One of the Seven
Sages in Hindu mythology, whose names denote exogamous clan
"lineages" (gotra; exogamous clans allow members to marry outside
their own clan); the others are Gautama, Bharadvaja, Kashyapa, Bhrgu, Atri, and
Vasishtha.
All brahmins are said to be descended from these seven
sages, with each family receiving their progenitor's name as their gotra name.
Marriage inside the gotra is outlawed in contemporary times,
thus these gotra divides are still crucial.
The new bride takes on her husband's gotra as part of her
new identity after their marriage.
Vishvamitra is most well-known for his long-running quarrel
with the sage Vasishtha, which has resulted in several battles.
The rivalry arises because of the kshatriyas and brahmins'
differing social position.
Vishvamitra is a king who visits the woodland ashram of the
brahmin Vasishtha with a contingent of retainers.
Vishvamitra is astounded by Vasishtha's cow, the Kama dhenu's
capacity to feed everyone when he requests food.
Vishvamitra attempts to purchase the Kamadhenu first, then
tries to seize it by force, but Vasishtha's tapas defeats his henchmen (ascetic
practices).
Vishvamitra acknowledges defeat and undertakes ascetic
activities in order to generate his own strength.
Two of their most famous fights are over King Trishanku and
his son, Harishchandra; in both cases, the actual problem is the sages' mutual
hatred.
Marriage bans may also be referred to in this context.
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