Atri (Hinduism)

Atri ( Sanskrit : अत्रि Atri m. ) Is one of the seven Rishis (सप्तर्षि saptarṣi 'Sapta Rishi'), a mythical sage of Hinduism . He is considered to be the author of several Vedic hymns.

myth

Atri is referred to in some sources as the spirit-born son of Brahma . From his wife Anusaya he had a son, the Durvasas . According to the Puranas , Dattatreya and the moon god Soma are also among his sons. The epic Ramayana tells an episode in which Rama and Sita visit the hermit Atri.

In Rigveda Atri is mentioned several times. So he freed the sun hidden by Svarbhanu. When in need he is rescued several times by the Ashvins .

Atri is also called one of the seven stars of the Great Bear .

literature

• Hans Wilhelm Haussig (Ed.): Gods and Myths of the Indian Subcontinent (= Dictionary of Mythology . Department 1: The ancient civilized peoples. Volume 5). Klett-Cotta, Stuttgart 1984, ISBN 3-12-909850-X .
• Atri . In: John Dowson : A classical dictionary of Hindu mythology and religion, geography, history, and literature. Trübner & co., London 1879, p. 32 ( Textarchiv - Internet Archive ).