Vasistha

Vasistha, also spelled Vasishtha, is a revered rishi in Hinduism and one of the Saptarishi, the legendary seven or eight great sages. He is widely regarded as the oldest of the sages and the patriarch of the Ikshvaku dynasty, serving as the royal preceptor to the kings of Ayodhya and, in the Ramayana, as Rama’s teacher and adviser. The name is often interpreted as “most virtuous” or “the best of men.”

In myth, Vasistha is traditionally described as a mind-born son of Brahma. He is married to Arundhati, and their steadfast pairing is celebrated as a symbol of marital fidelity. He is closely associated with the Rigveda, to which he is credited as a contributor, and he figures prominently in many Puranic stories. A central legend tells that Vasistha possessed the divine cow Kamadhenu, which Vishvamitra sought to borrow, an episode illustrating the contest between dharma and power.

In Hindu literature, Vasistha is depicted as a sage of deep spiritual knowledge and mastery of yajna, dharma, and yoga. He appears in the Ramayana as Rama’s guru and Dasharatha’s royal priest, shaping Rama’s exile and journey. The tradition also includes varied texts and hymns attributed to or associated with him, though attributions differ among schools.

Vasishtha is venerated in many regional traditions, and Vasishtha Jayanti commemorates his birth in various parts of India. The name also appears in place-names and temples, reflecting his enduring influence as a symbol of wisdom, ascetic discipline, and sagehood.