Maharshi Bhrigu

In the third chapter of Taittiriya Upanishad, we see the story of Bhrigu, son of Varuna. It is said here that once the celebrated sage Bhrigu approached his father Varuna requesting him to instruct about the Brahman. While speaking to his son about Brahman Varuna said, "Dear Bhrigu! know that everything in the universe originates from Brahman, exists in Brahman and unfolds through Brahman and merges in Brahman alone. Discover this fact yourself through tapas.” With full faith in the words of his father, Bhrigu was thus engaged in tapas. The process of self control and self enquiry raised his consciousness and he believed in what he understood at that stage as Brahman and decided that food (annam) was Brahman. When he declared what he came to know, his father Varuna, told him that his answer was not right. So, he continued his tapas and found out that prana (Life Force) was Brahman since without prana, all things are lifeless. Prana causes life, promotes life and puts an end to life. But the father pronounced this inference as wrong and sent him again for further tapas. In this manner, Bhrigu had a third period of austerity where he came upon manas (Mind) as Brahman and later, a fourth when he revised that conclusion and believed that it was vijnana (Intelligence). At last, after undergoing a fifth course of tapas, he became aware that ananda (Delight or Bliss) was Brahman. He stayed in the Bliss of that Awareness and never more proceeded to his father. The father sought him out and approached him. He said, "Son! You have now realised Brahman; you have merged in that realisation."
This is known as the Bhargavi Vidya of the Upanishads.
Maharshi Bhrigu was one of the Manasputras (born by a wish) of Lord Brahma. He was married to Khyati, the daughter of Daksha. He had three sons, Dhata, Vidhata and Kavi, and a daughter by the name Shri. His daughter Shri, was married to Lord Vishnu (Narayana). Maharshi Bhrigu is also called Prajapati (creator) as he was created by Lord Brahma to help him in the process of creation of the universe.
There are several stories associated with Bhrigu. A famous incident goes like this: once, sages from different places had gathered on the banks of the Saraswati river. Unable to decide who was the greatest among the three—Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu or Lord Shiva—the sages chose Bhrigu as their representative to test all the three deities and to decide as to who is the greatest.
He first went to Lord Brahma's abode. There he neither bowed in reverence nor greeted Lord Brahma. The Lord felt insulted but did not lose his temper.
After that Bhrigu went to Lord Shiva’s place. Seeing Bhrigu approaching, Lord Shiva wanted to embrace him. But Bhrigu refused to accept Shiva’s respect. At this Lord Shiva lost his temper and ran after him with his trident to kill him. Meanwhile Parvati came into the picture and Bhrigu was saved.
Then, Bhrigu went to see Lord Vishnu. There he found Lord Vishnu in deep slumber. Seeing him, the preserver and sustainer of the world sleeping like an irresponsible person, Maharshi Bhrigu kicked Lord Vishnu on his chest. Lord Vishnu woke up as a result of the blow, bowed in reverence and said: "O Lord, be seated, I was not aware of your arrival, hence I could not welcome you. Forgive me! Your feet must be in pain as my chest is hard as 'Vajra' (mace)." Saying this, Lord Vishnu started pressing Bhrigu’s legs and further said: "O Maharshi your foot-print would remain on my chest forever as a sign of respect to you." This foot-print of Bhrigu on Lord Vishnu’s chest is known as srivatsa.
After his return, Bhrigu narrated the whole story to the assembly of the sages. Everyone concluded that it was Lord Vishnu who was the noblest and greatest among the trinity.
The second Mandala of Rigveda is accredited to Bhrigu and his family. Apart from this and the Bhargavi Vidya in the Taittiriya Upanishad, another important contribution of Rishi Bhrigu is the Bhrigusamhita, accredited to him by the tradition. This text on predictive Astrology, was compiled over a period of time by the various Sishyas (students in the lineage) of Maharishi Bhrigu. It is confirmed that saint Bhrigu was the first compiler of predictive Astrology. Apart from the astrological discussions, this text also contains remarkable medical descriptions on the circulation of blood, cancer, embolism etc.
However, the process by which Bhrigu realized for himself the “Truth” is a wonderful way of discovering and realizing the vital source of all existence, the Infinite and all pervading Reality, the Brahman. No doubt, the sincerity of Bhrigu can help numerous aspirants to experience the same fulfillment.