Vishvamitra

Vishvamitra
Vishvamitra by Raja Ravi Varma
Title	Brahmarishi, Rajarshi, Saptarshi
Personal
Born	Kaushika[1]
Religion	Hinduism
Children	Many children including Madhuchhanda, Ashtaka, Shunahshepa, Sushruta, and Shakuntala
Parent	Gādhi (father)
Notable work(s)	Gayatri Mantra

Vishvamitra (Sanskrit: विश्वामित्र, IAST: Viśvāmitra) is one of the most venerated rishis or sages of ancient India. Vishvamitra is one of the seven Brahmarshi. According to Hindu tradition, he is stated to have written most of the Mandala 3 of the Rigveda, including the Gayatri Mantra (3.62.10). The Puranas mention that only 24 rishis since antiquity have understood the whole meaning of —and thus wielded the whole power of — the Gayatri Mantra. Vishvamitra is supposed to have been the first, and Yajnavalkya the last.

Before renouncing his kingdom and royal status, Brahmarishi Vishvamitra was a king, and thus he retained the title of Rajarshi, or 'royal sage'.