Atri Rishi was a well-revered Saptarishi of ancient India.

He was brought to life from the tongue of Lord Brahma when he was creating mind-beings for the growth and balancing of the universe. He was the key person to have established the sacred thread, Janoi

Let’s read his amazing story.

Arti Rishi Lineage and Legacy

As Atri Rishi was born from the tongue of Lord Brahma, he was set to become the compiler of many ancient mantras to evoke demigods and miracles.

He composed the fifth mandala of the Rig Veda, which is named after him, the Atri Samhita.

Atri Rishi had married Ansuya Devi, a very pious and chaste soul. Her purity and tapas-shakti had impressed the lords and blessed her with boons.

Atri Rishi and Ansuya Devi

Atri Rishi and Ansuya Devi were both noble and pious in their conduct of dharma. Together, they lead an innocent and spiritual life.

Ansuya Devi was known for her dedication towards Arti Rishi and was the most chaste.

To test her, the lords of the heaven, Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, once came to visit her in disguise. Posing as fellow sages, they asked her to serve them sattvic food on the condition that they would be unrobed.

Ansuya Devi accepted the condition politely, knowing well that Atri Rishi’s faith in her would save her from being humiliated. As she undressed herself, the three lords became toddlers.

Her confidence to agree to the lord’s condition, and her warmth to serve them rather than get angry at them, pleased them. They told her to ask for any boon she wanted.

At this, Atri Rishi and Ansuya Devi asked the lords to be born from them.

They blessed them. Later, Atri Rishi and Ansuya Devi became parents to Dattatreya (a deity representing all three gods), Durvasa (a sage who played a significant role in the Mahabharata), and Soma (a deity associated with the Moon).

Atri Rishi and the Solar Eclipse

Once, when Atri Rishi was meditating, he could envision an asura destroying the sun to achieve victory over the universe. Atri Rishi used his divine knowledge and the power of Mantras to locate the sun. He restored the presence and glory of the sun and brought back light to the universe.

This was the first episode of a solar eclipse to have ever taken place. Based on this incident, Atri Rishi focused on the timings of the formation of the sun and moon throughout the month. Based on these observations, he established the duration of the bright sun and moon days and the half dark days of the month.

He formed the Hindu calendar, or, as we now know, the Hindu Panchang.

Atri Rishi and The Importance of Janoi

Atri Rishi established the auspicious timings of conducting rituals and formed mantras to be recited during the timings.

He crafted the use of Janoi, a sacred thread, to be worn by Brahmans, or any learned person. Wearing the Janoi was a sign of living the way of Dharma and spirituality, following rules of conduct which included dietary rules, spiritual rules, and rules for behavior.

Such as the glory of the revered sage, Atri Rishi.

Bhavisha Doshi

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