Vasishtha, Vasiṣṭha, Vāsiṣṭha, Vashishtha: 32 definitions

Introduction:

Vasishtha means something in Buddhism, Pali, Hinduism, Sanskrit, Jainism, Prakrit, Marathi. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article.

The Sanskrit terms Vasiṣṭha and Vāsiṣṭha can be transliterated into English as Vasistha or Vasishtha, using the IAST transliteration scheme (?).

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In Hinduism

Shaktism (Shakta philosophy)

[«previous next»] — Vasishtha in Shaktism glossary
Source: Wisdom Library: Śrīmad Devī Bhāgavatam

Vaśiṣṭha (वशिष्ठ):—One of the mind-born sons of Brahmā, according to the Devī-bhāgavata-purāṇa (chapter on the Devī-yajña). They were created by the sheer power of mind.

Source: Google Books: Manthanabhairavatantram

Vasiṣṭha (वसिष्ठ) refers to one of the eight Guardians (kṣetrapāla-aṣṭaka) associated with Tisrapīṭha (located in the ‘end of sound’—nādānta), according to the Manthānabhairavatantra, a vast sprawling work that belongs to a corpus of Tantric texts concerned with the worship of the goddess Kubjikā.—[...] The eight Guardians (kṣetrapālāṣṭaka): Śrīdhara, Bhāsura, Raudra, Durācāra, Śāntika, Kṛttika, Kālavṛṣṭi, Vasiṣṭha.

Source: Brill: Śaivism and the Tantric Traditions (shaktism)

Vasiṣṭha (वसिष्ठ) refers to the leading Sage of the “groups of sages” (munigaṇa), according to the King Vatsarāja’s Pūjāstuti called the Kāmasiddhistuti (also Vāmakeśvarīstuti), guiding one through the worship of the Goddess Nityā.—Accordingly, “[...] The fourteen worlds, all Gods headed by Mahendra, the three embodiments [of the ultimate reality], and also the groups of sages headed by Vasiṣṭha, come into existence or cease to exist, O goddess, by the opening and closing of your eyes, because you embody all”.

Shaktism book cover
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Shakta (शाक्त, śākta) or Shaktism (śāktism) represents a tradition of Hinduism where the Goddess (Devi) is revered and worshipped. Shakta literature includes a range of scriptures, including various Agamas and Tantras, although its roots may be traced back to the Vedas.

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Purana and Itihasa (epic history)

[«previous next»] — Vasishtha in Purana glossary
Source: archive.org: Puranic Encyclopedia

1) Vasiṣṭha (वसिष्ठ).—A hermit who was the son of Brahmā. The three births of Vasiṣṭha. Vasiṣṭha with the radiance of Brahmā, is very famous in the Purāṇas. He had three births. (See full article at Story of Vasiṣṭha from the Puranic encyclopaedia by Vettam Mani)

2) Vāsiṣṭha (वासिष्ठ).—An Agni (fire). (Mahābhārata, Vana Parva, Chapter 220, Stanza 1).

3) Vāsiṣṭha (वासिष्ठ).—Vasiṣṭha tīrtha. It is mentioned in Mahābhārata, Vana Parva, Chapter 84, that he who bathes in this tīrtha would become a Brahmin.

Source: archive.org: Shiva Purana - English Translation

Vasiṣṭha (वसिष्ठ) was created as a Sādhaka (aspirant) by Brahmā out of his vital breath named Samāna, according to the Śivapurāṇa 2.1.16:—“[...] I [viz., Brahmā] created many other things as well, but O sage, I was not satisfied. Then O sage, I meditated on Śiva and his consort Ambā and created aspirants (sādhakas). [...] I created the great sage Vasiṣṭha from the vital breath Samāna, [...] O foremost among sages, creating thus, thanks to the favour of Mahādeva, these excellent Sādhakas (e.g., Vasiṣṭha) I became contented. Then, O dear one, Dharma, born out of my conception assumed the form of Manu at my bidding and was engaged in activity by the aspirants”.

Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: The Purana Index

1a) Vasiṣṭha (वसिष्ठ).—A sage who called on Bhīṣma lying on his death-bed; also called on Parikṣit practising prāyopaveśa;1 was invited for Yudhiṣṭhira's Rājasūya;2 came to see Kṛṣṇa at Syamantapañcaka;3 one of the sages who left for Piṇḍāraka.4

  • 1) Bhāgavata-purāṇa I. 9. 7; 19. 9.
  • 2) Ib. X. 74. 7.
  • 3) Ib. X. 84. 4.
  • 4) Ib. XI. 1. 12.

1b) A son of Brahmā, born of his breath; married Kardama's daughter, Arundhatī. Father of seven sons, all Brahmaṛṣis; cursed the fires Pāvaka, Pavamāna and Śuci who were born sons of Vijitāśva;1 when invited to be Nimi's ṛtvik, he went away to Indra's yajña to which he had been called earlier and asked Nimi to wait till his return. On Nimi continuing his sacrifice with the help of other ṛtviks, Vasiṣṭha cursed him and was in turn cursed to be born of Ūrvaśī and Mitrāvaruṇa.2 A sage of the Kṛtayuga: Heard the Nīlakaṇṭha legend from Kārtikeya; present at Rati's marriage;3 suggested to Diti the observance of the madanadvādaśīvrata.4

  • 1) Bhāgavata-purāṇa III. 12. 22-3; 24. 23; IV. 1. 40; 24. 4; 29. 43; Brahmāṇḍa-purāṇa II. 32. 96 and 115; III. 8, 82; Matsya-purāṇa 187. 45.
  • 2) Bhāgavata-purāṇa VI. 18. 5; IX. 13. 1-6.
  • 3) Brahmāṇḍa-purāṇa II. 25. 15; 27. 103; IV. 40. 48; Matsya-purāṇa 201. 1, 14-6.
  • 4) Matsya-purāṇa 3. 7 and 34; 7. 5, 9.

1c) A siddha;1 the ācārya of Śrāddha deva. Finding no issue to him. Vasiṣṭha offered a sacrifice to Mitra and Varuṇa. At this time Śrāddhā, the king's wife desired to have a daughter and expressed it to the Hotā who uttered the mantra in such a way as to get a daughter. Ilā was born; but Śrāddhadeva was not pleased. So Vasiṣṭha converted Ilā into a male by name Sudyumna;2 was present at Ambarīṣa's asvamedha;3 the ideal Purohīta.4

  • 1) Bhāgavata-purāṇa VI. 15. 13.
  • 2) Ib. IX. 1. 13-22, 36-7; Matsya-purāṇa 245. 86.
  • 3) Bhāgavata-purāṇa IX. 4. 22.
  • 4) Ib. XI. 16. 22.

1d) A sage of the Vaivasvata epoch; his sons Mānasa pitṛs; fought in the form of a bird for years a battle with Viśvāmitra concerning Hariścandra;1 acted as Sāmaga in his Puruṣamedha;2 cursed Saudāsa to become a Rākṣasa; with the king's assent, Vasiṣṭha begot Aśmaka on Madayantī.3

  • 1) Bhāgavata-purāṇa VIII. 13. 5; 1. 24; Matsya-purāṇa 9. 27; 12. 4-5; 15. 12; Viṣṇu-purāṇa III. 1. 32.
  • 2) Bhāgavata-purāṇa IX. 7. and 23.
  • 3) Ib. IX. 9. 18-23, 38.

1e) The sage presiding over the months of Śuci (Āṣāḍha) and Śukra;1 in the Viśvacakra.2

  • 1) Bhāgavata-purāṇa XII. 11. 36; Brahmāṇḍa-purāṇa II. 23. 6.
  • 2) Matsya-purāṇa 285. 6.

1f) The eighth Veda Vyāsa. Heard the brahmāṇḍa purāṇa from Indra and narrated it to Sārasvata;1 āśrama of, on the Ūrjjanta hill.2

  • 1) Brahmāṇḍa-purāṇa II. 35. 118; IV. 2. 47; 4. 60.
  • 2) Ib. III. 13. 53 and 74.

1g) Born in the vāruṇi-yajña from the centre of Vasu (sacrificial fire), and hence Vasumat; progenitor of Pitṛs, Sukātas.*

  • * Brahmāṇḍa-purāṇa III. 1. 21 and 46; 10. 96; Matsya-purāṇa 195. 11; 200. 1.

1h) Cursed Haihaya to be ruined; of madhyama bhakti;1 a mahaṛṣi and a Brahmavādin.2

  • 1) Brahmāṇḍa-purāṇa III. 30. 70; 34. 40.
  • 2) Matsya-purāṇa 145. 90 and 109; 171. 27.

1i) A contemporary of Sagara; the kulaguru of the Ikṣvākus; narrated Paraśurāma's story to Sagara; blessed Sagara who enjoyed rule after world conquest; consoled him on the death of Sāgaras; agreed to anointing Aṃśumat as yuvarāja.1 Gave Prathiṣṭhāna to Sudyumna.2 Took Ikṣvāku to task for getting hare's flesh already tasted by Vikukṣi; was in charge of the kingdom when Trayyāruṇi went to the forest; met Kalmāṣapāda's queen for Aśmaka's birth;3 Purohita of Daśaratha and Rāma.4 Observed ādityaśayanavrata.5

  • 1) Brahmāṇḍa-purāṇa III. 31. 1; 47. 99; 48. 29; 49. 1 and 38; 54. 20-22.
  • 2) Ib. III. 60. 21.
  • 3) Ib. III. 63. 15, 82-93, 177; 64. 4; 73. 91.
  • 4) Ib. IV. 15. 40; 20. 103; 40. 48 and 89; Matsya-purāṇa 47. 245; Viṣṇu-purāṇa IV. 4. 99.
  • 5) Matsya-purāṇa 55. 32.

1j) Another name for Āpava sage.*

  • * Brahmāṇḍa-purāṇa III. 69. 44.

1k) (Dvaipāyana) a sage of the first epoch of Sāvarṇa Manu;1 father's father of Parāśara; on the evils of anger.2

  • 1) Brahmāṇḍa-purāṇa IV. 1. 11.
  • 2) Viṣṇu-purāṇa I. 1. 12-16.

1l) The younger brother of Agastya cursed Nimi to become bodyless, a purohita of Nimi.*

  • * Matsya-purāṇa 61. 19, 32-33; 201. 14-16.

1m) The purohita of Dharmamūrti of Bṛhatkalpa;1 praised Śiva out to burn Tripuram2

  • 1) Matsya-purāṇa 92. 21; 102. 19; 126. 7.
  • 2) Ib. 133. 67.

1n) A master of the science of architecture.*

  • * Matsya-purāṇa 252. 2.

1o) A son of Vāli the avatār of the Lord.*

  • * Vāyu-purāṇa 23. 160.

1p) A resident of Brahmakṣetra.*

  • * Vāyu-purāṇa 59. 105.

1q) (Hiraṇyanābha Kauśalya). a disciple of Jaimini who taught him 500 saṃhitas; he in his turn taught them to Yājñavalkya.*

  • * Vāyu-purāṇa 88. 207; 98. 92.

1r) See Vāsiṣṭhas; to them the Pravara is Ekārṣeya.*

  • * Matsya-purāṇa 200. 2.

2a) Vāsiṣṭha (वासिष्ठ).—A deva gaṇa of eleven groups.*

  • * Brahmāṇḍa-purāṇa II. 35. 64; III. 1. 50; 8. 100; IV. 39. 55.

2b) Had seven sons by Urjā: they are Raja, Putra, Ardhabāhu, Savana, Ādhana, Sutapa and Śukla; also daughter Puṇḍarīkā; according to the Brahmāṇḍa-purāṇa the seven are Rakṣa, Garta, Urdhvabāhu, Savana, Pavana, Sutapa and Śamku.*

  • * Vāyu-purāṇa 28. 34-6; Brahmāṇḍa-purāṇa II. 11. 41-2.
Source: Wisdomlib Libary: Brahma Purana

Vasiṣṭha (वसिष्ठ) is mentioned as one of the seven mind-born sons of Brahmā, also known as the seven prajāpatis, or the seven brahmās, according to the first chapter of the Brahma-purāṇa (on the origin of Devas and Asuras). Accordingly, “Desirous of evolving creation befitting these, he created Prajāpatis (Lords of subjects) viz. Marīci, Atri, Aṅgiras, Pulastya, Pulaha, Kratu and Vasiṣṭha. Thus the lord of great refulgence created seven mental sons. In the Purāṇas these are known as the seven Brahmās”.

The Brahmapurāṇa (mentioning Atri) is one the eighteen mahāpurāṇas originally composed of over 10,000 verses. The first three books of the extant edition contains a diverse amount of topics such as creation theory, cosmology, mythology, philosophy and genealogy. The fourth and last part represents pilgrimage’s travel guide (māhātmya) and narrates the legends surrounding numerous holy spots (tīrtha) around the Godāvarī region in India.

Source: JatLand: List of Mahabharata people and places

Vasiṣṭha (वसिष्ठ) is a name mentioned in the Mahābhārata (cf. I.61.68) and represents one of the many proper names used for people and places. Note: The Mahābhārata (mentioning Vasiṣṭha) is a Sanskrit epic poem consisting of 100,000 ślokas (metrical verses) and is over 2000 years old.

Vāsiṣṭha also refers to the name of a Tīrtha (pilgrim’s destination) mentioned in the Mahābhārata (cf. III.82.43).

Source: Shodhganga: The saurapurana - a critical study

1) Vasiṣṭha (वसिष्ठ) married Ūrjā: one of the daughters of Dakṣa and Prasūti: one of the two daughters of Manu-svāyaṃbhuva and Śatarūpā, according to the Vaṃśa (‘genealogical description’) of the 10th century Saurapurāṇa: one of the various Upapurāṇas depicting Śaivism.—Accordingly, Ākūti was married to Ruci and Prasūti to Dakṣa. Dakṣa produced in Prasūti twenty-four daughters. [...] [Ūrjā was given to Vasiṣṭha.] From Vasiṣṭha and Ūrjā, seven sons—Raja, Gotra, Ūrdhvabāhu, Savana, Anagha, Sutapā and Śukla and a daughter Puṇḍarikā were born.

2) Vasiṣṭha (वसिष्ठ) married Arundhati according to another account of Vaṃśa in the Saurapurāṇa.—Accordingly, Nārada gave a daughter to Vasiṣṭha. She was Arundhati and Śakti was born to her. Śakti begot Parāśara and from Parāśara was born Kṛṣṇa Dvaipāyana.

3) Vasiṣṭha (वसिष्ठ) is the name of one of the seven sages (saptarṣi) in the Vaivasvatamanvantara: one of the fourteen Manvantaras.—Accordingly, “The present, the seventh manvantara is Vaivasvata [viz., vaivasvatamanvantara]. In this manvantara, Purandara is the Indra who is the Subduer of the pride of the Asuras; The gods are the Ādityas, the Rudras, the Vasus and the Maruts. The seven seers are Vasiṣṭha, Kaśyapa, Atri, Jamadagni, Gautama, Viśvāmitra and Bharadvāja”.

Source: Brill: Śaivism and the Tantric Traditions (itihasa)

Vasiṣṭha (वसिष्ठ) is the purohita (royal chaplain) and Guru of the Sūryavaṃśa, according to the Kālidāsa’s Raghuvaṃśa.—Vasiṣṭha’s timely interventions help the continuance of the [Sūrya] dynasty throughout the whole epic.—A legend in theTaittirīya Saṃhitā tells us that among the sages it was Vasiṣṭha alone who could see Indra. The god taught him the Stomabhāgas with the charge that any king who had him as purohita would thereby flourish if Vasiṣṭha did not tell the Stomabhāgas to other sages. “Therefore—teaches the text—one should have a descendant of Vasiṣṭha (a Vāsiṣṭha) as one’s Brahman priest”. The Brahman was the priest who silently monitored the ritual. He was associated with the Atharvaveda and with the office of the family priest, the purohita of the patron of the sacrifice, the yajamāna. We may connect with these Vedic passages the tradition that Vasiṣṭha or several Vasiṣṭhas were the purohitas of the kings of Ayodhyā, the members of the Ikṣvāku—or Sūryavaṃśa. Pargiter (1922, 203ff.) distinguished seven Vasiṣṭhas in the legends, but, as he pointed out, these Vasiṣṭhas merged into one person.

Purana book cover
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The Purana (पुराण, purāṇas) refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India’s vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

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Dhanurveda (science of warfare)

Source: archive.org: Dhanurveda

Vasiṣṭha (वसिष्ठ) was one of the seven great sages (Sapta Ṛṣis) whose activities can be traced from the Vedas down to 10th century A.D, inscriptions. He is first noticed in the Ṛgvedas and later in the Aitareya Brāhmaṇa. He wasa great teacher. He taught many disciples the Vedas and the Vedāṅgas.

Dhanurveda book cover
context information

Dhanurveda (धनुर्वेद) refers to the “knowledge of warfare” and, as an upaveda, is associated with the Ṛgveda. It contains instructions on warfare, archery and ancient Indian martial arts, dating back to the 2nd-3rd millennium BCE.

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Natyashastra (theatrics and dramaturgy)

Source: Wisdom Library: Nāṭya-śāstra

Vasiṣṭha (वसिष्ठ) is the name of a sage who was in the company of Bharata when he recited the Nāṭyaveda them, according to the Nāṭyaśāstra chapter 35. Accordingly, they asked the following questions, “O the best Brahmin (lit. the bull of the twice-born), tell us about the character of the god who appears in the Preliminaries (pūrvaraṅga). Why is the sound [of musical instruments] applied there? What purpose does it serve when applied? What god is pleased with this, and what does he do on being pleased? Why does the Director being himself clean, perform ablution again on the stage? How, O sir, the drama has come (lit. dropped) down to the earth from heaven? Why have your descendants come to be known as Śūdras?”.

Natyashastra book cover
context information

Natyashastra (नाट्यशास्त्र, nāṭyaśāstra) refers to both the ancient Indian tradition (shastra) of performing arts, (natya—theatrics, drama, dance, music), as well as the name of a Sanskrit work dealing with these subjects. It also teaches the rules for composing Dramatic plays (nataka), construction and performance of Theater, and Poetic works (kavya).

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Shaivism (Shaiva philosophy)

[«previous next»] — Vasishtha in Shaivism glossary
Source: Shodhganga: Iconographical representations of Śiva

Vāśiṣṭha (वाशिष्ठ) or Vāśiṣṭhāgama refers to one of upāgamas (supplementary scriptures) of the Aṃśumāgama which is one of the twenty-eight Siddhāntāgama: a classification of the Śaiva division of Śaivāgamas. The Śaivāgamas represent the wisdom that has come down from lord Śiva, received by Pārvatī and accepted by Viṣṇu. The purpose of revealing upāgamas (e.g., Vāśiṣṭha Āgama) is to explain more elaborately than that of mūlāgamas (e.g., Aṃśumān-āgama) and to include any new idea if not dealt in mūlāgamas.

Shaivism book cover
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Shaiva (शैव, śaiva) or Shaivism (śaivism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshiping Shiva as the supreme being. Closely related to Shaktism, Shaiva literature includes a range of scriptures, including Tantras, while the root of this tradition may be traced back to the ancient Vedas.

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Pancaratra (worship of Nārāyaṇa)

Source: Shodhganga: Iconographical representations of Śiva (pancaratra)

Vāsiṣṭha (वासिष्ठ) or Vāsiṣṭhasaṃhitā is the name of a Vaiṣṇava Āgama scripture, classified as a sāttvika type of the Muniprokta group of Pāñcarātra Āgamas. The vaiṣṇavāgamas represent one of the three classes of āgamas (traditionally communicated wisdom).—Texts of the Pāñcara Āgamas are divided in to two sects. It is believed that Lord Vāsudeva revealed the first group of texts which are called Divya and the next group is called Muniprokta which are further divided in to three viz. a. Sāttvika (e.g., Vāsiṣṭha-saṃhitā). b. Rājasa. c. Tāmasa.

Pancaratra book cover
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Pancaratra (पाञ्चरात्र, pāñcarātra) represents a tradition of Hinduism where Narayana is revered and worshipped. Closeley related to Vaishnavism, the Pancaratra literature includes various Agamas and tantras incorporating many Vaishnava philosophies.

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Vastushastra (architecture)

Source: archive.org: Bharatiya vastu-sastra

Vaśiṣṭha (वशिष्ठ) is the name of an ancient teacher (ācārya) of Vāstuśāsta (science of architecture) according to the Matsyapurāṇa.—All these great teachers cannot be said to be legendary. Some used to be propagated in ancient India. No nation can flourish without its care for its material prosperity. All this technique and training and their systematic and successful teaching and transmission were of equal importance. Most of the treatises of Vāstuśāstra carry many of these names [i.e., Vaśiṣṭha], yet a good many of them are quoted as authorities, yet still others are honoured with actual passages being quoted from their works.

Vastushastra book cover
context information

Vastushastra (वास्तुशास्त्र, vāstuśāstra) refers to the ancient Indian science (shastra) of architecture (vastu), dealing with topics such architecture, sculpture, town-building, fort building and various other constructions. Vastu also deals with the philosophy of the architectural relation with the cosmic universe.

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Jyotisha (astronomy and astrology)

[«previous next»] — Vasishtha in Jyotisha glossary
Source: Wisdom Library: Brihat Samhita by Varahamihira

1) Vasiṣṭha (वसिष्ठ) is the name of an author of Astronomical texts, according to the Bṛhatsaṃhitā (chapter 2), an encyclopedic Sanskrit work written by Varāhamihira mainly focusing on the science of ancient Indian astronomy astronomy (Jyotiṣa).—Accordingly, “We shall now proceed to give a brief description of (the qualifications of) a jyotiṣaka. [...] He must have studied the works of Pauliśa, Romaka, Vasiṣṭha, Sūrya and Pitāmaha; he must have a correct, knowledge of a yuga (43,20,000 Solar years), [...]”.

2) Vasiṣṭha (वसिष्ठ) refers to one of the Seven Ṛṣis (saptarṣi), according to the Bṛhatsaṃhitā (chapter 13).—Accordingly, “During the reign of Yudhisthira, 2526 years before the commencement of Vikrama Śaka, the Seven Ṛṣis (saptarṣi) were at the constellation of Maghā (Regulus). The Ṛṣis take a period of 100 years to go over each of the 27 asterisms. They rise in the north-east and are accompanied by the chaste Arundhatī—the consort of Vasiṣṭha. The eastern-most of the group is Bhagavān Marīci; the next to him is Vasiṣṭha; the next is Aṅgiras and the next two are—Atri and Pulastya. The next in order are the Ṛṣis—Pulaha and Kratu. The chaste Arundhatī closely attends her husband the sage Vasiṣṭha”.

Jyotisha book cover
context information

Jyotisha (ज्योतिष, jyotiṣa or jyotish) refers to ‘astronomy’ or “Vedic astrology” and represents the fifth of the six Vedangas (additional sciences to be studied along with the Vedas). Jyotisha concerns itself with the study and prediction of the movements of celestial bodies, in order to calculate the auspicious time for rituals and ceremonies.

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General definition (in Hinduism)

[«previous next»] — Vasishtha in Hinduism glossary
Source: WikiPedia: Hinduism

Vashistha is one of the Saptarishis (seven great Rishis) in the seventh, i.e. the present Manvantara, or age of Manu. Vashista is a manasputra of God Brahma. He had in his possession the divine cow Kamadhenu, and Nandini her child, who could grant anything to their owners. Arundhuti is the name of the wife of Vashista. RigVeda 7:33 mentions Vashistha rishi as son of MitraVaruṇa and Urvasi.

Vashistha, as one of 9 Prajapatis, is credited as the chief author of Mandala 7 of the Rigveda. Vashistha and his family are glorified in RV 7.33, extolling their role in the Battle of the Ten Kings, making him the only mortal besides Bhava to have a Rigvedic hymn dedicated to him. Another treatise attributed to him is "Vashistha Samhita" - a book on the Vedic system of electional astrology.

In the Vinaya Pitaka of the Mahavagga (I.245)[6] section the Buddha pays respect to Vashistha by declaring that the Veda in its true form was declared to the Vedic rishis "Atthako, Vâmako, Vâmadevo, Vessâmitto, Yamataggi, Angiraso, Bhâradvâjo, Vâsettho, Kassapo, and Bhagu" and because that true Veda was altered by some priests he refused to pay homage to the altered version.

etymology: Vashistha (Sanskrit: वशिष्ठ, वसिष्ठ, Thai: Vasit, Tamil: வசிஷ்டர்)

In Buddhism

Tibetan Buddhism (Vajrayana or tantric Buddhism)

Source: Wisdom Library: Tibetan Buddhism

Vasiṣṭha (वसिष्ठ) refers to one of the various Ṛṣis (sages) and Mahārṣis (great sages) mentioned as attending the teachings in the 6th century Mañjuśrīmūlakalpa: one of the largest Kriyā Tantras devoted to Mañjuśrī (the Bodhisattva of wisdom) representing an encyclopedia of knowledge primarily concerned with ritualistic elements in Buddhism. The teachings in this text originate from Mañjuśrī and were taught to and by Buddha Śākyamuni in the presence of a large audience (including Vasiṣṭha).

Tibetan Buddhism book cover
context information

Tibetan Buddhism includes schools such as Nyingma, Kadampa, Kagyu and Gelug. Their primary canon of literature is divided in two broad categories: The Kangyur, which consists of Buddha’s words, and the Tengyur, which includes commentaries from various sources. Esotericism and tantra techniques (vajrayāna) are collected indepently.

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In Jainism

General definition (in Jainism)

[«previous next»] — Vasishtha in Jainism glossary
Source: HereNow4U: Lord Śrī Pārśvanātha

Vasiṣṭha (वसिष्ठ).—He was the Lord’s third Gaṇadhara. He was the son of the king Mahendra of Kampilapura. He came to the Lord’s first Samavaśaraṇa and being initiated there, became the third Gaṇadhara.

Source: Encyclopedia of Jainism: Tattvartha Sutra 4: The celestial beings (deva)

Vasiṣṭha (वसिष्ठ) refers to one of the two Indras (lords) of the Dvīpakumāra (island youths) class of “residential celestial beings” (bhavanavāsin), itself a main division of devas (celestial beings) according to the 2nd-century Tattvārthasūtra 4.3. The Dvīpakumāras perform miraculous activities in the continents. Pūrṇa and Vaśiṣṭa (Vasiṣṭha?) are the two lords in the Fiendish-youths residential celestial beings.

General definition book cover
context information

Jainism is an Indian religion of Dharma whose doctrine revolves around harmlessness (ahimsa) towards every living being. The two major branches (Digambara and Svetambara) of Jainism stimulate self-control (or, shramana, ‘self-reliance’) and spiritual development through a path of peace for the soul to progess to the ultimate goal.

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Languages of India and abroad

Marathi-English dictionary

[«previous next»] — Vasishtha in Marathi glossary
Source: DDSA: The Molesworth Marathi and English Dictionary

vaśiṣṭha (वशिष्ठ).—m S The name of an eminent Rishi or saint. Used, appellatively, of a man carefully observant of all commanded or established rites and usages. Also vaśiṣṭha vāmadēva A name applied to a person both practical and contemplative.

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vāśiṣṭha (वाशिष्ठ).—m A tribe, or an individual of it, of Brahmans in S. Konkan̤.

context information

Marathi is an Indo-European language having over 70 million native speakers people in (predominantly) Maharashtra India. Marathi, like many other Indo-Aryan languages, evolved from early forms of Prakrit, which itself is a subset of Sanskrit, one of the most ancient languages of the world.

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Sanskrit dictionary

[«previous next»] — Vasishtha in Sanskrit glossary
Source: DDSA: The practical Sanskrit-English dictionary

Vaśiṣṭha (वशिष्ठ).—See वसिष्ठ (vasiṣṭha).

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Vasiṣṭha (वसिष्ठ).—(also written vaśiṣṭha)

1) Name of a celebrated sage, the family priest of the solar race of kings, and author of several Vedic hymns, particularly of the seventh Maṇḍala of the Rigveda. He was the typical representative of true Brāhmanic dignity and power, and the efforts of Viśvāmitra to rise to his level from the subject of many legends; cf. विश्वामित्र (viśvāmitra).

2) Name of the author of a Smṛti (sometimes ascribed to the sage himself).

-ṣṭham Flesh.

Derivable forms: vasiṣṭhaḥ (वसिष्ठः).

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Vāsiṣṭha (वासिष्ठ).—a. (-ṣṭhī f.) [वसि-शिष्ठ-अण् (vasi-śiṣṭha-aṇ)] Belonging to or composed by (rather revealed to) Vasiṣṭha, as a Maṇḍala of the Ṛgveda.

-ṣṭhaḥ A descendant of Vasiṣṭha.

-ṣṭhī 1 The Gomatī river.

2) The north; काष्ठां चासाद्य वासिष्ठीम् (kāṣṭhāṃ cāsādya vāsiṣṭhīm) Mahābhārata (Bombay) 5.19.16.

See also (synonyms): vāśiṣṭha.

Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Edgerton Buddhist Hybrid Sanskrit Dictionary

Vasiṣṭha (वसिष्ठ).—(= Pali Vāseṭṭha), (1) name of a brahman convert to Buddhism (= Pali Vās° 4), associated with Bhāradvāja 2: Karmavibhaṅga (and Karmavibhaṅgopadeśa) 157.6; (2) name of a ṛṣi living in Anomiya, q.v., in the Malla country (compare Pali Vās° 3 in Malalasekara (Dictionary of Pali Proper Names)): Mahāvastu ii.164.18, etc.; 195.12 ff.; (3) name of a brother of Bharadvāja 4: Mūla-Sarvāstivāda-Vinaya i.211.6 ff.

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Vāśiṣṭha (वाशिष्ठ).—for Vās°, q.v.

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Vāsiṣṭha (वासिष्ठ).—(= Pali Vāseṭṭha, so used e.g. Dīghanikāya (Pali) ii.158.32; 159.5; iii.209.8, compare Senart, Mahāvastu i note 403; mss. of Mahāvastu usually Vāśiṣṭa; the meaning not recognized in Pali Dictt.), voc. in polite address to anyone without regard to ancestry, sirs! gentlemen! mes amis! (Senart, l.c.): sg. Mahāvastu i.257.9, King Śreṇiya Bimbisāra to Tomara the Licchavi; iii.368.4 (mss. Vāśiṣṭo), to Śarabhaṅga, whose gotra was Kauṇḍinya 370.12, as in Pali Koṇḍañña Jātaka (Pali) v.140.17; generally pl., ā or (oftener) -āho; -ā Mahāvastu i.283.13 (v.l. -āho), 14; 286.14 (in all three Buddha to Licchavis); -āho Mahāvastu i.38.4 (Abhiya to two unnamed perfume-merchants in Vasumata); to Licchavis, the speaker being usually the Buddha, i.257.13, 15, 19; 271.12, 18, 19; 283.9; 286.13, 22; 288.1, 4, 11, 13; 289.12, 14, 16; 290.1, 3, 4; 300.1 ff.; Śuddhodana to Śākyas, iii.108.7; Buddha to men of Vaiśālī, Mūla-Sarvāstivāda-Vinaya i.225.18; 228.22.

Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Shabda-Sagara Sanskrit-English Dictionary

Vaśiṣṭha (वशिष्ठ).—m.

(-ṣṭhaḥ) Vashist'Ha, a Rishi or divine sage of the first order, he is also a Brahmadika, a Prajapati, and one of the seven stars of Ursa Major. E. ava before, śās to govern, to instruct, (the other saints,) aff. kta; the first vowel of the prefix rejected: also written vaśiṣṭa and vasiṣṭa . atiśayena vaśī iṣṭhan inerluk .

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Vasiṣṭha (वसिष्ठ).—m.

(-ṣṭhaḥ) A celebrated Muni. E. vas to abide, (in the practice of religious austerities,) aff. ṇini, vasin, superlative aff. iṣṭan added; pre-eminent amongst the ascetics; also vaśiṣṭha &c.

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Vāśiṣṭha (वाशिष्ठ).—mfn.

(-ṣṭhaḥ-ṣṭhī-ṣṭhaṃ) Relating to the sage Vasisht'Ha. f. (-ṣṭhī) The Goomti river, which rising in the Kumaun hills, pursues a winding and south-easterly course, and passing Lucknow and Jonpur falls into the Ganges, below Benares. E. vaśiṣṭha the saint, aṇ aff., derived from him; also read vāsiṣṭha .

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Vāsiṣṭha (वासिष्ठ).—mfn.

(-ṣṭhaḥ-ṣṭhī-ṣṭhaṃ) Explained or composed by the sage Vasisht'Ha, a part of the Vedas or a particular prayer, &c. E. vasiṣṭha, aṇ aff.

Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Benfey Sanskrit-English Dictionary

Vaśiṣṭha (वशिष्ठ).— (in the Vedas vasiṣṭha vasiṣṭha, properly superl. of vasu), m. The name of a Ṛṣi, [Mānavadharmaśāstra] 1, 35; Chr. 296, 9 = [Rigveda.] i. 112, 9 (s).

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Vasiṣṭha (वसिष्ठ).—m. The name of a Ṛṣi; cf. vaśiṣṭha.

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Vāsiṣṭha (वासिष्ठ).—i. e. vasiṣṭha + a, adj. 1. Composed by Vasiṣṭha, [Mānavadharmaśāstra] 11, 249. 2. Explained by Vasiṣṭha.

Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Cappeller Sanskrit-English Dictionary

Vasiṣṭha (वसिष्ठ).—([superlative]) most excellent, best, richest; [masculine] [Name] of an ancient Ṛṣi, deified as a star in the Great Bear.

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Vāsiṣṭha (वासिष्ठ).—[feminine] ī belonging to or descended from Vasiṣṭha; [with] śata [neuter] the hundred sons of V.

Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Aufrecht Catalogus Catalogorum

1) Vasiṣṭha (वसिष्ठ) as mentioned in Aufrecht’s Catalogus Catalogorum:—[+vasiṣṭha] Itihāsa. Gaṇḍāntādidoṣavicāra. Ben. 25. Grahaśāntipaddhati. Śāntividhi. Gu. 5. See Vāsiṣṭhīśānti.

2) Vāsiṣṭha (वासिष्ठ):—See Yogavāsiṣṭha.

3) Vasiṣṭha (वसिष्ठ):—Homavidhi.

Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Monier-Williams Sanskrit-English Dictionary

1) Vaśiṣṭha (वशिष्ठ):—[wrong reading] for vasiṣṭha.

2) Vasiṣṭha (वसिष्ठ):—[from vas] a mfn. (superl. [from] 1. vasu; cf. vasīyas and under √3. vas) most excellent, best, richest, [Ṛg-veda; Atharva-veda; Brāhmaṇa; Chāndogya-upaniṣad; Mahābhārata]

3) [v.s. ...] m. (wrongly written vaśiṣṭha), ‘the most wealthy’, Name of a celebrated Vedic Ṛṣi or sage (owner of the ‘cow of plenty’, called Nandinī, offspring of Surabhi, which by granting all desires made him, as his name implies, master of every vasu or desirable object; he was the typical representative of Brāhmanical rank, and the legends of his conflict with Viśvā-mitra, who raised himself from the kingly or Kṣatriya to the Brāhmanical class, were probably founded on the actual struggles which took place between the Brāhmans and Kṣatriyas; a great many hymns of the [Ṛg-veda] are ascribed to these two great rivals; those of the seventh Maṇḍala, besides some others, being attributed to Vasiṣṭha, while those of the third Maṇḍala are assigned to Viśvā-mitra; in one of Vasiṣṭha’s hymns he is represented as king Su-dās’s family priest, an office to which Viśvā-mitra also aspired; in another hymn Vasiṣṭha claims to have been inspired by Varuṇa, and in another [Ṛg-veda vii, 33, 11] he is called the son of the Apsaras Urvaśī by Mitra and Varuṇa, whence his patronymic Maitrāvaruṇi ; in Manu, [i, 35], he is enumerated among the ten Prajā-patis or Patriarchs produced by Manu Svāyambhuva for the peopling of the universe; in the [Mahābhārata] he is mentioned as the family priest of the solar race or family of Ikṣvāku and Rāma-candra, and in the Purāṇas as one of the arrangers of the Vedas in the Dvāpara age; he is, moreover, called the father of Aurva [Harivaṃśa], of the Sukālins [Manu-smṛti], of seven sons [Harivaṃśa; Purāṇa], and the husband of Akṣa-mālā or Arundhatī [Mahābhārata] and of Ūrjā [Purāṇa]; other legends make him one of the 7 patriarchal sages regarded as forming the Great Bear in which he represents the star ζ See ṛṣi), [Ṛg-veda] etc. etc. (cf. [Indian Wisdom, by Sir M. Monier-Williams 361; 402 n.1 etc.])

4) [v.s. ...] Name of the author of a law-book and other works ([probably] intended to be ascribed to the Vedic Ṛṣi above)

5) [v.s. ...] [plural] the family of Vasiṣṭha, [Ṛg-veda; Śatapatha-brāhmaṇa; ???] (vasiṣṭhasyāṅkuśaḥ etc. Name of Sāmans, [Ārṣeya-brāhmaṇa])

6) [v.s. ...] Name of an Anuvāka, [Patañjali on Pāṇini 4-3, 131], [vArttika] 2

7) [v.s. ...] n. flesh, [Demetrius Galanos’s Lexiko: sanskritikes, anglikes, hellenikes]

8) b vasīyas See p.930.

9) Vāśiṣṭha (वाशिष्ठ):—incorrect for vāsiṣṭha.

10) Vāsiṣṭha (वासिष्ठ):—mf(ī)n. (also written vāśiṣṭha) relating or belonging to Vasiṣṭha, composed or revealed by him (as the 7th Maṇḍala of the Ṛg-veda)

11) with śata n. the hundred sons of V°, [Aitareya-brāhmaṇa; Mahābhārata; Rāmāyaṇa] etc.

12) m. a son or descendant of V° (applied as a [patronymic] to various Ṛṣis), [Taittirīya-saṃhitā; Brāhmaṇa; ???] etc.

13) n. Name of various Sāmans, [Ārṣeya-brāhmaṇa]

14) = yoga-vāsiṣṭha q.v.

15) blood, [cf. Lexicographers, esp. such as amarasiṃha, halāyudha, hemacandra, etc.]

16) Name of a Tīrtha, [Mahābhārata]

Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Yates Sanskrit-English Dictionary

1) Vaśiṣṭha (वशिष्ठ):—(ṣṭhaḥ) 1. m. Vashishtha; name of a Rishi or sage of the first order; a star of Ursa major.

2) Vasiṣṭha (वसिष्ठ):—(ṣṭhaḥ) 1. m. A celebrated sage.

3) Vāśiṣṭha (वाशिष्ठ):—[(ṣṭhaḥ-ṣṭhā-ṣṭhaṃ)] 1. f. The Gumti river. a. Of Vasishtha.

4) Vāsiṣṭha (वासिष्ठ):—[(ṣṭhaḥ-ṣṭhā-ṣṭhaṃ) a.] Explained or composed by Vasishtha.

Source: DDSA: Paia-sadda-mahannavo; a comprehensive Prakrit Hindi dictionary (S)

Vaśiṣṭha (वशिष्ठ) in the Sanskrit language is related to the Prakrit word: Vasiṭṭha.

[Sanskrit to German]

Vasishtha in German

context information

Sanskrit, also spelled संस्कृतम् (saṃskṛtam), is an ancient language of India commonly seen as the grandmother of the Indo-European language family (even English!). Closely allied with Prakrit and Pali, Sanskrit is more exhaustive in both grammar and terms and has the most extensive collection of literature in the world, greatly surpassing its sister-languages Greek and Latin.

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Kannada-English dictionary

[«previous next»] — Vasishtha in Kannada glossary
Source: Alar: Kannada-English corpus

Vaśiṣṭha (ವಶಿಷ್ಠ):—

1) [noun] one of the seven ancient great sages and many hymns of the Řgveda are ascribed to him.

2) [noun] (astron.) a double star with a magnitude of 2.2 in the middle of the constellation Ursa Major; the Mizar.

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Vasiṣṭha (ವಸಿಷ್ಠ):—

1) [adjective] very rich; very wealthy.

2) [adjective] most excellent; best.

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Vasiṣṭha (ವಸಿಷ್ಠ):—

1) [noun] one of the seven ancient great sages and many hymns of the Řgvēda are ascribed to him.

2) [noun] (astron.) a double star with a magnitude of 2.2 in the middle of the constellation Ursa Major; the Mizar.

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Vāsiṣṭha (ವಾಸಿಷ್ಠ):—[adjective] of or relating to or written by the sage Vasiṣṭha.

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Vāsiṣṭha (ವಾಸಿಷ್ಠ):—[noun] any of several sons the sage of Vasiṣṭha.

context information

Kannada is a Dravidian language (as opposed to the Indo-European language family) mainly spoken in the southwestern region of India.

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