The Satpa Rishis are known to keep changing each Yuga. Jamadagni, Kashyapa, Atri, Gautama Maharishi, Vasishtha and Bharadvaja are names of the Sapta Rishis, currently.
The seven stars of Ursa Major (Bhrigu, Vasishta, Angiras, Atri, Pulastya, Kratu and Pulaha are identified with the 7 Sapta Rishis, according to traditional Hindu astronomy.
A Sanskrit dvigu mentions Sapta Rishis as ‘the seven sages’. The 7 sages or rishis in ancient India, are praised enthusiastically in Hindu literature and the Vedas. The Rishis are considered as patriarchs of the Vedic religion in the Vedas. Later Vedic texts like the Upanishads and the Brahmanas have enumerated the Sapta Rishis by name.
The Jaiminiya Brahmana provides a list of the earliest Seven Rishis as Vishvamitra, Agastya, Vashistha, Atri, Jamadagni, Gautam and Bhardwaja. A slightly moderate list of Sapta Rishis including Atri, Gautama, Bhrigu, Bharadvaja, Vashistha, Jamadagni and Shadilya is mentioned in the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad. As per the late Gopatha Brahmana, the list of Sapta Rishis include Kashyapa, Vashistha, Bhrigu, Vishvamitra, Agastya, Jamadagni, Gung, Bharadvaja and Gautama.
These Sapta Rishis have been referred to as Lord Brahma’s ‘mind-born’ sons, in the post-Vedic texts. According to ancient Indian astronomy, Sapta Rishi is the Big Dipper (Ursa Major) having seven stars which represent seven rishis, including Kratu, Angiras, Atri, Pulaha, Pulastya and Marichi. Legends indicate that in the next Manvantara, the seven Rishis will be Ashwatthama or Drauni, Diptimat, Kripa, Parashurama, Galava, Rishyasringa and Vyasa.
It is believed that a hierarchy called Sapta Rishis works under the guidance of Paramatma, the highest creative intelligence. Sapta Rishis help in Pralaya (the transition process) by bringing down required energies and knowledge to the earth.
