In Hinduism, a Brahmarshi (Sanskrit ', a tatpurusha compound of ' and ') is a member of the highest class of Rishis ("seers" or "sages"). A Brahmarshi is a sage who has attained enlightenment and became a Jivanmukta by completely understanding the meaning of Brahman and has attained the highest divine knowledge (omniscience) and self knowledge called Brahmajnana. When a Brahmarshi dies he attains Paramukti and frees himself from Samsara, the cycle of birth and death.
Order
The superlative title of Brahmarshi is not attested in the Vedas themselves and first appears in the Sanskrit epics.
According to this classification, a Brahmarshi is the ultimate expert of religion and spiritual knowledge known as 'Brahmajnana'. Below him are the Maharishis (Great Rishis).
The Saptarishis created out of Brahma's thoughts are perfect brahmarshis. They are often cited to be at par with the Devas in power and piety in the Puranas.
Bhrigu, Angiras, Atri, Vishwamitra, Kashyapa, Vasishta, and Shandilya are the seven brahmarshis.
See also
- Brahmavarta
- Brahmana
- Brahmaloka
- Brahmastra
- Brahmanda astra
- Brahmanda Purana
- Brahma Sampradaya
- Brahma Samhita
- Brahma Sutras
- Brahma Vaivarta Purana
- Manasputra
- Hindu texts
- Vedic priesthood
- Vedanga
- Hindu mythology