Introduction
Angiras is one of the ancient sages of Vedic tradition. He is the founder of the Angirasas, a family of priests and seers who composed many hymns of the Rigveda and Atharvaveda, and in the Puranas one of the ten mind-born sons of Brahma. He is the father of Brihaspati, the teacher of the gods.
The Prajapatis, "lords of creatures", are the progenitors of living beings in Hindu tradition. The Bhagavata Purana names ten sons of Brahma, born from his mind (the Manasaputras): Marichi, Atri, Angiras, Pulastya, Pulaha, Kratu, Bhrigu, Vasishtha, Daksha and Narada.
Family
- Father: Brahma
- Siblings: Daksha, Marichi, Pulastya, Pulaha, Kratu, Vasistha, Narada, Atri
- Son: Brihaspati
The Angirasas
In the Rigveda, the Angirasas are ancient seers and priests, who together with Indra found the cows hidden in the cave of Vala, an image of the recovery of the dawn and of light. They are called "sons of the sky". Angiras himself is also a name for Agni, the fire god, who is the first of the Angirasas.
The Atharvaveda
The Atharvaveda is often called Atharvangirasa, after the Atharvans and the Angirasas, the two priestly families associated with it.
Family
In the Puranas, Angiras is the son of Brahma. In the Bhagavata Purana, his wife is Shraddha, and their children include Brihaspati and Utathya. Other texts add Samvarta and several daughters. The name Angirasa is also borne by seers of several Rigvedic families, including the Bharadvajas, the Gotamas and others, and is one of the great gotras.
Meaning
The Angirasas are the model of the ancient poet-priest. Their connection with fire and with the freeing of light is central to Vedic imagery.