Saptarishi are the seven greatest sages of the Vedic realm. The seven holy sages were assigned to be present through the four great ages to guide the human race. They are the seven mind-born sons of Lord Brahma who live for a period of time known as a manvantara (306,720,000 Earth Years). In Hindu astronomy, 7 stars of Ursa Major constellation are identified with the names of Saptarshis.

Brihadaranyaka Upanisad mentions Saptarishi as : Atri, Bharadvaja, Gautama, Jamadagni, Kashyapa, Vashistha & Vishwamitra.

Sage Atri is one of the Saptarishi in the Hindu tradition who is credited with composing numerous hymns to Vedic deities of Hinduism & is the one most mentioned in its scripture Rigveda. The 5th Mandala of Rigveda is called the Atri Mandala in his honour, & the 87 hymns in it are attributed to him & his descendants. Sage Atri’s wife is Anusuya, an embodiment of chastity. Atri is also mentioned in the Puranas & the Hindu Epics such as the Ramayana & the Mahabharata.

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