The ancient Sages

The term Saptha Rishis , refers to a list of seven very important ancient sages .

As per the Mahabharata they are

1. Vashistha ( Guru to King Dasharatha and Rama of the Ramayana)
2. Pulastya
3.Kratu
4.Pulaha
5.Angirasa
6.Marichi
7.Atri.

The Vishnu Purana adds Brighu and Daksha to the above list and calls them the Nava Prajapatis ( ie the Nine Brahma rishis ) .

The term Brahma Rishi is given to a sage of the highest attainment who has realised Brahman, the supreme spirit , and is a perfect being .

The four levels of rishis , in increasing order of attainment are

Rishi , Maharishi , Rajarishi , and Brahmarishi .

The Sathapatha Brahmana has a different list

1. Gotama
2. Bharadwaja
3.Vishwamitra
4. Jamadagni
5.Vashistha
6.Kashyapa
7. Atri

other lists include sages such as Kanva , Vyasa , Valmiki , Manu , Vibhandhaka etc .

Other famous sages who also play a major role in history and mythology are
Agastya , Durvasa , Parasara , Ashwathama , Garga , Kanada , Kapila , Pathanjali, Jaimini , Badarayana etc .