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saptarishi

सप्तर्षि saptarṣi

The seven great sages, identified with the stars of the Great Bear (Ursa Major); mind-born sons of Brahma and keepers of dharma, re-appointed in each cosmic age (manvantara).

Where this term appears

  • What is a gotra? Essentials

    Above all they are the Saptarishi , the seven great sages, whom the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad lists by name (2.2.6): Gautama and Bharadvaja, Vishvamitra and Jamadagni, Vashishtha and Kashyapa, and Atri.

  • Cousins Across Cultures Treatise

    The saptarṣis were, in many tellings, sages — humans of immense attainment — raised to the stars.

  • The Government of the Cosmos Treatise

    Its keepers are the saptarṣis , the seven great sages, and the tradition gives them the most beautiful address of all: they are the seven stars of the Great Bear , the constellation that wheels around the pole …

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