The Saptarishis — the seven great sages who carried Vedic knowledge to humanity.
The Saptarishis are revered in Hinduism as the seven great sages. It is said that Adiyogi (Lord Shiva) taught yoga to the Saptarishis so they could pass the knowledge and tradition along to humanity. They are the seven mind-born sons of Lord Brahma who live for a period known as a Manvantara, serving as representatives of Brahma.
“Kaśyapa, Atri, Vasiṣṭha, Viśvāmitra, Gautama, Jamadagni and Bharadvāja are known as the seven sages.” In ancient Indian astronomy the constellation of the Big Dipper (Ursa Major) is itself called Saptarishi, its seven stars representing these seven rishis.
Author of Ayurveda and father of Guru Dronacharya. According to the Puranas, he was found on the banks of the Ganga and adopted by King Bharata.
One of the most well-known Saptarishis, who discovered the Gayatri Mantra found in the Vedas and earned the title Brahmarishi after thousands of years of austerity.
One of the most revered sages of all time, credited as the chief author of Mandala 7 of the Rig Veda.
Of the lineage of Angiras and one of the earliest writers of Law; author of the Gautama Dharma Sutra and several Rig and Sama Vedic mantras.
A son of Brahma and one of the sages who propounded the sacred thread; his wife Anusuya was an embodiment of purity. Author of the Atri Samhita and Atri Smriti.
Son of Rishi Marichi and grandson of Brahma; the progenitor (Prajapati) and father of Devas, Asuras, Adityas and much of creation.
Father of Parashurama, the sixth avatar of Vishnu, and a descendant of sage Bhrigu; his wife was the chaste Renuka.