Brahmarishi Vashistha

Rishi Vasistha story is about Maharshi Vashishtha who was born in the family of Sage Kanva. Vashishtha grew up to be a great scholar who mastered all the Vedas at a very young age. He also mastered other branches of knowledge like astrology, medicine, music, etcetera. When Vishwamitra confronted Vashishtha and fought with him, he showed both his power and mercy. This shows the wisdom of Vashishtha.

Summary of the Brahmarishi Vashistha and Vishwamitra Story

Vashishtha and Vishwamitra are two such sages who are worshipped for their wisdom and spiritual contribution to Hindu mythology. They are held as 'Saptarishis,' also recognized by the Saptarishi constellation. They had an abundant source of yogic wisdom and power. Vashishtha belonged to the same dynasty as Lord Rama and is the author and creator of Mandala 7 of Rigveda. Also known as the family priest or purohit of the Raghukul (Raghu Dynasty), he taught Lord Rama and his younger brother, Lakshmana. His rivalry with Vishwamitra is extremely popular in Hindu mythology.

Born to Gaadhi, Vishwamitra was the grandson of king Kusha. He had exceptional knowledge of war and weaponry and belonged to the Chandravanshi dynasty. He was not born a priest but a king. He ruled modern-day Kannauj, India. With time, he had an overwhelming spiritual growth. Just like Vashishtha, he had also taught the sons of Raghukul in Vasistha yoga ashram. The training he gave to Rama and Lakshmana helped them win the fight over Ravana.

The clashes between both the sages had been popular with people for ages. The two fountains of knowledge regularly clashed to establish the superiority of one over the other. Vishwamitra had a habit of initiating clashes with Vashishtha. The nature and impact of their clashes became so prominent and threatening that Lord Brahma would often intervene. Of all the stories of the legendary fights between the two, two are worthy of mentioning.

Greatly troubled by the regular insults by King Harishchandra and his subjects, Vishwamitra unleashed his rage and cursed the king to be a crane. Upon knowing what Vishwamitra did to the king, Vashishtha turned himself into a crane to accompany him wherever he went. Another time, Vashishtha destroyed all of Vishwamitra's army with the help of his divine powers. Furious at Vashishtha, Vishwamitra decided to get his revenge. Hence, he resorted to pleasing Lord Shiva through penance.

Pleased by Vishwamitra's efforts, Lord Shiva blessed him with the knowledge of celestial weapons. Vishwamitra then went to Vashishtha's hermitage and killed his thousand sons. Enraged, Vashishtha picked up his Brahmadanda to attack Vishwamitra but was interrupted by the gods to prevent the mass destruction it could have brought. The incident left Vishwamitra embarrassed.

Another fight both the sages participated in was when Vishwamitra had not decided to be a sage. He, the ruler of present-day Kannauj, had his eye on Kamdhenu, the holy cow that rose to the surface after the churning ocean incident. However, Vashishtha was not in favour of letting Vishwamitra have Kamdhenu. To get the holy cow by force, Vishwamitra attacked the sage with his huge army. Vashishtha, feeling disrespected, killed Vishwamitra's entire army but spared his life when he requested him to teach him how to be a sage like the family priest of Raghukul.

Vashishtha and Vishwamitra Fight for Superiority

Moral of the Brahmarishi Vashishtha and Vishwamitra Story

This story of Vashishtha and Vishwamitra rivalry is a mythological story which can teach children that sometimes forgiveness is power. Though it is a characteristic often associated with the weak, it takes a braver heart to forgive someone who has not been the best to you. Just like Maharishi Vashistha forgave Vishwamitra when he begged pardon and requested him to teach him how to be a sage like the former was.This story also helps children realise the historical significance of these two sages.

Note to the Parents

Teaching your children moral values is all about repetition. You have to tell them, show them, and then show them again until they get it. When your children learn about the sages and their lifestyle, they will be motivated to try bits of meditation and reading spiritual texts themselves. Just like the Vasistha Yoga Ashram was there to teach kids, repeated reading of this story can teach them about forgiveness, and bravery.