The Rishis are important players in the Hindu scriptures. They are described as poets to whom the four Vedas were revealed. They were learned men who performed austerities, knew the ritual practices, and through penance and prayer answered the questions of gods and men.
The names and tales of Brigu, Pulastaya, Daksha, Vashishta, Vishwamitra, Vyasa, Valmiki, Narada, remain even today in everyday memory. Though not deities, some of them are regarded as the mind-born sons of Brahma, who, at the dawn of creation brought forth both the population and the social order.
