CharacterRishi
Vishwamitra: FAQ & Sources
विश्वामित्रBrahmarshi; former king Kaushika; guru who led the young Rama on his first deeds. Also called Kaushika, Brahmarshi, Gadhija, seer of the Gayatri.
Vishwamitra, born the king Kaushika, won the rank of Brahmarshi through immense austerity. In the Ramayana he takes the young Rama and Lakshmana to guard his sacrifice, has Rama slay Tataka and receive divine weapons, frees Ahalya, and leads the brothers to Mithila and the breaking of Shiva's bow. He is the seer of the Gayatri mantra.
RoleBrahmarshi; former king Kaushika; guru who led the young Rama on his first deeds
AllegianceAyodhya's allies (originally king of the Kaushika line)
Frequently asked questions
Who was Vishwamitra?
Vishwamitra was a king named Kaushika who became a Brahmarshi, the seer of the Gayatri mantra, and the guru who began Rama's adventures.
Why did Vishwamitra take Rama from Ayodhya?
He asked Dasharatha for Rama to protect his fire-sacrifice from rakshasas, and then trained and armed him.
What did Rama do under Vishwamitra?
Rama killed the demoness Tataka, drove off Maricha, slew Subahu, received divine weapons and freed Ahalya.
What is the rivalry between Vishwamitra and Vasishtha?
Their long contest, begun over the wish-cow Nandini, ended when Vasishtha himself acknowledged Vishwamitra as a Brahmarshi.
Which mantra is linked to Vishwamitra?
He is revered as the rishi who first saw the Gayatri mantra, the most sacred verse of the Vedas.
Sources
- Valmiki Ramayana, Bala Kanda (Rama's deeds, Mithila)
- Rig Veda, Mandala 3 (Gayatri mantra)
- Mahabharata and Puranas (the contest with Vasishtha, Menaka, Trishanku)
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