Introduction
Vasistha is the great sage who served as the family priest (kulaguru) of the Ikshvaku dynasty in Ayodhya. He is the teacher of Rama and his brothers, and a trusted advisor of Dasharatha.
This article primarily follows the Valmiki Ramayana. Where a well-known detail comes from a later retelling or tradition, the article identifies it.
Family
- Wife: Arundhati
The rivalry with Vishwamitra
Vasistha owned a wish-granting cow named Sabala. When the king Vishwamitra tried to take her by force, Vasistha's power defeated his army. This began the long rivalry between them, which ended when Vasistha recognised Vishwamitra as a Brahmarishi.
At Dasharatha's court
Vasistha helped with the sacrifice for sons and advised Dasharatha to let Rama go with Vishwamitra. He recited the genealogy of the Ikshvaku kings at the marriage of Rama and Sita.
During the exile
After Dasharatha's death, Vasistha sent for Bharata, arranged the funeral and tried to persuade Rama to return. When Rama came back, Vasistha crowned him.
Arundhati
His wife Arundhati is regarded as the ideal of a devoted wife. In Indian tradition, the pair of stars Vasistha and Arundhati are pointed out to newly married couples.