An ancient sage and progenitor of the Bhargava clan.
Accounts of this vary across texts and traditions. This entry primarily follows Puranic tradition, with other tellings (Valmiki Ramayana) noted where relevant.
Bhrigu is one of the great ancient sages and the founder of the Bhargava line, to which Jamadagni and Parashurama belong.
The Puranas tell that Bhrigu once tested which of the three main gods was greatest, and struck Vishnu on the chest with his foot. Vishnu, unmoved, honoured the mark, which became a sign on his chest.
This entry is independently written for myVamsam using the sources listed above. Where traditions differ, this entry identifies the relevant tradition rather than presenting one account as universally established fact.