Introduction to 12 Rishis of India

The Rishis in Indian history, especially the Vedic period hold a dignified place in Vedic culture. They procured divine powers, knowledge and wisdom.Saptarishis of the Vedic period are Atri Rishi, Marichi Rishi, Angiras Rishi, Pulaha Rishi, Kratu Rishi, Pulastya Rishi and Vashishtha Rishi.

1. Shukra or Shukracharya Rishi

Shukra Rishi is considered to be the Guru of Asuras and often called Shukracharya or Asuracharya. Shukra or the Shukracharya Rishi was the son of renowned and erudite scholar, Saptrishi Bhrigu. Shukracharya’s mother was Kavyamata. Shukracharya Rishi’s wives were Urjasvati, Jayanti and Sataparva. 

As Shukracharya or Shukra overview, the Rishi had the power to revive the dead. Shukra contributions and Shukracharya Influence in the Hindu culture is in mastering Sanjeevni Vidhya.Shukracharya teachings later helped  Asuras and Devas who learnt from the learned Shukra Muni.

Shukracharya influence of the great Rishi Shukracharya is on the lives of Asuras and Devas. Shukracharya Teachings and Shukra Contributions were with respect to his knowledge and power to revive the dead. 

Shukracharya Major Teachings, Sanjivni Vidhya is akin to modern medicine by which the dead could be brought back to life.The great Rishi Shukracharya is stated to be one of the mentors of Bhishma, a pivotal character in Mahabharat. Shukra Rishi imparted teachings in political science to Bhishma Pitamah.

Shukra Astrology or Shukracharya Jyotish or Shukra Jyotish in Vedic astrology of constellations or Navagrahas is referred to as planet Venus. Shukra Astrology, Shukracharya Jyotish is known to have influence on a person’s state of wealth and luxury and conduct towards women, beauty and sex. Shukra is referred to as Friday and is associated with gems and diamonds. 

In Shukracharya Vedic Texts viz. Atharvaveda and Puranas, the planets including Venus were referred to. As per Shukra Jyotish, Venus or the Shukra griha is propitiated by worshiping Devi, the Goddess Lakshmi.The Shukracharya Vedic Texts and scriptures describe Shukra,( the Venus), a planet of the constellation and highlight its resultant characteristics due to its planetary motion.

2. Agastya

Agastya Rishi or the Agastya Muni had been a great scholar having command onTamil and Sanskrit. Agastya contributions are in authoring hymns in Rigveda and refining Agastya Astrology. If we discuss Agastya facts, it is observed that his wife Lopamudra was also an erudite scholar who rendered assistance to Agastya Rishi or the Agastya Muni in authoring hymns.

As Agastya overview, Agastya significance lies in Agastya contributions in authoring Agastya Gita and Agastya Samhita. Agastya significance also lies in propagating Siddha Medicine. Agastya Jyotish has contributed in evolving Agastya Astrology which has left a remarkable impact on the Vedic astrological advancement.

As Agastya Overview, the renowned and reputed sage is one of the Saptarishies of  the Vedic literature. According to the Agastya history and Agastya facts, Agastya Rishi or the Agastya Muni is known as the inventor of the Tamil language.

As per Agastya history, Agastya Muni evoked people’s interest in spirituality in Lanka and Java as well. Agastya Muni or Agastya Rishi was the son of Saptarishi Pulastya. Agastya facts include his yoni to be Kumbhyoni( born from mud pot).

Agastya teachings find mention in all the four Vedas. Agastya significance can be appreciated from the fact that Agastya finds mention in Brahamanas, Aranyakas, Upanishads, Purans, Ramayana and Mahabharat. Agastya teachings include martial art- Silambam in Tamil Nadu; and Varmam, a science of healing for curing diseases. 

3. Atri

Atri Rishi or Atri Sage or Atri Maharishi or Atri Muni is often spelt as Attri is one of the Saptarishi. Atri Rishi History dates back to Vedic period and he is credited to have authored numerous hymns for Rigveda.

In order to have an Atri overview, we may discuss Atri significance which lies in the fact that the Atri sage finds mention in the Rigveda. Atri contributions and Atri roles are in composing hymns in Rigveda. The knowledge of Astrology was taught to disciples as Atri Astrology or Atri Jyotish. Atri Muni’s Atri Jyotish or Atri Astrology discusses the Nakshatra’s influence on individuals.

Atri Rishi, Atri Sage, Atri Muni or Attri or Atri Maharishi is described in Puranas, epics-Ramayana and Mahabharat. As Atri Overview, Attri Rishi’s wife was Anasuya Devi and they had three sons namely, Chandra, Dattatreya, and Durvasa. Legend from Atri Rishi history goes that the three sons were incarnations of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh.

According to the legend from Atri Rishi history, Atri significance can be understood from the fact that Lord Ram visited his hermitage at Chitrakut to meet Atri Muni and his wife Anasuya. Behind the Atri role in Hindu vedic culture, Atri’s wife Anasuya also contributed significantly.

4. Kapila

As Kapila overview, the Kapila significance or the Kapila role of Kapil Muni or the Kapila Muni, or Sage Kapila or Acharya kapila or Kapila Rishi, is considered to be the founder of Samkhya school. Kapila facts include that Sage Kapila’s principles of Samkhya School are known as Kapila philosophy in Hinduism. 

Kapila’s key contributions are in the form of Kapila teachings and laying down the principles of Sankhya school of Hindu philosophy. According to Kapila Rishi or Acharya Kapila, there is a dualistic school of philosophy that views reality to have two constituents namely, Purusha and Prakriti. Acharya Kapila’s role in the Hindu vedic period is in laying down the principles of Kapila philosophy of Sankhya school of thought.

Kapila contributions or the Kapila key contributions are in establishing an order in the society. Kapila significance lies in the Kapila facts that he was the proponent of non- violence( ahinsa). Sage Kapila’s teachings have left a deep influence on Buddhism as well.

As Kapila overview, it is observed that according to Brahmanda Purana, Kapila Sage was the son of sage Kardama & Devahuti, the daughter of Svayambhuva Manu. Lumbini-Kapilvastu, the birthplace of Gautam Buddha in Nepal, is stated to have been given the name after Kapila Rishi, Kapil Muni or Kapila Muni. Kapila contributions have influenced Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism.

5. Yajnavalkya

To have an overview of Yajnavalakya or Yagyavalkya or Yajnavalkya Rishi or Sage Yajnavlkya or Yajnavalkya Muni, a great sage of Hindu Vedic period, it observed that Yajnavalkya Muni has vividly been described in Brahmanas, Puranas and Aranyakas. Yajnavalakya significance can be ascertained from the fact that the name of Yajnavalkya Rishi features in Brihadaranyaka Upanishad and Tattiriya Upanishad. 

Yajnavalkya Muni or Yajnavalkya Acharya or Yajnavalkya sage or Yagyavalkya, by whatever name people call, features in the epic Mahabharata.

If we talk about the Yajnavalkya significance or the Yajnavalkya contributions, we find that Yajnavalkya Muni’s or Sage Yajnavalkya’s notable contributions are in his composing Yajnavalkya Smriti, Yoga Yajnavalkya and Vedanta school texts and Yajnavalkya Astrology. Yajnavalkya Acharya, Yajnavalkya Sage, in Yajnavalkya History, is also credited with compiling Sukla Yajurveda Samhita.

As Yajnavalkya Overview, Yajnavalkya Role, Yajnavalkya Influence, Yajnavalkya History, can be seen in the active participation of Yajnavalkya Acharya or  Sage Yajnavalkya in the debate hosted by King Janaka of Mithila. 

Be it the Yajnavalkya Acharya’s-  Yajnavalkya Astrology or any topic of Yajnavalkya Philosophy, the supremacy of Yajnavalkya Acharya or Sage Yajnavalkya was established during the debate held at Mithila’s palace.

In order to have Yajnavalkya Overview about Yajnavalkya Philosophy, we notice that Yajnavalkya Contributions or Yajnavalkya Significance and Yajnavalkya Role is evident in Hindu Sanyasa & the principles of Adavaita propounded by him. The principles of non-duality of Atman (Soul) and Brahma prove to be the fulcrum of Yajnavalkya Muni’s ideas for renunciation of worldly attachments. According to Yajnavalkya Philosophy, the Soul(atman) & Brahma are the same. Yajnavalkya Influence on Hindu customs and traditions is immense.

6. Jamadagni

Jamdagni Rishi or Jamdagni Maharshi, according to Upanishads, is considered to be one of the Saptarishi. As per Jamadagni history, Jamadagni Rishi, Jamadagni Maharshi, Jamadagni Muni, Jamadagni Sage is from the lineage of Sage Bhrigu, one of the Prajapatis, created by Lord Brahma. 

Jamadagni or Jamadagni Rishi or Jamadagni Maharshi or Jamadagni Muni or Jamadagni Sage’s mother was Satyawati and his father was Sage Richika. As per the legend of Jamdagni history, Jamdagni Muni had 5 children with his wife Renuka, (daughter of Prasenjit King) viz. Rumanvan, Suhotra, Vasu, Visvavasu and  Parshurama. Their youngest child, Parashurama is considered to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

As per Jamadagni History, he was having Kamdhenu, the divine cow and Kartavirya Arjuna, the King of Haihaya, Mahishmati, sent his Minister Chandragupta to buy Kamdhenu, the divine cow but Jamdagini sage declined to part with her. Chandragupta struck down Jamdagini Rishi and took with him the divine cow to Mahishmati.

Jamdagini Rishi’s wife was wailing and then Sage Shukra with his Mritsanjeevani mantra brought back life to Jamdagini sage. Parasurama and his disciple Akrtavrana went to Mahishmati and confronted King Kartavirya Arjun and his army and killed Kartavirya Arjun and brought back Kamdhenu. 

Shuriken, the son of King Kartavirya Arjun took revenge and beheaded Jamadagni when his son Parasurama was busy performing penance. Shurasen took the head, leaving no scope for his resurrection. Parasurama then went on expeditions to obliterate the Kings of Khastriya clan.

Jamadagni Teachings, Jamadagni Contributions, Jamadagni Role, Jamadagni Significance, lies in his expertise in weaponry and warfare. Jamadagni Significance lies in establishing and propagating the principles of the Aushanasa Dhanurveda. Jamadagni Overview is attributable to his being an erudite scholar of Vedas. Jamadagni Contributions to Hindu Vedic culture are significant. Jamdagini mastered the skills of weaponry without taking any formal coaching.

Jamdagni contributions and Jamadagni Role or Jamadagni significance can be appreciated from the fact that his philosophy has nurtured the vedic culture and traditions. Jamadagni Jyotish has contributed in evolving the Vedic Astrology. Jamadagni Teachings include the elements of compassion and humility.

7. Kashyapa

Kashyapa, Kashyapa Rishi, Kashyapa Sage, Kashyapa Muni, Kashyapa Maharishi or the Kashyapa Acharya is a venerated sage of Hindus. Kasyapa Rishi or Kashyapa Sage is one of the Saptarishis in Vedic culture. As Kashyap overviews, the Kashayapa Muni or Kashyapa Rishi finds mention in the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad. Kashyapa significance lies in his name featuring in Hindu and Buddhists texts.

As per Kashyapa History, Kashyapa Acharya or Kashyapa Rishi is credited with composing hymns in the Mandala IX of Rigveda. The impact of the Kashyapa Teachings, and the teachings of vedic Rishis gets reflected in the hymns authored by Rishis.

According to Puranas, Kashyap Rishi is credited with fathering the Devas, Danvas, Yakshas, Daityas and all living creatures. As far as Kashyap history is concerned, Kashyapa Sage was born to Marichi, one of the Saptarishi. 

Kashyapa significance lies in Kashyapa contributions in composing hymns for Soma Pavamana(Self-purifying Soma). Atharvaveda vedic scriptures and texts also feature Kashyapa Acharya or Kashyapa Muni or Kashyapa Maharishi. 

Kashyapa contributions in composing hymns on the principles of self purification are significant. Kashyapa Jyotish has helped evolve Vedic astrology. Kashyapa Jyotish has made a significant contribution in astrology. As Kashyapa overview, his name is listed in the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad.

One of the Kashyapa facts – His name is mentioned as Rishi Kassapa in Pali language. Kashyapa’s role has been significant in influencing Hinduism and Buddhism.  

8. Viswamitra

Viswamitra, Viswamitra Muni, Vishwamitra Sage, Viswamitra Rishi, Vishwamitra Maharshi, Viswamitra Acharya is credited with composing the Mandala of the Rigveda. Vishwamitra significance lies in composing Gayatri Mantra.

Viswamitra Facts include that earlier Vishwamitra Maharshi, Viswamitra Acharya was a King. Thus, Viswamitra, Viswamitra Muni, Vishwamitra Sage, Viswamitra Rishi, Vishwamitra Maharshi, Viswamitra Acharya retained the title of Rajarshi, or Royal Sage. Viswamitra sage was the King of Kanyakubja, modern day Kannauj. Vishwamitra Maharshi was the great-grandson of King Kusha of Amavasu dynasty.

Viswamitra overview or Viswamitra role can be understood by going through the Valmiki Ramayana wherein many Viswamitra facts have been narrated. Feud of Viswamitra Muni and Vashishtha rishi is well known for the rivalry between the two. 

Viswamitra significance, Viswamitra Role and Viswamitra Teachings are significant in his imparting knowledge of Dev Astras or celestial weapons. Viswamitra sage is known to have possessed Brahamastra. Viswamitra significance and Viswamitra Teachings lies in his authoring Mandala of the Rigveda. Viswamitra Jyotish has helped evolve vedic astrology. 

According to the legend, Indra got frightened by Viswamitra’s powers, sent Menaka to create an impediment. Menaka succeeded in breaking his penance.

9. Jaimini

Jaimini, Jaimini Rishi, Jaimini Jyotish, Jaimini Muni, Jaimini Sage, Jaimini Acharya, or the Jaimini Maharshi is considered to be the founder of Mimamamsa school of Hindu Philosophy. Jaiminis contributions and Jaimini teachings of Vedic Culture are in his composing Mimamsa and Jaimini Sutras.As per Jaimini History, Jaimini sage was an ancient erudite scholar who founded the Mimamsa School of Hindu philosophy. 

Jaimini teachings and Jaimini significance lies in his laying emphasis on the path of righteousness. Jaimini contribution is by way of Jamini Jyotishi as he contributed immensely to Astrology or Jamini Jyotishi. Jaimini Legacy, Jaimini Teachings, Jaimini Contributions, and Jaimini Significance lies in his compilation of the Sama Veda by collecting hymns and songs from various locations. 

Jaimini legacy, Jaimini teachings, Jaimini contributions and Jaimini significance are attributable to his passing knowledge to his disciples- Sage Paila, Sage Vaisampayana, and to his son Sage Sumantu and grandson Sukarma. As Jaimini overview, Sage Jaimini carried forward the legacy of Jaimini Teachings.

As Jaimini overview, it is observed that Jaimini contributions or Jaimini significance get reflected in his work of Purva Mimamsa or Karma Mimansa Sutras laying stress on Vedic rituals.

As Jaimini Facts, Jaimini Significance, Jaimini Overview, Jaimini History, or the Jaimini Legacy, we find Jaimini contributions and Jaimini teachings in relation to the basic tenets of life- that the mind is the root cause of sorrow. 

Jaimini teachings include worshiping God as per the  Vedic rituals. Jaimini facts include that the Brahmanda Purana story was told by Jaimini Rishi to Hiranyanabha at Naimisharanya. Jaimini  Sage was the counselor of Yudhisther too.

10. Vashistha

Vashistha or the Vashistha Rishi or the Vashistha Muni or the Vasistha Sage or the Vashistha Maharshi or the Vashistha Acharya is one of the Saptarishis in Vedic Hindu period. Vashistha Acharya’s wife was Arundhati. 

Vashistha teachings and Vashistha contributions can be understood in the Vedic history by realizing the Vashistha facts which includes his authoring Mandala of Rigveda.  Vashistha Significance or the Vashistha role is reflected in his name finding mention in Rigveda, Agni and Vishnu Puranas. 

The importance of Vashistha role or the Vashistha overview is seen from Vashistha facts that he was the priest of the Raghu dynasty. One of the Vashistha facts is that he taught Lord Rama & Harishchandra. Vashistha teachings are mirrored in Lord Rama. 

Yoga Vasistha Maharamayana includes the tenets of what our thoughts have made us; By changing in thoughts, changing our knowledge; and by holding on to the thoughts of ultimate reality, we experience it. Yoga Vashishtha stressed on combining divine and personal efforts to accomplish targets.

Vashistha Jyotish has been written on palm leaves on nadi astrology. It is known as Vashistha Nadi Jyothisham. Vashistha contributions or Vashistha significance  are in Vashistha Jyotish predictions about souls.

11. Bharadwaja

Bharadwaja Rishi’s name in ancient Vedic texts is Bharadvaja Barhaspatya or Vitatha. Bharadwaja Rishi’s father was Barhaspati. Bharadwaja or Bharadwaja Rishi or Bharadwaja Muni or Bharadwaja Sage or  Bharadwaja Maharishi or the Bharadwaja Acharya is one of the Saptrishi.

Bharadwaja Significance lies in Bharadwaja Teachings and Bharadwaja Contributions in composing Mandalas in Rigveda. Bharadwaja facts from Bharadwaja history includes that he was the father of Guru Dronacharya.

As per Bhardwaja History, Bharadwaja Significance, or Bharadwaja contributions, he developed medical science. According to Bharadwaj stories, his name is attributable to Charaka Samhita, a medical treatise.

As per Bharadwaj facts and Bharadwaj history, Bharadwaja Acharya is considered to be the initiator of Bhardawaj gotra of Brahmins.

As per Sage Bhardwaja stories, he was granted 3 lives by Indra to study Vedas. One of the Bharadwaja Facts is that he was the court poet of Marutta. As per one of the Bharadwaja stories, Rama visited his Ashram. 

Bharadwaja Significance is seen in his name figuring in Buddhist text, Digha Niyaka in Pali language. Bharadwaja’s contribution to Sanskrit language is remarkable. Bharadwaja Jyotish predicts events based on the Nakshatras.

Bharadwaja Teachings, Bharadwaja Significance or Bharadwaja contributions are in the form of  the following treatises attributable to him:-Dhanurveda Treatise on archery; Bharadvaja Samhita; Bharadvaja Sruatuasutra and grhya sutra; Charaka Samhita ;Niti Shastra.

12. Kutsa

Kutsa or Kutsa Rishi or Kutsa Muni or Kutsa Sage or Kutsa Maharishi or Kutsa Acharya is a Saptrishi. According to Kutsa history, Lord Indra came to Kutsa’s or Kutsa Muni’s rescue when he fell in the well. Kutsa Muni or Kutsa Rishi and Lord Indra were close friends.Kutsa’s role can be assessed by the fact that he kept cool and calm and thus, was endearing to the people. 

Kutsa Rishi or Kutsa Maharishi is credited with Suktas in the Rudram. As far as Kutsa Jyotish relates to  knowledge of the celestial bodies. Kutsa significance lies in his Prokshana Mantra-which signifies the ability of water to purify. Kutsa contributions and Kutsa role are in composing hymns and mantras for Taittriya samhita of Krishna Yajurveda. 

As per Kutsa History, it is one of the Kutsa facts that 65 suktas in Rigveda are attributed to Kutsa Rishi or Kutsa Maharishi. Kutsa Teachings, Kutsa Contributions and Kutsa Significance lies in composing the Suktas of Rigveda.Kutsa Contributions can be understood by the fact that Kalidas invokes Sage Kutsa in one of the chapters of Raghuvansham.

Conclusion of 12 Rishis of India

In nutshell, Vedic Rishis, the erudite scholars are held in high esteem.  They composed various Manadalas of Vedas and contributed in laying the strong foundation of Vedic Hindu culture.

The Saptarishis and other ancient vedic rishis are viz.  Shukracharya, Agastya, Atri, Kapila, Yajnavalkya, Jamadagni, Kashyapa, Viswamitra, Jaimini, Vashishtha, Bhardawaja, Kutsa, Parasara, and Varahamihira who refined the vedic culture and helped evolve weaponry, philosophy, language,and Jyotishvidya.

FAQs for 12 Rishis of India

Q.1 Who are the 12 great rishis of Indian history?

Ans.1 The 12 great Vedic Rishis are -Shukracharya, Agastya, Atri, Kapila, Yajnavalkya, Jamadagini, Kashyapa, Viswamitra, Jaimini, Vashishtha, Bhardawaja and Kutsa.

Q.2 What are the contributions of the 12 great rishis to Vedic astrology?

Ans.2 The contributions of the 12 great Rishis of Vedic astrology is in composing Mandalas of Rigveda. Their teachings in medicine, weapons and warfare are notable. 

Q.3 How do the teachings of these rishis influence Hindu spirituality?

Ans.3 The teachings of sages have greatly influenced the kingdoms and their subjects and have provided a strong foundation to Hindu culture.

Q.4 Who are the 7 rishis recognized as the Saptarishi?

Ans.4 Vedic Saptarishis are Atri Rishi, Marichi Rishi, Angiras Rishi, Pulaha Rishi, Kratu Rishi, Pulastya Rishi and Vashishtha Rishi.

Q.5 What is the significance of the Saptarishi in Indian culture?

Ans.5 Significance of Saptarishi lies in their contribution in composing Rigveda, and evolving Philosophy, Medicine, Jyotish and Weaponry.

Q.6 Which rishi among the 12 is considered the most influential?

Ans. 6 Vishwamitra is considered as one of the most venerated rishis of Hindu Vedic period.

Q.7 How are the 12 great rishis honored in Indian traditions?

Ans.7 They are considered to possess special divine powers.