Rishi Tradition in Ramcharitmanas: The Journey of Rishi Vishwamitra

By: Rajendra Kapil

Second Rishi – Brahma Rishi Vishwamitra

Rishi Vishwamitra has made a significant contribution to the life of Lord Rama. He was the very sage who recognized the unparalleled valor of Rama and Lakshmana. Vishwamitra was born into a Kshatriya family in the lineage of King Gadhi. In his youth, he was known as Kaushik Nareesh. To expand his father’s kingdom, he engaged in numerous wars. During one such return from battle, he encountered Sage Vashishta. Sage Vashishta urged him to accept discipleship. Initially hesitant due to having his own army with him, Kaushik Nareesh eventually stayed, persuaded by Sage Vashishta. To demonstrate his generosity, Sage Vashishta invoked Kamadhenu, the divine cow, and provided a hearty meal to all, including Kaushik Nareesh’s army. Impressed by Kamadhenu’s generosity, Kaushik Nareesh requested Sage Vashishta to gift him the cow, but Sage Vashishta declined, stating that such a boon requires immense penance. Determined, Kaushik Nareesh decided to undertake severe austerities. Through his rigorous penance, the Kshatriya king Kaushik transformed into a Brahmin and became renowned as Vishwamitra, meaning “Friend of the Universe.” Immersed deeply in his austerities, Rishi Vishwamitra composed the Gayatri Mantra as per a verse in the Rigveda:

Om Bhur Bhuvah Swah
Tat Savitur Varenyam
Bhargo Devasya Dhimahi
Dhiyo Yo Nah Prachodayat

हम उस प्राणस्वरूप सृष्टिकर्ता की महिमा पर मनन करते हैं; जिसने ब्रह्मांड को बनाया है; जो पूज्यनीय है; जो ज्ञान और प्रकाश का स्वरूप है; जो समस्त पापों और अज्ञानता को हरने वाला है; वह परमात्मा हमारी बुद्धि को सन्मार्ग की ओर ले जाये।

In Hindi, this mantra is considered the best among all mantras in the Gita. Lord Krishna explicitly told Arjuna that if one wishes to see Him among the mantras, then He is the Gayatri Mantra. Due to these achievements, Rishi Vishwamitra is counted among India’s Saptarishis (Seven Great Sages).

Rishi Vishwamitra: Kashyap, Atri, Bharadwaj, Vishwamitra, Gautam, Jamadagni, and Vashishta are mentioned in this verse: Rishi Vishwamitra, Kashyap’s son, Bharadvaja, Vishwamitra, Gautam, Jamadagni, and Vashishta are the seven sages remembered.

By chanting the names of Kashyap, Atri, Bharadwaj, Vishwamitra, Gautam, Jamadagni, and Vashishta, all sins and actions are destroyed.

According to another legend, the name of our country, Bharat, is also connected to Vishwamitra. The story goes that while Rishi Vishwamitra was performing intense penance, the gods became alarmed. To disrupt his austerities, King Indra sent Menaka, an exceptionally beautiful apsara, to the sage. Menaka began to entice the sage with her beauty, causing his penance to break. Under the influence of her allure, Rishi Vishwamitra ended up marrying Menaka. Their union resulted in the birth of a daughter named Shakuntala, who was raised by Rishi Kanva. When Shakuntala grew up, she was enchanted by King Dushyanta, and they got married, having a son named Bharat. It is said that our country’s name, Bharat, originated from their son Bharat.

In the Ramcharitmanas, Rishi Vishwamitra is honored as a Mahamuni (Great Sage): Vishwamitra Mahamuni Gyaani, Basahi Vipin Subh Aashram Jaanee.

When Rishi Vishwamitra grew older, he and his disciples began living in a beautiful forest, performing yagnas and engaging in auspicious deeds for the welfare of the world.

Near the same forest lived a rakshasi named Tadaka with her two evil sons, Marich and Subahu. Due to her rakshasi nature, she frequently created obstacles during the sages’ yagnas. Disturbed by this, Rishi Vishwamitra devised a plan and realized that Lord Rama had already been born to King Dasharatha.

Gadhitanya Man Chinta Vyapi, Hari Binu Marahi Na Nisichar Paapi.
Tab Muniwar Man Kinha Bicara, Prabhu Avatareru Haran Mahi Bhara.

Thinking this way, Rishi Vishwamitra reached King Dasharatha’s court. King Dasharatha honored him and listened to his troubles with great affection. The king offered him his entire army, but Vishwamitra had different plans. At that moment, all the princes arrived. King Dasharatha requested them to greet the sages.

Puni Charanani Mela Sut Chaari, Ram Dekhin Muni Deh Bisari.
Bhae Magan Dekhat Mukha Sobha, Janu Chakor Pooran Sasi Lobha.

Seeing Lord Rama, the sages were enchanted by his divine countenance. King Dasharatha, seeing his austerity and devotion, proposed to provide him with the entire army, but Rishi Vishwamitra requested only for Rama and Lakshmana, assuring that his work would be accomplished with their help.

Anuj Samet Dehu Raghunatha, Nisikchar Badh Main Hob Sanatha.
Jab Ram Aur Lakshman Vishwamitra Ke Saath, Vishwamitra Ke Aashram Pahunche, To Iska Samachar Tadaka Ko Mil Gaya.

The next day, Tadaka, along with her army, threatened and challenged the sages’ ashram. Rishi Vishwamitra prepared Rama and Lakshmana for battle. Upon departure, Rishi Vishwamitra bade farewell, and soon, Rama defeated Tadaka with a single arrow, fulfilling his divine mission.

Chale Jaat Muni Dihe Dekhai, Suni Tadaka Krodh Kari Dhai.
Eka Hi Baan Pran Hari Leenha, Din Jaanee Tehi Nij Pad Dihai.

Rama, with his compassionate nature, granted Tadaka his abode despite her enmity. He eradicated all other demons, making the forest pristine, and the sages continued their yagnas and auspicious deeds in peace.

One day, envoys from King Janak arrived at Rishi Vishwamitra’s place, inviting him to Sita’s swayamvar. Rishi Vishwamitra saw this as a perfect opportunity to bring Rama and Lakshmana to Mithila. He informed the princes and instructed them to prepare for the journey. On their way, they met Ahilya, Rishi Gautam’s wife, who was cursed to remain as a stone. Lord Rama’s touch freed her from the curse. With the blessings of Rishi Vishwamitra and Lord Rama, Ahilya returned to Vaikuntha Dham. Tulsidas, in admiration of Lord Rama’s generosity, composed:

As Prabhu Deenbandhu Hari, Kaaran Rahit Dayalu.
Tulsidas Sath Tehi Bhaju Chhaadi Kapat Janjal.

Translation:
My Lord Rama is compassionate without reason, hence I continuously worship Him, abandoning all deceit and confusion.

When Rishi Vishwamitra and the princes reached Mithila, the news spread far and wide. King Janak, pleased to see Rishi Vishwamitra with the princes, his detached and devotional heart filled with bliss. He requested the sages to introduce the princes, and Rishi Vishwamitra warmly described them as King Dasharatha’s sons, currently staying in his ashram to assist with the swayamvar. King Janak was delighted to meet them, and his detachment was completely dissolved.

Inhahi Bilokat Ati Anuraga, Barabas Brahma Sukhahi Man Tyaaga.

Following this, King Janak brought all the bow workshops and acquainted the princes with the upcoming swayamvar rituals. On the day of the swayamvar, Rishi Vishwamitra, along with Rama and Lakshmana, were seated on a special platform. The condition of the swayamvar was that whoever could break the bow of Lord Shiva would marry Sita. Numerous kings and nobles attended the assembly, each eyeing Rama with different emotions. Despite many attempts, no one could break the bow until Lord Rama effortlessly bent it, thus winning Sita’s hand.

Conclusion

Rishi Vishwamitra’s unwavering dedication, his transformation from a warrior to a sage, and his pivotal role in Lord Rama’s life exemplify his revered status among the Saptarishis. His journey underscores the power of devotion, penance, and the divine interplay between sage and deity.

Rishi Vishwamitra, a revered Mahamuni, is counted among India’s seven great sages, embodying wisdom and spiritual strength.