Types of Rishis or Sages:

According to the scriptures, there are 21 types of sages. Very few people know about this. They're classified as follows:

1) Vaikhanas - This group of sages was born from the nails of Lord Brahma.

2) Valakhilya - This group sages had appeared from the body hair of Lord Brahma.

3) Samprakshal - This group of sages empty and clean the utensils after meals and do not save anything for the next time. 4) Marichip - This group of sages only live by consuming the rays of the sun and the moon.

5) Ashmakutas - This group of sages eat raw grains after grinding them with stones. 6) Patraharas - This group of sages only eats leaves.

7) Dantolukhali - This group of sages use their teeth as a mortar.

8) Unmajjakas - This group of sages performs penance by submerging themselves in water up to their necks.

9) Gatrashayya - This group of sages uses the body as a bed and sleep with their head resting on their arms.

10) Ashayya - This group of sages is devoid of bedding, does not lay anything down for sleeping.

11) Anavakashik - This type of sages are continuously engaged in good deeds and they never take their leave. Bring about social change and development.

12) Salilahars - This type of sages live by drinking only water.

13) Vayubhaksha - This group of sages live only by consuming air.

14) Akash Nilayas - This group of sages live in open fields and take shelter under trees when it rains.

15) Sthanidalanashaya - These sages are the ones who sleep on the altar.

16) Urdhwavasi - These sages are the ones who live on mountains, peaks or high places.

17) Danta - These sages are the ones who control the mind and senses.

18) Adrapatvasa - This group of sages always wears wet clothes.

19) Sajap - These groups of sages always and continuously keep on doing mantra japa.

20) Taponishtha - This group of sages is always egrossed in penance or the thoughts of God.

21) Prashikshaka - These sages are the ones who live in ashrams and give training to the seekers.

🙏 Namo Narasiṁha 🙏