Bhrigu, in Hindu mythology, is the name of a revered ancient sage (rishi) who played a significant role in various texts and traditions. Here are some key aspects associated with Bhrigu:
- Genealogy: Bhrigu is often mentioned as one of the seven great sages (Saptarishi) in Hindu tradition. He is the son of Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe, and is considered one of the Manasputras, mind-born sons of Brahma.
- Bhrigu Samhita: Bhrigu is credited with composing the Bhrigu Samhita, a famous astrological classic. It is believed to be a detailed astrological treatise that contains predictions about individuals based on their past karmas. The Bhrigu Samhita is consulted by those interested in astrology and predictions.
- Marriage to Khyati: Bhrigu is married to Khyati, and they have two sons, Dhata and Vidhata, who are considered deities associated with creation and destiny.
- Bhrigu and the Trimurti: In one well-known myth, Bhrigu is said to have tested the Trimurti—Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva—by visiting each of them to determine who among them is the most superior. When he first went to Brahma, Brahma was preoccupied and didn’t immediately acknowledge him. In response, Bhrigu cursed Brahma that he would not be widely worshipped. Later, when Bhrigu visited Shiva, he was met with anger. Finally, when he visited Vishnu, Vishnu not only welcomed him but also apologized for any discomfort caused. Bhrigu then declared Vishnu to be the most superior among the Trimurti.
- Bhrigu and Lakshmi: Another well-known story involves Bhrigu kicking Vishnu on the chest during the above-mentioned encounter. Instead of getting angry, Vishnu calmly accepted the act and even apologized for any pain caused to Bhrigu’s foot. This act is often cited in the context of the devotion of the goddess Lakshmi, who is said to have chosen Vishnu as her consort because of his humility and patience.
- Contributions to Dharma Shastra: Bhrigu is also considered a contributor to Dharma Shastra, the ancient Hindu legal and ethical literature.
Bhrigu is a respected figure in Hindu mythology, and stories about him are often cited to convey moral and ethical lessons. The Bhrigu Samhita, associated with astrology, is still consulted by practitioners in the field.
Maharishi Bhrigu was one of the seven great sages, one of the Saptarshis in ancient India, one of many Prajapatis (the facilitators of Creation) created by Brahma (The God of Creation) , the first compiler of predictive astrology, and also the author of Bhrigu Samhita, the astrological (Jyotish) classic written during the Vedic period, Treta yuga, most probably around 3000 BC
Bhrigu is a ManasaPutra (wish-born-son) of Lord Brahma, who simply wished him into existence, to assist in the process of creation, for this reason he is also considered one of the Prajapatis.
He is married to Khyati, the daughter of Daksha. He has two sons by her, named Dhata and Vidhata His daughter Shri, was married Lord Vishnu (Narayana). Thus in some traditions, Laxmi, the consort of Lord Vishnu is said to be his daughter.
He had one more son, who is better known than Bhrigu himself – Shukra. The sage Chyavana is also said to be his son. [Maha:1.5]
In scriptures
Sage Bhrigu finds mention in the Vayu Purana, where he shown present during the great Yagna of Daksha Prajapati (his father-in-law)
Bhrigu clan
The Bhrigus, also known as Bhargavas, are a clan of sages descending from the ancient fire-priest Bhrigu. They instituted the ritual of offering the juice of the Soma plant to the old deities. Some of them were also warriors in addition to being priests. The Bhrigus are intimately linked with the composition of the Atharva-Veda.
The prominent personalities (pravara) mentioned in the puranas of this clan include: Bhargava, Chyavana, Aaplavaana, Aurava, Jamadagnya (Son of Jamadagni, Parusharama).
The illustrious Bhrigu was born from Brahman. The learned Sukra is Bhrigu’s son. The planet Sukra (Planet Venus) is named after him. He became the spiritual guide of both the Daityas (enemies of Gods) and the Devas (Gods). Bhrigu begot another excellent son. This was Chyavana. Arushi, the daughter of Manu, became the wife of Chyavana. And, on her was begotten Aurva of great reputation. Aurva begot Richika. And Richika begot Jamadagni.
Bhrigu Samhita
Bhrigu is credited as the father of Hindu astrology and the first astrological treatise Bhrigu Samhita is attributed to his authorship. This treatise is said to contain over 5 million horoscopes, in which he wrote down the fate of every being in the universe. According to popular tradition, only about a hundredth of these horoscopes have survived to this age.The Bhrigu Samhita is an astrological (jyotish) classic attributed to Maharishi Bhrigu during the Vedic period, although the available evidence suggests that it was compiled over a period of time by the various sishyas (students in the lineage) of Maharishi Bhrigu.
Maharishi Bhrigu was the first compiler of predictive astrology. He compiled about 500,000 horoscopes and recorded the life details and events of various persons. This formed a database for further research and study. This study culminated in the birth of the science (shastra) of determining the quality of time (Hora) and is the Brihat Parasara Hora Shastra. These Horoscopes were based upon the planetary positions of the Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Rahu (North Node of the Moon) and Ketu (South Node of the Moon). After that, Maharishi Bhrigu gave his predictions on different types of horoscopes compiled by him with the help of Lord Ganesha in a brief and concise manner. The total permutations/ possible horoscope charts that can be drawn with this is about 45 million.
During foreign invasions of India by Muslim warriors from the north west in the 12th and 13th centuries, the brahmin community became dispersed all over India. The invaders captured these prime assets of the brahmins. Some parts of the ‘Bhrigu Samhita’ were taken away by them. The most unfortunate and destructive event was the destruction of the Nalanda university library where several thousands of the horoscopes compiled by Maharashi Bhrigu had been stored. Only a small percentage of the original horoscopes of Bhrigu Samhita remained with the brahmin community which are now scattered throughout various parts of India
Test of the divine Trinity
In a popular legend involving sage Bhrigu, once he participated in a debate concerning who among the Trimurti (Divine trinity: Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva) is greater and worthy of receiving fruits of a yagna. On the suggestion of celestial sage, Narada, Bhrigu, the sage who had an extra eye in the sole of his foot, first visited Brahma and Shiva, both of whom, when they learned of his quest, sought to impress him with their power.
However when he reached Vaikunta, the abode of Vishnu, he saw that the god was fast asleep. Brighu called to him many times, but could not wake him up. Angered, he kicked the God on his chest. This woke Vishnu up, and immediately he started pressing the sage’s feet, asking him if he had hurt his feet in kicking his hard chest. In the process, Vishnu also destroyed the third eye that Bhrigu had on his foot, which signifies his false ego [7]. Upon seeing the humility of the God, Bhrigu learned the answer that he had been seeking for so long.