CharacterRishi
Vasishtha: FAQ & Sources
वसिष्ठKulaguru (family preceptor) of the solar dynasty of Ayodhya; one of the Saptarishi. Also called Brahmarshi, Kulaguru, Saptarishi, husband of Arundhati.
Vasishtha, a Brahmarshi and one of the Saptarishi, is the family guru of Ayodhya's solar dynasty and the first teacher of Rama. Famous for his wish-cow Nandini and his long rivalry with Vishwamitra, he guided Dasharatha and the kingdom through its crises, and his teaching to Rama is the Yoga Vasishtha.
RoleKulaguru (family preceptor) of the solar dynasty of Ayodhya; one of the Saptarishi
AllegianceAyodhya (the Ikshvaku / Raghu dynasty)
Frequently asked questions
Who was Vasishtha?
Vasishtha was a Brahmarshi, one of the Saptarishi, and the family preceptor of Ayodhya's solar dynasty, and Rama's first teacher.
What is Vasishtha's role in the Ramayana?
He conducted the royal sacrifices, taught the princes, guided Dasharatha, and later counselled Bharata and crowned Rama.
What is the story of Vasishtha and the cow Nandini?
When King Kaushika tried to seize his wish-cow Nandini, Vasishtha's power overcame the king's army, driving Kaushika to become the sage Vishwamitra.
Were Vasishtha and Vishwamitra enemies?
They were long rivals, but Vasishtha finally acknowledged Vishwamitra as a Brahmarshi, ending the feud.
What is the Yoga Vasishtha?
It is the famous philosophical dialogue in which Vasishtha answers the young Rama's questions about life, mind and liberation.
Sources
- Valmiki Ramayana, Bala, Ayodhya and Uttara Kanda
- Rig Veda, Mandala 7 (attributed to Vasishtha)
- Yoga Vasishtha
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