Bhrigus
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Maharishi Bhrigu was one of the seven great sages, one of the Saptarshis in ancient India, one of many Prajapatis (the facilitators of Creation) created by Brahma (The God of Creation) [1], the first compiler of predictive astrology [2], and also the author of Bhrigu Samhita, the astrological (Jyotish) classic written during the Vedic period, Treta yuga[3], most probably around 3000 BC [4]
Bhrigu is a ManasaPutra (wish-born-son) of Lord Brahma, who simply wished him into existence, to assist in the process of creation, for this reason he is also considered one of the Prajapatis.
He is married to Khyati, the daughter of Daksha. He has two sons by her, named Dhata and Vidhata [5] His daughter Shri, was married Lord Vishnu (Narayana). Thus in some traditions, Laxmi, the consort of Lord Vishnu is said to be his daughter.
He had one more son, who is better known than Bhrigu himself - Shukra. The sage Chyavana is also said to be his son. [Maha:1.5]
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[edit] In scriptures
Sage Bhrigu finds mention in the Vayu Purana, where he shown present during the great Yagna of Daksha Prajapati (his father-in-law) [6]
[edit] Bhrigu clan
The Bhrigus, also known as Bhargavas, are a clan of sages descending from the ancient fire-priest Bhrigu. They instituted the ritual of offering the juice of the Soma plant to the old deities. Some of them were also warriors in addition to being priests. The Bhrigus are intimately linked with the composition of the Atharva-Veda.
[edit] Bhrigu Samhita
Bhrigu is credited as the father of Hindu astrology and the first astrological treatise Bhrigu Samhita is attributed to his authorship. This treatise is said to contain over 5 million horoscopes, in which he wrote down the fate of every being in the universe. According to popular tradition, only about a hundredth of these horoscopes have survived to this age.
[edit] Test of the divine Trinity
In a popular legend involving sage Bhrigu, once he participated in a debate concerning who among the Trimurti (Divine trinity: Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva) is greater and worth o receiving fruits of a yagna. On the suggestion of celestial sage, Narada, Bhrigu, the sage who had an extra eye in the sole of his foot, first visited Brahma and Shiva, both of whom, when they learned of his quest, sought to impress him with their power.
However when he reached Vaikunta, the abode of Vishnu, he saw that the god was fast asleep. Brighu called to him many times, but could not wake him up. Angered, he kicked the God on his chestm this woke Vishnu up, immediately he started pressing the sage's feet, asking him if he had hurt his feet in kicking his hard chest. In the process, Vishnu also destroyed the third eye that Bhrigu had on his foot, which signfies his false ego [7]. Upon seeing the humility of the God, Bhrigu learned the answer that he had been seeking for so long.
[edit] References
- ^ Narada said.. The Mahabharata translated by Kisari Mohan Ganguli (1883 -1896), Book 2: Sabha Parva: Lokapala Sabhakhayana Parva, section:XI. p. 25 And Daksha, Prachetas, Pulaha, Marichi, the master Kasyapa, Bhrigu, Atri, and Vasistha and Gautama, and also Angiras, and Pulastya, Kraut, Prahlada, and Kardama, these Prajapatis, and Angirasa of the Atharvan Veda, the Valikhilyas, the Marichipas; Intelligence, Space, Knowledge, Air, Heat, Water, Earth, Sound, Touch, Form, Taste, Scent; Nature, and the Modes (of Nature), and the elemental and prime causes of the world,--all stay in that mansion beside the lord Brahma. And Agastya of great energy, and Markandeya, of great ascetic power, and Jamadagni and Bharadwaja, and Samvarta, and Chyavana, and exalted Durvasa, and the virtuous Rishyasringa, the illustrious 'Sanatkumara' of great ascetic merit and the preceptor in all matters affecting Yoga..."
- ^ Bhrigu Samhita
- ^ What is Bhrighu Samhita ?
- ^ [http://www.iisc.ernet.in/currsci/oct102001/735.pdf circa 3000 B.C.– Bhrigu Rishi] CURRENT SCIENCE, VOL. 81, NO. 7, 10 OCTOBER 2001.
- ^ Brigu www.urday.in.
- ^ Vishnu Purana SACRIFICE OF DAKSHA (From the Vayu Purana.) The Vishnu Purana, translated by Horace Hayman Wilson, 1840. 67:6.
- ^ Bhrigu and the Three Gods Summaries and Commentaries for Indian Mythology.
[edit] See also
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