aṅgirā

 "Aṅgirā" (अङ्गिरा) refers to a celebrated Vedic sage, one of the 

mind-born sons of Brahmā, often associated with Agni (fire) 

and credited with hymns of the Rigveda, as well as the founder 

of a lineage of priests known as the Aṅgirasas.

Etymology and Basic Meaning

The word Aṅgirā is etymologically connected to Agni (the fire deity), 

and in many texts is considered either synonymous with or descended 

from Agni 

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. In Sanskrit literature, it typically refers to

a revered Vedic sage or rishi, who is credited with significant contributions 

to Vedic hymns and rituals 

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. The feminine form "Aṅgirā" 

or masculine plural "Aṅgirasas" is used to denote the sage himself 

and his descendants or followers.

Historical and Mythological Context

• Birth and Family: Aṅgirā is described as one of the six mind-born sons 
• of Brahmā, the creator god. His wife was Śraddhā, and among their 
• children were Bṛhaspati, Utathya, and Saṃvarta, with four daughters 
• named Kuhū, Sinīvālī, Rākā, and Anumati 

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  . Some accounts also 
• credit him as father of Agni or as adopted by Agni.
• Lineage and Legacy: Aṅgirā is considered the progenitor of priestly 
• families called Aṅgirasas, who are associated with performing sacred 
• rites and protecting rituals against inauspicious forces using the 
• Atharvaveda 

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  . His family includes several distinguished branches 
• such as Kevalāṅgirasa, Gautamāṅgirasa, and Bhāradvājāṅgirasa.
• Vedic Contributions: Many hymns of the Rigveda (notably in Mandalas 
• I, II, V, VIII, IX, and X) are attributed to Aṅgirā and his descendants.
• He is associated with divine knowledge, astrology, and the invention 
• or propagation of fire worship 

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• Roles in Puranic Texts: In Puranic literature, Aṅgirā appears in multiple 
• roles—as a brahmarishi, teacher, lawgiver, and an astronomical 
• personification of Jupiter (Bṛhaspati) in Jyotisha astrology 

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• He is sometimes counted among the Saptarishis (seven great sages).
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Symbolic and Religious Significance

Aṅgirā symbolizes spiritual knowledge, fire, and divine energy. By virtue 

of being linked to Agni, he embodies purity, illumination, and the power 

of sacred speech. His mention in rituals, hymns, and as a progenitor 

of priestly families underscores his centrality in Vedic and Hindu 

religious practice

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 . The Aṅgirā lineage continues

to be associated with ritual expertise, Vedic scholarship, 

and the performance of sacrificial rites.

Summary

• Term: Aṅgirā (अङ्गिरा)
• Identity: Vedic sage, son of Brahmā, associated with Agni
• Family: Spouse: Śraddhā and others; sons: Bṛhaspati, Utathya, 
• Saṃvarta; daughters: Kuhū, Sinīvālī, Rākā, Anumati
• Contributions: Hymns of the Rigveda, priestly traditions (Aṅgirasas), 
• astrology, lawgiving, fire worship
• Symbolism: Wisdom, fire, divine purification, ritual authority, Jyotisha
• (astronomy/astrology) associations

In essence, Aṅgirā represents both a historical/mythical sage and

a broader spiritual lineage, central to Vedic religious practice, sacred

literature, and Hindu ritual traditions 

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