The letter ‘Rr’ means sound as per Agnipurana Chapter 348. Rishi originated from that letter. Before writing evolved, the vedas were conveyed orally by sages. (rishis) Many believe that the vedas were what was manifested to rishis in their hearts and minds as inspiration, insight, knowledge.

He who has the ability to be calm and objective, retain control of faculties, and immerse himself in meditation, and has the power and integrity to curse and bless is a rishi. The vedas have many mentions of rishis and they are ubiquitous in the scriptures. Many sages came to visit Rama after he returned from Lanka. Vishwamitra, Yavakrita, Raibhya, Kanva, Garga came from the east with their disciples. Dattatreya, Namuchi, Pramuchi, Valmiki, Soma, Kundu, Agastya and their disciples came from the south. Vrishangu, Kavisha, Kaumya, Raudreya, Vamadeva, Saubhari, Ashtavakra, Shuka, Bhrigu, Lomasha, Maulgala and their disciples came from the west, and Kashyapa, Vasishta, Atri, Gautama, Jamadagni, Bharadwaja, Sanaka, Sharabhanga, Durvasa, Matanga, Vibhandaka, Tumburu and the saptarishis along with their disciples arrived from the north according to Uttararamayana. Rishis are of three types – devarishi, rajarishi and brahmarishi. Vasishta is a brahmarishi, Vishwamitra a rajarishi and Kashyapa was a devarishi.