Devarishi (), is one of the three categories of , the other two being – Brahmarishi (ब्रह्मर्षि) and Rajarishi (राजर्षि).
Etymology
Vayu Purana (LXI.79-92) tells us that the root - ऋष, from which the word ऋषि (
Rishi) is derived, is used in the sense of motion (Knowledge), hearing truth and austerity, and gives the marks of a
Devarishi. It states that seers living in the celestial regions should be known as the blessed
Devarishis, and also those who are distinguished by their knowledge of the past, present and future and strict adherence to truth; they are the revealers of
Mantra and by virtue of their
('supernatural powers') have unrestricted access everywhere. The same text earlier states that:-
- देवर्षी धर्मपुत्रौ तु नरनारायणावुभौ |
- वालखिल्याः क्रतोः पुत्राः कर्दमः पुलहस्य तु ||
- पर्वतो नारदश्चैव कश्यपस्यात्मजावुभौ |
- ऋषन्ति देवान् यस्मात्ते तस्माद्देवर्षयः स्मृताः ||
the two sons of Dharma, Nara-Narayana; Prajapati’s sons, collectively known as Vālakhilyas; Kardama, son of Pulaha; Parvata, Narada and the two sons of Kasyapa, Asita and Vatsara, are called Devarishis because they can exercise control even over the celestials.
