BHRGU THE GREAT SAGE

 

Sage Bhrgu is one of the revered Saptarshis in Hindu tradition, known for his wisdom and contributions to astrology and cosmic knowledge. He is credited as the father of fortune and the first compiler of predictive astrology.

Bhrgu Vamsa (Lineage): Each birth of Bhrgu gave rise to a different lineage:

First Birth:

Bhrgu and his wife Khyati had a daughter, Lakshmi, and three sons - Dhata, Vidhata, and Kavi. Dhata and Vidhata married Mahameru’s daughters, Ayati and Niyati, respectively. Their descendants included Prana, Mrkandu, Markandeya, Vedasiras, Dyutiman, and Rajavan, through whom the first Bhrgu lineage expanded.

Second Birth:

In his second birth, Bhrgu was born as Varuna’s son and married Puloma. They had six children - Bhuta, Cyavana, Vajrasirsa, Suci, Sukra, and Savana. His son Bhuta fathered Ekadasa Rudras (eleven Rudras) and Rudra Parsadas (attendants of Rudra). Cyavana had two wives, Sukanya and Arusi. Their lineage included Aurva, Rcika, Jamadagni, and the warrior-sage Parashurama. Another son, Pravati, fathered Ruru, whose descendants included Saunaka. Sukra (Shukracharya) had two sons, Canda and Alarka, and a daughter, Devayani.

Bhrgu’s Curse on Mahavishnu:

During a battle between Devas and Asuras, the Asuras were defeated. Their mother, Diti, sought help from Bhrgu’s wife, Puloma, who undertook severe penance. Fearing her growing power, the Devas sought Mahavishnu’s aid. Vishnu used his Vajrayudha, killing Puloma. Enraged, Bhrgu cursed Vishnu to be born as a mortal and suffer separation from his wife. This led to Vishnu's incarnation as Sri Rama in the Ramayana.

Bhrgu’s Test of Trimurtis:

During a great yagna, a debate arose about the mightiest among Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. Bhrgu was chosen to test them. He visited Brahma first and showed disrespect, angering him. Then he went to Shiva, who reacted aggressively when Bhrgu avoided his embrace. Lastly, he visited Vishnu, who was asleep. Annoyed, Bhrgu kicked Vishnu on the chest. Instead of retaliating, Vishnu humbly apologized and declared he would forever bear Bhrgu’s footprint on his chest as Srivatsa. This established Vishnu’s superiority among the Trimurtis.

Bhrgu Samhita - The Foundation of Astrology:

Bhrgu is credited with writing the Bhrgu Samhita, the first treatise on astrology. It is believed to contain over 5 million horoscopes, detailing the fate of all beings in the universe. The horoscopes were based on planetary positions and became the foundation of Jyotish Shastra (astrology). During foreign invasions, much of the Bhrgu Samhita was lost, including thousands of manuscripts stored in Nalanda University, but fragments remain preserved by Brahmin families in India.

Other Contributions of Bhrgu:

Bhrgu blessed King Sagara with progeny after his tapas.

He was one of the sages who cursed Samba and the Yadavas, leading to their downfall.

Parashurama, after annihilating Kshatriya kings, sought Bhrgu’s blessings.

He was a respected member of Yudhishthira’s, Indra’s, and Brahma’s assemblies.

He blessed his son Rcika and daughter-in-law Satyavati with children.

Bhrgu traveled with Krishna on his peace mission to Hastinapura.

He attempted to persuade Dronacharya to withdraw from the Kurukshetra war.

He lectured on the origin of the earth, life’s philosophy, and the soul’s transmigration.

He critically analyzed racial discrimination.

He granted Brahminhood to King Vitahavya.

He advised Agastya to depose Nahusha from Indra’s post and later cursed Nahusha, turning him into a python.

He was named Bhrgu because he was born out of fire.

Sage Bhrgu’s wisdom and contributions significantly shaped Hindu philosophy, astrology, and Puranas. His lineage produced great sages, warriors, and astrologers, leaving a lasting impact on Hindu traditions and beliefs.