The name Atri means the one who is free from the predominance of the triple impurities namely Sattva, Rajas and Tamas or one in whom the triple entities are in perfect equilibrium. Since the triple gunas are represented by Vishnu, Brahma and Shiva respectively, it also means Atri contains within himself the powers and attributes of the three gods. The name also refers to the triple aspects of the earth (bhu), the middle heaven (bhuva) and the highest heaven (suva), to the triple letters in AUM and to the triple strands in the sacred thread worn by the Brahmanas.
According to some accounts Atri was the last of the seven sages to have manifested from the mind of Brahma. The organ tongue is associated with his origin, which points to his erudition or the power of speech, which is considered the key to the knowledge of the Vedas and the chanting of the sacred mantras in Vedic rituals.
Many Vedic hymns are credited to Atri, especially those of fifth mandala (divison) of the Rigveda which goes by the name Atrimandala. It contains 87 hymns which are addressed to various gods such as Indra, Agni, Visvadevas, Maruts, etc., and which were probably composed by Atri and his sons, descendants and disciples.
Due to his popularity and status as a great sage (maha rish), Atri is also associated with many ancient legends and stories which are found in the Puranas and epics. According to them, Atri was married to Sati Anasuya and had three children through her namely Dattatreya, Durvasas and Chandra. The birth of the three sons is ascribed to the triple Gods (Trimurthis).
No comments:
Post a Comment