Rsipañcami-vrata
From Hindupedia, the Hindu Encyclopedia
By Swami Harshananda
Sometimes transliterated as: Rsipancami-vrata, RsipaJcami-vrata, Rsipaycami-vrata
Contents
Saptarṣis, as per General Belief
The Saptarṣis or the seven sages are the highly revered figures in our tradition. They have obliged us by revealing spiritual knowledge and wisdom through the Vedic mantras. They are:
- Kaśyapa
- Atri
- Bharadvāja
- Viśvāmitra
- Gotama
- Jamadagni
- Vasiṣṭha
Saptarṣis, as per other belief
According to another tradition, they are:
- Marīci
- Atri
- Aṅgiras
- Pulastya
- Pulaha
- Kratu
- Vasiṣṭha
Rṣipañcami-vrata
- The Rsipañcami-vrata is dedicated to honoring the Saptarṣis.
- The vrata can be performed by men of all the varṇas.[1]
- Worship can be offered to the images of the sages.
- Subsisting on vegetables and observing celibacy are very important in this vrata.
- Freedom from sins and troubles and increase of good fortune are the promised results.
- Women observing this vṛata are promised good bodily form, beauty, happiness and progeny.
- It may be observed for seven years.[2]
- The seven images along with the seven kalaśas should be donated to seven brāhmaṇas.
- Though it is meant for all, it has somehow become a vrata observed mostly by women.
References
- The Concise Encyclopedia of Hinduism, Swami Harshananda, Ram Krishna Math, Bangalore