Agni Purana — Agneya-vidya, Shloka 15
Chapter 17 — सृष्टिविषयकवर्णनम्
An Account Concerning Creation
मरीचिमत्र्यङ्गिरसं पुलस्त्यं पुलहं क्रतुम् वसिष्ठं मानसाः सप्त ब्रह्माण इति निश्चिताः
marīcimatryaṅgirasaṃ pulastyaṃ pulahaṃ kratum vasiṣṭhaṃ mānasāḥ sapta brahmāṇa iti niścitāḥ
మరీచి, అత్రి, అంగిరస, పులస్త్య, పులహ, క్రతు, వసిష్ఠ—ఈ ఏడుగురు బ్రహ్ముని మానసపుత్రులు, అనగా సప్త బ్రహ్మర్షులు అని నిశ్చయించబడినారు।
Lord Agni (narrating Purāṇic knowledge)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Cosmology","secondary_vidya":"Samanya","practical_application":"Genealogical memorization of the Saptarṣi/Brahmā’s mānasa-putras for Purāṇic study, ritual saṅkalpa lineages, and teaching cosmological chronology.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"List","entry_title":"Seven Mind-born Sons of Brahmā (Saptarṣi/Brahmarṣi)","lookup_keywords":["Marīci","Atri","Aṅgiras","Vasiṣṭha","Saptarṣi"],"quick_summary":"The verse enumerates the seven mānasa-putras—Marīci, Atri, Aṅgiras, Pulastya, Pulaha, Kratu, Vasiṣṭha—establishing the canonical r̥ṣi set used across Purāṇic genealogies."}
Concept: Cosmic administration through r̥ṣi lineages; mind-born creation (mānasa-sṛṣṭi) as a mode of manifestation preceding physical procreation.
Application: Use as a mnemonic list in teaching Purāṇic cosmology; supports ritual remembrance (smaraṇa) of r̥ṣi authorities.
Khanda Section: Sarga-Creation Genealogies (Sṛṣṭi-vidyā / Prajāpati-Sarga)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Brahmā seated in meditation; from his mind-lotus emerge seven luminous sages—Marīci, Atri, Aṅgiras, Pulastya, Pulaha, Kratu, Vasiṣṭha—each with ascetic attire and distinct aura.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, Brahmā on lotus, seven r̥ṣis emerging as haloed ascetics in a semicircle, stylized beards and jaṭā, flat color blocks, sacred symmetry, palm-leaf manuscript aesthetic.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore, Brahmā with ornate gold crown and halo, seven sages with gold halos and embossed ornaments, rich textiles, lotus motifs, strong frontal composition with gold leaf emphasis.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore style, delicate faces and linework, seven sages labeled subtly, calm instructional tableau, soft shading, minimal background with lotus and manuscript-like borders.","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, refined portrait-like sages with individualized features, Brahmā on lotus throne, detailed flora, thin gold halos, architectural border framing the genealogical scene."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Yaman","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: Sandhi resolved: मरीचिमत्र्यङ्गिरसं→मरीचिम् अत्र्यम् अङ्गिरसम्. The list of seven is in accusative as objects (understood ‘(he created) ...’), while “मानसाः सप्त ब्रह्माणः” is nominative as a predicative identification; “निश्चिताः” agrees with “ब्रह्माणः”.
Related Themes: Agni Purana genealogical (vaṃśa) sections where these r̥ṣis generate further lineages; Agni Purana sarga passages on Brahmā’s mānasa-sṛṣṭi
FAQs
It imparts Purāṇic cosmological classification: the authoritative identification of Brahmā’s seven mind-born sages (Saptarṣis), a foundational reference used in genealogies, manvantara narratives, and ritual/lineage recitations.
By cataloging core cosmological data (names and status of primeval sages), it functions like an index entry for the Purāṇa’s broader knowledge system—supporting later sections on dynasties, dharma traditions, and the transmission of Vedic and ritual lineages.
Remembering and honoring the Saptarṣis is traditionally linked with reverence for the sources of dharma and Vedic transmission; it strengthens śraddhā (faith) in sacred lineage and is considered purifying when recited as part of Purāṇic study.