Rishi
/ˈrɪʃi/noun
A Vedic sage, seer, or inspired poet in ancient Indian tradition.
Did you know?In Vedic tradition, rishis were credited with “hearing” sacred hymns rather than inventing them, which made language itself feel like a channel for divine knowledge.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-Iranian
PIIr
*Hr̥ši- / *Hr̥ṣi-
“Likely an ancient inherited form behind Sanskrit rishi, associated with inspired seeing or seership, though the exact pre-Vedic derivation is uncertain.”
Vedic Sanskrit
Sanskrit
ṛṣi
“A seer, inspired poet, or inspired sage who perceives sacred truth.”
Classical Sanskrit
Sanskrit
ṛṣi
“A revered sage or saintly seer in Hindu tradition.”
Middle Indo-Aryan
Prakrit
isi / isi
“A sage or ascetic form continuing the Sanskrit term in vernacular traditions.”
Modern English
English
rishi
“An Indian sage or spiritual teacher, especially in discussions of Hindu philosophy and religion.”