Vishvamithra Maharishi is the most venerated of all Rishis. As his name suggests, he is a friend of the Universe. Though not a Saptharishi in this manvantra, he has always been consulted by all the Saptharishis on various important matters. He has been conferred the title ‘Brahmarishi’. Brahmarishi is a term conferred on that sage who has attained the highest Divine and infinite knowledge called Brahmagyana.

According to the Puranas, Vishvamithra Maharishi is said to have been the first Rishi who created and understood the whole meaning of the most sacred Rigvedic mantra - the Gayatri Mantra. Vishvamithra Maharishi was the only Brahmarishi who rose to this position out of pure penance.

After long episodes of penance in his previous life on the DIvine Mother, Vishvamithra Maharishi sought to experience royal life. His wish was granted as he was born as Prince Kaushika to King Gadhi. But the Goddess also granted the boon that he would also become a great sage in the same life. As Prince Kaushika, Vishvamithra Mahrishi was given formal training to fulfill the warrior traits of a Kshatriya. But when the second phase of his life got activated, he happened to meet the great sage Vashishtha.

The episode after meeting Vashishta Maharishi instilled the need to burn the strong kshatriya imprints and erase the karmas from his system in order to become a Brahmarishi. Vishvamithra Maharishi did severe penance on Lord Brahma but he was not granted that status since he was not a manasaputra but only someone born out of a human womb which wouldn’t qualify him to being a Brahmarishi. Fired by strong willpower and determination, he intensified his tapas and didn’t give up easily. Guarded by none other than Vashishta Maharishi himself during his penance, Vishvamithra Maharishi emerged successful in his attempt in burning all his karmas and was hence titled ‘Brahmarishi’ by Vashishtha Maharishi himself.