[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Reference works](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference) › [A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879) › c5.1520 # A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c5.1520 A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c5.1520 - **Language:** English ### [c5.1520](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879.c5.1520) RISHI. An inspired poet or sage. The inspired persons to whom the hymns of the Vedas were revealed, and under whose names they stand. “The seven Rishis” (saptarshi), or the Prajā-patis, “the mind-born sons” of Brahmā, are often referred to. In the Satapatha Brāhmana their names are given as Gotama, Bharadwāja, Viswāmitra, Jamad-agni, Vasishtha, Kasyapa, and Atri. The Mahā-bhārata gives them as Marīchi, Atri, Angiras, Pulaha, Kratu, Pulastya, and Vasishtha. The Vāyu Purāna adds Bhrigu to this list, making eight, although it still calls them “seven.” The Vishnu Purāna, more consistently, adds Bhrigu and Daksha, and calls them the nine Brahmarshis (Brahma-rishis). The names of Gautama, Kanwa, Vālmīki, Vyāsa, Manu, and Vibhāndaka are also enumerated among the great Rishis by different authorities. Besides these great Rishis there are many other Rishis. The seven Rishis are represented in the sky by the seven stars of the Great Bear, and as such are called Riksha and Chitra-sikhandinas, ‘having bright crests.’ - [Previous: c5.1519](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879.c5.1519) - [Next: c5.1521](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879.c5.1521) - [Up: c5](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879.c5) ## Cites (4) - [Vāyupurāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.vayu) — Vyāsa, Sanskrit - [Mahābhārata](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.mahabharata.vyasa) — Vyāsa, Sanskrit - [Viṣṇupurāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.visnu) — Vyāsa, Sanskrit - [Śatapathabrāhmaṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/in.veda.brahmana.satapatha) — Yājñavalkya & Śāṇḍilya (Vedic teacher), Sanskrit --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879.c5.1520](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879.c5.1520) · Pramāṇa