, and that he would now beget the desired son, who became known as Raghu.

 

Vasistha summons the divine cow Sabala for Vishvamitra
Persian Miniature, 16th c.

Brahmarishi Vasistha's long feud with Vishvamitra came to an end one night, when Vishvamrita came to kill the great Rishi. On reaching his ashram, Vishvamitra overheard Mahrishi Vasistha saying to his wife, "On this moonlit night, only a person like Vishvamitra can engage himself in tapas to please God." Hearing these words of praise, Vishvamitra became greatly ashamed. He repented by throwing away his weapons and falling at the feet of Rishi Vasistha.

Vasistha also had an asrama near Ayodhya, which covered over 40 acres. The King of Ayodhya at that time was King Ishvaku. When drought or famine plagued the people, the Rishi would produce rains through his tapobal (powers acquired through penance). He also caused the Saryu River to flow to the dhama, bringing needed water. And if the royal family of Ayodhya faced any difficulties, Brahmarishi Vasishta would remove them. Vasistha's Ayodhya asrama exists to this day, although now situated on just a quarter-acre of land. The asrama's well is believed to be the source of the river Saryu.

Likewise, when Bhagirath became tired in his efforts to induce Mother Ganga to pour her waters onto the Earth planet, it was Vasistha Rishi who encouraged him, giving him the requisite mantra to accomplish the deed.

Mahrishi Vasistha authored the great work, Yogvashishtha, which is a treatise on spiritual knowledge. Many of his excellent pastimes are mentioned in sastra, each one demonstrating his great nobility of spirit, loyalty, and adherence to proper dharma.

[Tamohara dasa ADMIN.]

Angira Rishi

BY: SUN STAFF

Angira Rishi
Patna, 19th c.
British Museum Collection

Aug 25, 2014 — CANADA (SUN) — A study of the famous Rishis and Munis of Vedic literature.

Angiras, or Angirā Rishi is a great sage who, along with sage Atharvan, is credited with having formulated ("heard") most of the fourth Veda, the Atharva Veda. He is also mentioned in the other three Vedas. While the lists differ somewhat from text to text (no doubt also from age to age), Angira is often included as one of the Saptarishis, or Seven Great Sages of the first Manvantara. He is also known as one of the ten Manasaputras -- the wish-born sons of Lord Brahma.

The wife of Angiras is Surūpa, and the two bore three sons: Utathya, Samvartana and Brihaspati. Other accounts are found referring to the Rishi's marriages to Smriti, the daughter of Daksha, and also to Shraddha.

The name Angirasas is applied generically to several Puranic individuals and things: a class of Pitris, the ancestors of man, who may be descended from the sage Angiras. In the Rigveda, Agni is also sometimes referred to as Angiras, or as a descendant of Angiras (RV 1.1). Mandala 6 of the Rigvedais attributed to a family of Angirasas.

Agneya (the daughter of Agni and Agnayi) is considered to be the mother of Angiras. In the Rigveda there is a description of Lord Indra, driving out the cows from the cave where they had been imprisoned by the demon Vala, or by multiple demons (the Panis). Indra gifted the cows to the Angirasas (RV 3.31, 10.108, and 8.14).

 

Birth of Angirasa Maharshi

In order to assist him in the process of Creation, Lord Brahma created his first sons: the Manasaputras and Prajapatis. After some time, by his will (ichha), he gave birth to another son from his budhhi (thus the son is called Manasa putra - a child borne out of divine intellect). This son is Angirasa. Brahma granted him a great divine glow, tejas, which is not a physical glow, but rather a transcendental emanation that can fill the three worlds.

Giving his first instructions to his son Angirasa, Lord Brahma said:

"O Angirasa, you are my third "manasa putra" (the one born out of divine intellect). My creation is multiplying with several worlds and species. Humans and other species are growing in numbers and generations. And welfare of this creation is your purpose. Your mission is to come to me whenever I remember or recall you and fulfill my word from time to time. Whatever I design as your duty for the welfare the creation, you must do. You must now go on a very long and unbroken penance and bequeath its fruit to the welfare of all beings in the creation. You must remain so till I order you again, to take up family life (Grihasta Ashrama)."

Angirasa replied,

"You are the reason for my birth and of all this creation. And therefore, you are my almighty Lord. You create us with infinite and unconditional love. You are all knowing. You are omnipotent. You created me with a purpose in mind. Though you do not need anybody's assistance, you are asking me to do this penance. I shall consider it as your grace and opportunity to serve you. I will obey your every word."

Angira proceeded to perform intense penance. Turning his senses inward and meditating on Para-Brahman, his tejas increased infinitely by his penance. Having attained many divine qualities, powers, and riches, and control over many worlds, Angiras still remained oblivious to material desires, and did not stop his tapas. He thus attained the state of brahmarshi. The great Rishi had visions of many Vedic mantras and brought them to the Earth planet, where he is known as the source of a great number of Vedic hymns and mantras. The whole creation was blessed by the wisdom from his Word.

Queen Choladevi before the Hermit-Sage Angiras
Vrataraja - Punjab/Guler, c. 1790
Metropolitan Museum Collection

In the painting above we see Queen Choladevi, whose husband had been blessed by Laksmi Devi. Choladevi did not recognize the Goddess of Fortune when she arrived at the Queen's mansion in disguise. For her neglect, the Queen was cursed and given the head of a sow. She fled to the sage Angiras, who taught her the secret of a Mahalakshmi vrata, through the potency of which she was able to be restored to her human form.

Source: Inhabitants of the Worlds

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Chyavana Rishi BY: SUN STAFF Sage Chyavana Pahari, c. 1650 Aug 24, 2014 — CANADA (SUN) — A study of the famous Rishis and Munis of Vedic literature. Chyavana Rishi was the son of Sage Bhrigu, progenitor of the great lineage of descendants known as the Bhargavas (or Dhusars). The Mahabharata states that Chyavana was powerful enough to oppose the Vajra of Indra. He created the Mada demon to help the Ashvins get their fair share of the sacrificial offerings. Rishi Chyavana is also known for his rejuvenation, achieved through a special herbal paste known as Chyawanprash. This medication was first prepared for him some 10,000 years ago at his ashram on Dhosi Hill, in the Aravali mountains along the border of Haryana and Rajasthan. The hermitage of Bhrigu Rishi is also located near Dhosi Hill, in the state of Brahmavarta on the confluence of the sacred Saraswati and Drishadwati rivers. The Padma Purana (Patala Khanda, Ch.8) puts the Rishi's hermitage along the Satpura Range, near the river Payoshni. Chyavana is mentioned in the Rigveda, which describes him as an aged and feeble person whose youth and strength was restored by the twin Ashvini Kumar brothers, who were the Rajya Vaids or 'State Doctors'. According to a hymn of this text (Rg X.61.1-3), Because he was closer to the Ashvins, Chyavana was apparently opposed to Turvayana, a Paktha king and Indra worshipper of the day. According to one tradition, Chyavana married Vaivasvata Manu's daughter Arushi and their son was Aurva. According to another tradition, he married Sukanya, daughter of the Vedic king Sharyati and granddaughter of Vaivasvata Manu. They had two sons, Apnavana and Dadhicha. Of course, both could be correct. He is also noted as the father of Harita. Mahabharata Adi Parva 5-6 narrates that when Bhrigu's wife Puloma was pregnant and lived in her hermitage, a Rakshasa harassed her there. Puloma's child slipped from her womb, a condition producing what in Sanskrit is called a chyut (premature) child. This child was given the name Chyavana. The Rakshasa, seeing the child drop released his mother but immediately converted into ashes. Penance and rejuvenation The earliest version of the narrative of Chyavana's practice of austerities and subsequent restoration of youth is found in the Brahmanas. A later version of this narrative is found in the Mahabharata. More later versions are also found in the Bhagavata and Padma Puranas. The Satapatha Brahmana (IV.1.5.1-13) states that while all the Bhrigus, the descendants of the Angirasas, were away, Chyavana with his senile body was living in his ashram at Dhosi Hill. King Sharyati, the son of Manu once came near the hermitage while hunting with his army. Sharyati's daughter Sukanya along with friends were also with him. She went to Chyavana Rishi's Ashram, where the Rishi was in meditation. White ants had covered his body and only his eyes were visible. Not knowing it was a human, Sukanya pierced the Rishi's eyes. Chyavana was in pain and became furious, and his curse created discord amongst Sharyati's army. When Sharyati found the cause of his misfortune, he offered his daughter Sukanya in marriage to Chayavana, so that she could take care of the Rishi.   Sukanya appeals to the Aswini Kumaras Later on, the Ashvins came to Chayavana's ashram and tried to entice Sukanya, who refused to leave her husband. She instead asked the Ashvins to restore Chyavana's youth. Following their advice, Chyavana's youthful health was restored by a combination of three treatments. Certain herbs were put into a pond and the Rishi was asked to have a dip in that pond, known as Chandra Koop. Even today, this theertham is found at Dhosi Hill. One herbal paste was prepared for application on the Rishi's body and another, Chyawanprash, was prepared for the Rishi to take as medicine. In return for their ministrations, the Ashvins obtained a share in the sacrificial offerings in Kurukshetra, on Sukanya's suggestion. In the Aitareya Brahmana (VIII.21.4), the inauguration of Sharyata by him is compared with Indra's coronation. In a narrative found in the Anushasana Parva (Ch.52-56) of the Mahabharata, Chayvana exacted many menial offices from king Kushika and his queen for 21 days. Later, he was pleased by their devotion and rewarded them by creating a magical palace of gold and predicting the birth of their grandson Vishvamitra, who would be endued with great energy, and would attain the status of a Brahmana. Sources: Mahabharata, Padma Purana, Wiki

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Bharadvaja Rishi

BY: SUN STAFF

Bharadwaja Rishi
Company School, Patna, 19th c.
British Museum Collection

Aug 28, 2014 — CANADA (SUN) — A study of the famous Rishis and Munis of Vedic literature.

Bharadwaja is famously known as the personal Rishi of Sri Rama, Sita and Laksmana. He spent time with them during their exile, and like the sage Vasistha, there are many paintings which depict Rama and His associates in the forest, at the hermitage of Bharadwaja. While they trio met many sages and rishis in the forest, including Agastya and Gautama, they rested at Bharadvaja's asrama when they were crossing Prayag. At his hermitage they accepted Bharadwaja's offerings, given by him in recognition of Rama's identity as God.

Bharadwaja was a descendant of Angira Rishi, and he is one of the Saptarishis in the present Manvantara. Bharadvāja Bahaspatya is the progenitor of the Bharadwaja family, who are attributed with composing the Sixth Mandala of the Rgveda. Mandala 6 is also known as the 'Bharadvaja Family Book', because all 75 of its hymns are composed by a member of this great family over several centuries.

Bharadwaja Rishi is said to be a contemporary of King Bharata. Maharsi Bharadwaja and his descendants served as the highly respected rishis and priests of several dynasties of the Puru tribe, including the Bharatas and the Pancalas.

Bharadwaja is also famously known as the father of Dronacarya and the grandfather of Asvatthama, as stated in the Mahabharata.

style='text-align:justify'>Bharadwaja Rishi was himself the son of Devarsi Brhaspati, who was the son of Rishi Angirasa. These 3 great Rishis are known as the Traya Rishi, or the Three Rishis of Bharadwaja Gotra, the largest and one of the most prominent gotras.

Bharadwaja became married to Suseela and had a son called Garga, and was also the husband of the Apsara, Ghritachi. It was Ghritachi with whom he father Dronacharya. With Suseela he father a daughter, Devavamini Yajnavaikya, the half-sister of Dronacharya. Devavamini became the second wife of Yajnavalkya Katyayani, who authored the Satapatha Brahmana.

 

Sri Rama, Sita and Laksmana at the Hermitage of Bharadvaja Rishi
Ramayana, c. 1780
British Museum Collection

The Vedic scholarship of Rishi Bharadwaja is inconceivably great. He authored the Dharmasutra and Srautasutra. The manuscript of the latter was in Pandu script and is apparently in the case of the Visvavidyalaya of Mumbai.

Bharadwaja was an accomplished grammarian. Brahma taught grammar to Brhaspati, who taught it to Indra, who in turn taught it to Bharadwaja. The great philosophers Panini, Rkpratisakhya and Taittiriya have all quoted and discussed Bharadwaja on grammar. Kautilya (Chanakya) has quoted Bharadwaja on politics in his Kautilya Arthasastra.

Bharadwaja Rishi was a disciple of Gautama Maharshi (one of the Saptarishis) as well as of Valmiki, another great Muni. He was a first-hand witness to the incident of the Krauncha birds, at which time Valmiki uttered his first sloka of the Ramayana.

Bharadvāja in Buddhism

In the Buddhist Vinaya Pitaka of the Mahavagga (I.245), the Buddha pays respects to Bharadwaja by declaring that the Veda in its true form was declared to the Vedic rishis: "Atthako, Vâmako, Vâmadevo, Vessâmitto, Yamataggi, Angiras, Bhâradvâjo, Vâsettho, Kassapo, and Bhagu", and because that true Veda was altered by some priests he refused to pay homage to it.

REFERENCES:

P. 494 The Pali-English dictionary By Thomas William Rhys Davids, William Stede
http://rigvedaanalysis.wordpress.com/2012/01/24/bharadvajas/
http://ancientindians.net/rshis-rishis-rushis/bharadwaja/
Inhabitants of the Worlds Mahānirvāṇ Tantra, translated by Arthur Avalon, (Sir John Woodroffe), 1913, Introduction and Preface
P. 245 The Vinaya piṭakaṃ: one of the principle Buddhist holy scriptures ..., Volume 1 edited by Hermann Oldenberg
The Vinaya Pitaka's section Anguttara Nikaya: Panchaka Nipata, P. 44
Wikipedia

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Pulaha Rishi

BY: SUN STAFF

The Seven Rishis
[ Photo courtesy P. Anand @ Flikr ]

Sep 11, 2014 — CANADA (SUN) — A study of the famous Rishis and Munis of Vedic literature.

Pulaha Rishi is another of the manasa-putra Prajapatis, and a Saptarishi from the first Manvantara. He was born from the navel of Lord Brahma. He was burned due to a curse made by Lord Shiva, then was born again in Vaivasvata Manvantara, this time from Agni's hair.

During his birth in the first Manvantara, Rishi Pulaha was married to another of Daksha's daughters, Kshama. Together they had three sons, Kardama, Kanakapeetha and Urvarivat, and a daughter named Peevari.

There are numerous other mentions of his wives, although we don't know which were co-wives, and which were wives during other births.

According to Bhagavat Purana Pulaha Rishi was also married to Gati, a daughter of Kardama and Devahuthi. The two had three sons – Karmasreshtta, Vareeyaamsu and Sahishnu. Gathi's name is sometimes stated as 'Trinity', and their childrens' names as Kardam, Arvaveera and Sahishnu. In either case, this Kardama is not the same as Kardama Rishi, who manifested from Brahma's shadow.

And there are several other names of Rishi Pulaha's wives: Sandhya, Mrugi, Mrugamanda, Haribhadra, Iravati, Kapishaa, Danshtra, Risha, Tirya, Shweta, Sarama and Surasa. One of his asramas was at Haridwar.

As mentioned in our last segment, Pulaha is named among the principal Saptarishis, or those most often listed from the first Manvantara: Bhrigu, Angiras, Marici, Atri, Vasistha, Pulastya, Pulaha and Kratu. The last three of these Rishis are said to have not produced true Brahmin stock. Krathu gave birth to pygmy sons, Pulastya was the progenitor of the Raksasas, Vanaras, Kinnaras and Yaksas, and Pulaha was progenitor of the Kimpurusas, Pisacas, goblins, lions, tigers and other animals. As Pulaha Rishi produced non-human sons like deer, lion, tiger, etc., his sons were not well-behaved therefore he adopted Agastya's son, Drudhasya.

Lord Balarama once visited Pulaha Rishi's asrama, as stated in Srimad Bhagavatam 10.79:

anu-srotena sarayum
prayagam upagamya sah
snatva santarpya devadin
jagama pulahasramam

The Lord followed the course of the Sarayu until He came to Prayaga, where He bathed and then performed rituals to propitiate the demigods and other living beings. Next He went to the asrama of Pulaha Rishi.

In his Purport, Srila Prabhupada mentions that this Pulahasrama is also known as Hari-kshetra.

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Pulastya Rishi BY: SUN STAFF Pulastya Rishi bringing Govardhana to Vraja Sep 08, 2014 — CANADA (SUN) — A study of the famous Rishis and Munis of Vedic literature. Pulastya Rishi is another of the Prajapati, or mind-born sons of Brahma, and is among the Saptarishis in the first Manvantara. He was the medium through which some of the Puranas were communicated to man. He received the Vishnu Purana from Lord Brahma and communicated it to Parashara, who delivered it to mankind. All the Rakshasas are said to have come from Rishi Pulastya's line. Pulastya was married to one of Kardama muni's nine daughters, Havirbhoo. They had two sons - Maharshi Agastya and Visravas. Visravas and his wife Kekasi bore Ravana, Kumbhakarna and Vibhishana. With his wife Ilavida, he had the son, Kubera. Idvidaa was the daughter of Trinbindu and Alambushaa Apsara of the Marut lineage, who was a Chakravartee Raajaa and was in the lineage of Vaivaswat Manu Shraadhdev. He used all gold pots in his yagya, and gave so much wealth to the Brahmins that they left many things behind. This was the same gold which Yudhishthira took and used for his yagya. Pulastya Rishi, being the grandfather of Ravana, once saved him from Sahastrabahu. Sahastrabahu was the King of Mahishmati Puree, who killed Maharshi Parasuram's father, the Rishi Jamdagni. To take revenge for his father's death, Parasuram fought with him bravely and created five ponds from their blood. Sahastrabahu is also known as Kaartveerya Arjuna, but because of his thousand arms he was known as Sahastrabahu. Once Sahastrabahu took Ravana to his palace and imprisoned him in his stables, after a fight the two got into because the king had diverted the Naramada River's water, in which Ravana was trying to bathe. Quarreling with the king, Ravana ended up in the stables. Pulastya Rishi intervened to save his grandson, and Sahastrabahu consented out of respect for the great Rishi to let him go. Sahastrabahu then demonstrated his friendship by giving many gems, fine clothing, etc. Among Pulastya Rishi's many pastimes, the one perhaps best loved by the Vaisnavas is the story of Pulastya delivering Sri Govardhana Hill to Vraja. As described in Sri Vraja-mandala Parikrama: "Once Pulastya, one of the seven munis, as he was touring all the holy places, became stunned upon seeing the beautiful trees, wonderful flowers, fruits, and gardens that the exquisitely beautiful son of Dronacala, Giriraja Govardhana, possessed. Pulastya Muni went before Dronacala and, showing him great worship and honor, said to him, in this way, that he was a Kasi-vasi muni, Kasi has the Ganga, Visvesvara Mahadeva, and sinful persons there receive sadhya-mukti, liberation as their final goal, but they want to perform tapasya there by establishing Govardhana at Kasi. Pulastya Muni prayed to Dronacala like this to give his son, Govardhana, to him. Dronacala was very affectionate to his son, but fearing the curse of the muni, said "How will you be able to take Govardhana? Govardhana is eight yojanas (64 miles) long, five yojanas (40 miles) broad, and two yojanas (16 miles) high." This question was asked before Pulastya Muni who had replied that he could easily take it on one hand! [The Garga-Samhita describes Giriraja Govardhana's breadth as eight yojanas, namely sixty-four miles. But materialistic vision sees it and hears it as only seven miles at present. The parikrama path is fourteen miles.] Govardhana agreed to go along with the muni on one condition, "Muni, wherever you place me down due to the heavy weight, there I will remain." Pulastya Muni promised, "He would take Govardhana to Kasi, not putting him down anywhere on the road." The powerful father of Govardhana, Dronacala, offered pranams and then the muni lifted up Govardhana in his right hand and slowly began to proceed forward. As he proceeded the best of the munis came to Vraja-mandala. Upon seeing Vraja-mandala's unparalleled beauty where Sri Krishna's balya-lila, childhood pastimes, and kaisora-lila, adolescent pastimes, were performed, and remembrance of the Yamuna, gopas and gopis, and Krishna's pastimes with the youthful Sri Radhika and Her associates, Govardhana had no desire to go to any other place, leaving Vraja. In this way Govardhana became so heavy that the muni felt ill and forgot his own promising talk and thus set Govardhana down upon the ground of Vraja. The best of munis, upon completing his bodily purifications, again began to request Govardhana to come and sit upon his hand as he had done previously. But Govardhana did not accept his requests to get up. The best of the munis then tried himself to lift but he was unable to do so. Again by the condition of the prayer Govardhana did not want to go, so Pulastya Muni became extremely angry and said, "Because you did not fulfill my aspiration, every day you will decrease one sesame seed." From that time on Govardhana Hill shrunk one sesame seed per day." It is also said that when Pulastya Muni was flying over Vraja bhumi with Govardhana on his way to Kasi, it was Giriraja who increased His weight to the extent that the Rishi had to put Him down. And it was this that caused the Rishi 'sesame seed curse'. Later, giving up the veracity of his curse, the Rishi promised Giriraj that in the Dvapara Yuga, everybody would start worshipping him.

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Kratu Rishi

BY: SUN STAFF

Work of the Prajapatis
Anglo depiction, steel engraving c. 1850

Sep 09, 2014 — CANADA (SUN) — A study of the famous Rishis and Munis of Vedic literature.

Kratu Rishi, another of the Saptarishis, is mentioned in Mahabharata as being a Prajapati in the Swayambhuva Manvantara. He is the desired son of Lord Brahma, having been born from Brahma's hand. Kratu Rishi was the progenitor of 60,000 sons, who were collectively known as Valakhilyas. These sons were born to Kratu and his wife Santhati (Sannati), the daughter of Prajapati Daksha. (Bhagavat Purana)

Kratu Rishi had two sisters, Punya and Satyavati. He also took birth in Vaivasvata Manvantara due to Lord Shiva's boon, but in Vaivasvata era he had no family. Kratu was also a son of Sage Kardama. He adopted Rishi Agastya's son, Idhvaaha. He is considered to be one of the Bhargavas. In Matsya Purana, the name of Kratu Rishi's mother is mentioned as being Poulami.

Rishi Kratu is also known as one of the Viswadevas, comprised of: Kratu, Daksha, Vasu, Satya, Kaalakama, Muni, Kuraja, Manuja, Beeja and Rochaman. Further details on his ancestry will follow in a later segment.

The Sanskrit term 'kratu' refers to Vedic ritual. In Bhagavad-gita Lord Krsna states, 'I am the ritual, the sacrifice'. Although Rishi Kratu is not specifically named in the sloka or purport, Bhagavad-gita 9.16 is often mentioned with respect to krathu:

aham kratur aham yajnah
svadhaham aham ausadham
mantro 'ham aham evajyam
aham agnir aham hutam

SYNONYMS
aham -- I; kratuh -- Vedic ritual; aham -- I; yajnah -- smrti sacrifice; svadha -- oblation; aham -- I; aham -- I; ausadham -- healing herb; mantrah -- transcendental chant; aham -- I; aham -- I; eva -- certainly; ajyam -- melted butter; aham -- I; agnih -- fire; aham -- I; hutam -- offering.

TRANSLATION
"But it is I who am the ritual, I the sacrifice, the offering to the ancestors, the healing herb, the transcendental chant. I am the butter and the fire and the offering.

PURPORT
The Vedic sacrifice known as jyotistoma is also Krsna, and He is also the maha-yajna mentioned in the smrti. The oblations offered to the Pitrloka or the sacrifice performed to please the Pitrloka, considered as a kind of drug in the form of clarified butter, is also Krsna. The mantras chanted in this connection are also Krsna. And many other commodities made with milk products for offering in the sacrifices are also Krsna. The fire is also Krsna because fire is one of the five material elements and is therefore claimed as the separated energy of Krsna. In other words, the Vedic sacrifices recommended in the karma-kanda division of the Vedas are in total also Krsna. Or, in other words, those who are engaged in rendering devotional service unto Krsna are to be understood to have performed all the sacrifices recommended in the Vedas."

(Bhagavad-gita As It Is 9.16)

The story of Kratu Rishi's service to Lord Brahma as progenitor of the races involves a pastime with Rudra (Lord Shiva). Kratu received the title of Pashupati after punishing Prajapati Brahma for his sin activities.

Rudra inherited the role as the lord of beasts, wild and tame, including domestic cattle (pasus) and beasts of the forests (mrgas). In this context, pasu designates primarily the domestic animals or cattle used as sacrificial beasts in yagna, and those regarded as possessions.

The demigods had divided the beasts among themselves, but they excluded Rudra. Rudra therefore wished to kill them. When he was about to kill Prajapati, Prajapati promised to make him Pasupati (lord of the beasts), so Rudra refrained from killing him.

When the demigods then proceeded to perform a sacrifice without Rudra, he attacked them. During the attack, he knocked out the teeth of Pusana, took out the eyes of Bhaga, and severed the two testicles of Kratu. All the demigods who were reduced to the condition of beasts then went pleading to Rudra, but he said in anger, "You have not given me a share of the sacrifice, though I was created before these gods, and because of this I have deprived them of their knowledge and deformed them." They continued praising and trying to appease him, so Rudra said, "Let all of you be beasts and I will be your Lord, and then you will obtain release".

The gods agreed to this, thus Rudra became lord of the beasts, Pasupati. He then restored Pusana's teeth, Bhaga's eyes, and Kratu's testicles. (Maitreya Samhita 4.2.12)

It was after Kratu's testicles were restored that he married Daksha's daughter Sannati, whose name means 'humility'. They gave birth to 60,000 sons, known as the Valakhilyas (or Balakhhiyas). While great in number, their progeny were all pigmy sages, no bigger than the joint of the thumb.

According to Brahmanda Purana, when the world was created from the cosmic egg, the Saptarishis came into being. This purana also accounts for the 60,000 sons of Rishi Kratu. The Balakhhiyas are described as being chaste, pious, and as resplendent as the rays of the sun. All were brahmacharis and students of the Vedas. We will discuss them further in our next segment.

Kratu and Sannati are also said to have a daughter Punya (also the name of Kratu's sister) and a daughter-in-law, Parvasa.

Kratu Rishi, Part Two

BY: SUN STAFF

Garuda Saves the Valakhilya Rishis
[ Painting courtesy Himalayan Academy ]

Sep 10, 2014 — CANADA (SUN) — A study of the famous Rishis and Munis of Vedic literature.

Some of the details of Kratu Rishi's lineage and role as Saptarishi during various Manvantaras was mentioned in our first segment. In particular, the fact that he was the progenitor of 60,000 thumb-sized sons. This is but one of many pastimes associated with Rishi Kratu that are mentioned throughout sastra.

To this day, Brahmana families claim their descent from one or another of the Saptarishis. As mentioned in an earlier segment, there are various lists of the Saptarishis, covering different ages, but those considered to be among the eight primary Saptarishis are also those identified with lines of Brahmana families: Bhrigu, Angiras, Marici, Atri, Vasistha, Pulastya, Pulaha and Kratu.

Among these eight Rishi lineages, there are a few divisions corresponding to their progeny. The last three Rishis on this list are said to have not produced true Brahmin stock:

Pulastya was the progenitor of the Raksasas, Vanaras, Kinnaras and Yaksas

Pulaha was the progenitor of the Kimpurusas, Pisacas, goblins, lions, tigers and other animals

Kratu, according to some accounts, had no wife and remained celibate. There are other accounts (no doubt referring to his different births) in which his fatherhood of the pygmy Valakhilyas with wife, Sannati are mentioned.

The Maysya Purana provides detailed information on gotra parva nirnaya, which determines the gothras, vamshas and ancestry of the human races. By tracing the lineage downwards from Agni, we find that Kratu is mentioned under Agastya:

"The illustrious Agasthya -- who dried up the Ocean to kill Danavas, who got Vindhya bent down till date enabling Surya Deva to follow his course of movement around the Universe, and over-smarted Demon Vaataapi by digesting him for ever -- had an equally famed progeny including Karambha, Kousalya, Shakat, Sumedha, Mayobhuva, Gandharakayana, Poulastya, Poulaha and Kratuvamshotpanna. Their Pravara was Agastya, Mahendra and Mayobhava."

As Maharshi Kratu was childless, he adopted Agastya's son, Idhvaaha (Idhmavaaha). Thereafter, the lines of Kratu and Agasthya vamshas became unified.

Given Kratu Rishi's fame for being progenitor of 60,000 pygmy sons, we return now to complete that story, offering a few narrations of this pastime. The first is from the Astika Parva 30, Adi Parva of the Mahabharata, which tells the story of how Garuda saved Kratu's 60,000 rishi sons:

"Sauti said, 'At the very touch by Garuda of great might with his feet, the branch of the tree broke as it was caught by Garuda. Casting his eyes around in wonder he saw Valakhilya Rishis hanging therefrom with heads downwards and engaged in ascetic penances. Reflecting that if that bough fell down, the Rishis would be slain, the mighty one held the elephant and the tortoise still more firmly with his claws. And from fear of slaying the Rishis and desire of saving them, held that bough in his beaks, and rose on his wings. The great Rishis were struck with wonder at the sight of that act of his which was beyond even the power of the gods, and gave that mighty bird a name. And they said, 'As this ranger of the skies rises on its wings bearing a heavy burden, let this foremost of birds having snakes for his food be called Garuda (bearer of heavy weight).'"

Garuda, being instructed by his father, Kasyapa Rishi, took great care in delivering Kratu Rishi's sons to safety. His father warned him to take care with this task, because "The Valakhilyas, supporting themselves by drinking the rays of the Sun, might, if angry, blast thee.'

Accomplishing the task, Garuda was blessed with great strength by virtue of the great penances performed by the Valakhilyas. The 60,000 tiny rishis then took themselves to the sacred Himavat mountain, to continue their tapas.

There is another interesting account of Kratu Rishi's sons, the Valakhilya Rishis, as given in Tamil literature. These accounts expand upon the Mahabharata reference to the tiny rishis 'supporting themselves by drinking the rays of the Sun'. The Valakhilyas are described as accompanying the sun in its daily travel in the sky. They serve to protect humanity by taking all the extra heat -- in effect, serving as the embodiment of what modern science describes as the 'ozone layer'. The tiny rishis are described as 'shining like brilliant lights because of their severe penance'.

There is an appendix to the eighth Mandala of Rig Veda that is known as the Valakhilya hymns. Some commentators have rejected them as interpolations, although many of the references mirror those found in Mahabharata and Ramayana.

In the ancient Tamil literature, it states that the Valakhilyas were born to Kratu and Kriya. Again, this is likely a reference to a different appearance of Kratu Rishi than that in which he was married to Daksha's daughter, Sannati.

The Tamil version, as summarized by author S. Swaminathan, states: "Once Kasyapa did a Yagna (fire sacrifice) to beget children. He invited all the Devas and Rishis to help him in the task. Everybody readily agreed. Mighty Indra, the King of Heaven, brought wood for the ceremony. Valakhilyas were emaciated due to severe penance. They were hardly able to lift anything but leaves. Even when they were moving leaves like ants, they fell into rain water puddles, because they were so tiny. It amused Indra and he laughed loudly. Valakhilyas were very much offended. They made a vow to do a separate yagna to create another Indra. When Indra listened to their vows he was afraid and ran to Kasyapa to explain what had happened.

Kasyapa lent a patient ear, but warned that he could not stop the powerful Valakhilyas. But he gave an assurance to Indra that he would find a compromise. When he met Valakhilyas he requested them to drop the yagna to create a new Indra. He also assured them that whoever they create will be the Indra of the birds and Valakhilyas agreed to this new plan.

After the yagna Valakhilya's prasad (food offering) was given to Vinata, one of the two wives of Kasyapa. She gave birth to two children Aruna and the most powerful golden-hued eagle, Garuda. Long after this Garuda flew to Indraloka to get Amrita and defeated Indra. The Second wife of Kasyapa Kadru gave birth to the Nagas or the Snake race. Garuda on his way back sat on the tree where Valakhilyas were doing penance. The tree broke into many branches, but Garuda lifted all the ascetics with the branch and put them in a safe place."

As Kratu Rishi himself is the mind-born son of Lord Brahma (manasa-putra), Rig Veda states that the Valakhilyas sprang from the hairs of Prajapati Brahma. Also known as Kharwas, they are the guardians of the Chariot of the Sun. Vishnu Purana thus describes them as pious, chaste and resplendent as the rays of the sun. Likewise, Tamil literature clearly states that the service of Kratu Rishi's small sons is that they absorb the excess heat from the Sun by travelling in front of him as he moves through the sky.

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Atri Rishi

BY: SUN STAFF

Atri Rishi

Sep 14, 2014 — CANADA (SUN) — A study of the famous Rishis and Munis of Vedic literature.

Atri Rishi is the final member of the Saptarishi, or Seven Great Sages we will cover in this series, and he is one of seven mind-born (manasa-putra) sons of Lord Brahma in the present Manvantara. He was born from Brahma's eyes. He is married to Anasuya, the daughter of Kardama Prajapati. Brahmarshi Atri is the seer in the fifth Mandala of Rigveda. Also known as 'the Devourer', Atri Rishi is an embodiment of the power of detachment.

Considered to be one of the great discoverers of sacred mantram, Atri Maharishi's family line had several other greater sages and munis, including Shaavaashva, Avishtir, Purvaatithi, Mudgala, Uddaalaki, Shaakalaayani, and Chaandogya.

When the sons of Lord Brahma were destroyed by Shiva's curse, Atri was born again from the flames of Brahma's sacrificial fire. In both manifestations, his wife was Anasuya. They had three sons, Datta, Durvasas and Soma in his first life, and a son named Aryaman and a daughter, Amala, in the second.

Atri Rishi is mentioned several places in the Mahabharata, particularly in the battlefield pastime wherein Dronacharya fought on mercilessly, in streams of blood and carnage, after Bhisma's fall. Sage Atri became very concerned that if Drona continued in his frenzy, he would cause misery and human destruction beyond all proportions.

Atri along with his associate Rishi Gautama came onto the battlefield, with five of their companions. This was at the time Sri Krsna said that Ashwathama had been killed, hoping to discourage Drona from fighting any longer. Sage Atri approached him and in great kindness, encouraged him to step back and cease fighting, returning his focus instead to the pursuit of sanatana-dharma.

The Rishi's sage advice caused Dronacharya to end his killing rage. Sitting down on the battlefield, he began to meditate on the Lord, closing his eyes and never opening them again until he left his body. Atri Rishi's kindness is credited with saving him.

 

(Atri Rishi, to be continued…)