Pulaha

Pulaha is one of the seven great sages (Saptarishi) in Hindu tradition, revered as a mind-born son (manasaputra) of Brahma. According to the Rigveda (10.130.7), the Saptarishis are ancient seers who are the patriarchs of humanity. The Mahabharata (Shanti Parva 208.17) enumerates Pulaha among the seven sages born from Brahma's mind. He is the progenitor of the Pulaha lineage, a clan of rishis mentioned in the Puranas.

In the Bhagavata Purana (4.1.37), Pulaha is described as the husband of Kshama (Forgiveness) and the father of three sons: Karmashreshtha, Variyana, and Sahishnu. His consort is sometimes identified as Gati, the daughter of Daksha. Iconographically, Pulaha is depicted as a serene sage with matted hair, holding a staff (danda) and a japa mala (rosary), symbolizing his asceticism and meditative practice. He is often shown seated in a yogic posture, with a radiant aura indicating his spiritual attainment.

The Skanda Purana (Maheshvara Khanda) narrates that Pulaha performed severe penance on the banks of the Sarasvati River, pleasing Lord Shiva. In Vedic cosmology, the Saptarishis are considered the seven stars of the Ursa Major constellation, and Pulaha is identified with one of these stars. His role in Hindu cosmology is to uphold dharma through his wisdom and to guide humanity as a progenitor of a lineage of sages. Regional traditions, especially in South India, honor Pulaha in temple rituals and during the Saptarishi puja.

The mantra "Om Pulahāya Namaḥ" is chanted for blessings of wisdom and spiritual discipline. While not widely worshipped independently, he is venerated as part of the Saptarishi group in pan-India traditions, particularly during the Mahalaya period and in ancestral rites (Shraddha).

Depicted as a Vedic sage.