Vasistha
Vasiṣṭha
Seer of Mandala 7 — royal priest of the solar dynasty
Vasistha is one of the Saptarishis — the seven eternal seers whose names mark stars of the Great Bear. Royal priest of the Ikshvaku dynasty including Rama. His rivalry with Vishvamitra and his possession of the divine cow Kamadhenu are among the most celebrated stories in Vedic literature.
Key compositions
104 hymns — the Varuna hymns exploring cosmic law, guilt, and forgiveness are among the most moving in the Rigveda.
A vast text recording teachings to Rama on consciousness, maya, and liberation. One of the most profound Sanskrit philosophical works.
A key verse
मित्रश्च वरुणश्च दैवा अदितिः सिन्धुः पृथिवी उत द्यौः ॥
Mitra and Varuna, divine Aditi, Sindhu, Earth and Heaven — may they all grant us their blessings.
Rigveda 7.35.14
Lineage & disciples
Lineage / Gotra
Brahma → Vasistha · Vasishtha gotra
Notable disciples
Rama, entire Ikshvaku dynasty