A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c5.97

c5.97

ANGIRAS. A Rishi to whom many hymns of the *Rig-veda* are attributed. He was one of the seven Maharshis or great Rishis, and also one of the ten Prajāpatis or progenitors of mankind. In later times Angiras was one of the inspired lawgivers, and also a writer on astronomy. As an astronomical personification he is Brihaspati, the regent of the planet Jupiter, or the planet itself. He was also called "the priest of the gods," and "the lord of sacrifice." There is much ambiguity about the name. It comes from the same root as *agni*, 'fire,' and resembles that word in sound. This may be the reason why the name Angiras is used as an epithet or synonyme of Agni. The name is also employed as an epithet for the father of Agni, and it is found more especially connected with the hymns addressed to Agni, Indra, and the luminous deities. According to one statement, Angiras was the son of Uru by Āgneyī, the daughter of Agni, although, as above stated, the name is sometimes given to the father of Agni. Another account represents that he was born from the mouth of Brahmā. His wives were Smriti, 'memory,' daughter of Daksha; Sraddhā, 'faith,' daughter of Kardama; and Swadhā 'oblation,' and Satī, 'truth,' two other daughters of Daksha. His daughters were the Richas or Vaidik hymns, and his sons were the Manes called Havishmats. But he had other sons and daughters, and among the former were Utathya, Brihaspati, and Mārkandeya. According to the Bhāgavata Purāna "he begot sons possessing Brahmanical glory on the wife of Rathī-tara, a Kshatriya who was childless, and these persons were afterwards called descendants of Angiras."