Viśvāmitra
Vedic age · Saptarṣi · Ṛgveda, Maṇḍala 3
Viśvāmitra was born a kṣatriya king, Kauśika, and by fierce tapas became a brahmarṣi — the clearest example in tradition that spiritual greatness is earned, not inherited. The third book of the Ṛgveda is attributed to him and his family, and he is the seer of the Gāyatrī mantra (Ṛgveda 3.62.10), the most recited mantra of the Veda.
In the Rāmāyaṇa he takes the boys Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa to protect his yajña, teaches them divine weapons, and leads them to Mithilā, where Rāma breaks Śiva’s bow and weds Sītā. The Purāṇas also tell of his help to King Triśaṅku and of Menakā, mother of Śakuntalā.
Saptarṣi · Seer of the Gāyatrī mantra · Ṛgveda 3.62.10 · King who became brahmarṣi