Page 9 - BHĀRATA –THE LAND OF SEERS AND SAGES
P. 9
A Few Prominent Rishis of Ancient India
Yajnavalkya
A seer and philosopher, he was a great Brahma Jnani
(knower of Brahman) of his times. He was also renowned for
his knowledge of Vedic rituals and his talent for theological
debate. His teachings are recorded in the Satapatha
Brahmana and the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad. He is the
seer of Śukla Yajurveda and so also the seer of
Ishopanishad which is its last chapter. He is also the
composer of several other texts: Yājñavalkya Smriti,
Yājñavalkya Shiksha, Pratijna Sutra, and Yoga-Yājñavalkya.
Agastya
Known by many names, Agastya was one of the Saptarishis
who is believed to be the first Siddhar (the spiritual adepts
who possess the eight supernatural powers/ ashta siddhis).
He was handed over the knowledge of the Siddha medicine
system by Lord Muruga (son of Lord Shiva and Parvati). He is
considered to be the guru of all Siddhars. So revered is he
that a mountain peak associated with medicinal herbs in
southern India is named after him – Agastyamalai or Agastya’s
hill.
