Vishwamitra

People in Shastras

Vishwāmitra was the son of King Gādhi of the Puru dynasty of kings from Kānyakubja. He was also the preceptor of the royal families of Ayodhyā. He was born a kshatriya but performed austerities to acquire the brāhmin status. The devas referred to him as a brahmarshi (one who endeavors to contemplate on God continuously while identifying self as Brahman); however, Vashishtha still called him a rājarshi (one who has a refuge in God, obeys his commands while remaining engaged in social duties). This angered Vishwāmitra and he killed Vashishtha’s 100 sons. He was also ready to kill Vashishtha; however, one night, he overheard Vashishtha compliment his austerities. Vishwāmitra fell to his feet. Seeing his humility, Vashishtha called him a brahmarshi. He was a great minister who advised many kings. He taught the art of archery to the khatriyas and wrote the first granth on archery.