Atri
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In Hinduism, Atri is a legendary bard and scholar, and a son of Brahma.
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Maharshi Atri
Atri and AUM
He is among the three main seers who propounded the sacred thread (after Brihaspati) which has three strands symbolising Creation (Brahma and the letter A), sustenance (Vishnu and the latter U) and Dissolution (Shiva{m} and the letter M). Together these three strands show the vow that a Brahmin takes to recite and adhere to AUM (spelt OM).
The first three threads is the Brahma vrata (promise of the Brahmin) and is related to Bhu loka (earth plane). The second set of three threads is given after marriage and is related to the Bhuva loka (solar system) while the third set of three threads Deeksha (initiation)and is related to svarga loka (heavens).
A Sapta Rishi
He is among the sapta rishi (seven luminous or eternal sages in the sky) symbolised by the great bear and the seven stars around it.
Seer of Rig Veda
He is the seer of the fifth Mandala (Book 5) of the Rig Veda. He had many sons and disciples who have also contributed in the compilation of the Rig Veda and other Vedic texts.