Vishvamitra

Vishvamitra
Vishvamitra by Raja Ravi Varma
TitleBrahmarishi, Rajarshi, Saptarshi
Personal
Born
Kaushika[1]
ReligionHinduism
ChildrenMany children including Madhuchhanda, Ashtaka, Shunahshepa, Sushruta, and Shakuntala
ParentGādhi (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'.

  1. ^ Kadambari: Bana. Penguin UK. 12 March 2010. ISBN 9788184752472. Archived from the original on 12 May 2023. Retrieved 20 March 2023.