Question

Who is the chief Rishi (Sage) associated with the 7th Mandala of the Rigveda?

• A. Patanjali
• B. Vashistha
• C. Vishvamitra
• D. Atri

Hint:

Use a simple numerical mnemonic: 3V (3rd Mandala - Vishvamitra) and 7V (7th Mandala - Vashistha). Since they are the two most famous rival sages in the Rigveda, remembering their respective Mandalas (3 and 7) is essential for any Vedic literature test.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The Rigveda Samhita is structurally organized into ten 'Mandalas' (books). Books 2 through 7 are designated as the 'Family Books' (Kula-mandalas) because they are historically older and each is attributed to a specific family of sages (Rishi-kula). This genealogical organization is unique to the Rigveda and helps in understanding the historical development of Vedic clans and their respective priestly traditions. The 7th Mandala is specifically the contribution of the Vashistha family.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The sage Vashistha Maitravaruni is the principal seer of the 104 hymns (Suktas) contained in the 7th Mandala. Vashistha is one of the most legendary figures in the Vedic and Puranic traditions, known as the 'Purohita' (chief priest) of the Bharata King Sudas.

This Mandala is of immense historical value because it describes the 'Dasharajna War' (the Battle of the Ten Kings). In this conflict, Vashistha's prayers and spiritual guidance were credited with helping King Sudas defeat a powerful confederacy of ten opposing tribes on the banks of the Parushni river. Philosophically, the hymns of Vashistha are noted for their deep ethical introspection and intense devotion, especially those addressed to the deity Varuna. In these hymns, Vashistha adopts the persona of a humble seeker asking for forgiveness for his sins, a tone quite different from the more assertive hymns of other Mandalas.

Other key features of the 7th Mandala include the 'Manduka Sukta' (the Frog Hymn), which is interpreted either as a ritual for rain or a humorous comparison of priestly chanting to the croaking of frogs. It also contains the 'Vashistha Shiksha' principles within its ritualistic context. Vashistha is called 'Maitravaruni' because he is said to have been born from the jar into which the 'Tejas' (energy) of the gods Mitra and Varuna had fallen. This Mandala remains a primary source for the study of the Tritsu and Bharata clans and the traditional priestly authority of the Vashisthas. In the context of NTA Subject-specific exams, the mapping of Mandalas to Rishis (e.g., 3-Vishvamitra, 4-Vamadeva, 5-Atri, 6-Bharadvaja, 7-Vashistha) is a core topic.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The Rishi of the 7th Mandala is Vashistha. Thus, option (B) is correct.