RISHI PANCHAMI
What makes them unique is their dual presence. In mythology, they are revered sages, authors of scriptures, and teachers of gods and kings. In the cosmos, they shine eternally as the seven stars of the Ursa Major (Big Dipper) constellation, serving as celestial beacons. Just as sailors use stars for direction, seekers of truth look to the Sapta Rishis for spiritual guidance.
Names of the Saptarishis
The names of the Saptarishis can vary across different Hindu texts and epochs (Manvantaras). However, a common and widely accepted list for the current Manvantara (the period of time ruled by a Manu) includes:
- Vashistha: Known as a royal priest to King Dasharatha (the father of Lord Rama), he is a symbol of truth, compassion, and the power of prayer.
- Vishwamitra: Initially a king who rose to the status of a Brahmarishi through his intense penance. He is credited with discovering the sacred Gayatri Mantra.
- Bharadvaja: A renowned scholar and the father of Dronacharya, the guru of the Pandavas and Kauravas in the Mahabharata. He is credited with authoring parts of the Rigveda.
- Gautama Maharishi: Known for his righteousness and for discovering Sanskrit mantras. He is also mentioned in both the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.
- Atri: A revered sage known for his deep penance and wisdom. His wife, Anasuya, is an embodiment of purity.
- Jamadagni: The father of Parashurama, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. He is known for his austere lifestyle and deep spiritual discipline.
- Kashyapa: A cornerstone of Hindu cosmology, he is regarded as the father of the Devas (gods), Asuras (demons), Nagas, and all of humanity.
Other lists may include names like Marichi, Angiras, Pulaha, Pulastya, and Kratu, particularly in texts like the Mahabharata and the Brihat Samhita.
Mythological Importance: The Sapta Rishis are regarded as the seers of the Vedas, transmitting eternal truths to humanity.
They served as gurus of kings, gods, and even avatars, ensuring the continuity of dharma.
Many dynasties and lineages trace their origin to them, making them the patriarchs of civilisation.
Their lives show that even sages faced human struggles, yet rose above them through penance and wisdom.
Cosmic Importance:
1. Stars of Ursa Major: They shine as the seven stars of the Big Dipper constellation, symbolising their eternal presence.
2. Keepers of Time: In each manvantara (cosmic age), a new set of Sapta Rishis is appointed to guide creation, linking them with the cosmic cycle of time.
3. Guides Across Ages: Just as sailors use stars to navigate seas, humanity uses the Rishis’ wisdom to navigate life and spiritual growth.
Rishi Panchami: A Festival in Their Honour
The greatness of the Sapta Rishis is celebrated in the festival of Rishi Panchami, observed on the fifth day of Shukla Paksha in Bhadrapada (August–September).
Purpose: To honour the Sapta Rishis and seek their blessings for purification and wisdom.
Observance: Devotees, especially women, fast on this day, bathe in holy rivers, and worship the Sapta Rishis with offerings of flowers and fruits.
Belief: Observing this vrat (fast) is said to cleanse sins and impurities, granting spiritual merit.
Meaning: It reflects society’s gratitude to the Rishis for preserving knowledge and guiding humanity.
Conclusion: The Sapta Rishis are not just sages of the past; they are eternal symbols of wisdom in both mythology and the cosmos. Their stories reveal lessons of devotion, discipline, justice, transformation, and balance, while their presence as stars reminds us of their timeless guidance.
Through the celebration of Rishi Panchami, devotees continue to honour them, showing that their legacy is alive even today. Whether in the scriptures, the stars, or the human heart, the Sapta Rishis remain cosmic beacons of truth, discipline, and dharma—guiding humanity across the ages.
