Rishi Shatamarshana

Shatamarshana belongs to the Angirasa lineage and is specifically classified as a Vedic rishi. The name "Shatamarshana" literally means "one who has bathed/purified a hundred times" (shata = hundred; marshana/marjana = bathing/cleansing/purification). This etymology directly connects him to the concept of extreme ritual purity.

In some pravara lists and gotra enumerations (particularly in the Asvalayana Srauta Sutra and the Matsya Purana's gotra sections), Shatamarshana appears as a rishi in the Angirasa clan whose name features in certain gotra pravaras. The Shatamarshana gotra is a recognized gotra in Brahminical traditions, particularly among South Indian Brahmins.

• The Hundred Baths/Purifications: The legend behind his name involves performing a hundred sequential ritual baths (snana) or purification ceremonies, achieving a level of purity beyond that of ordinary sages. This may have involved bathing in a hundred sacred tirthas (pilgrimage sites) or performing a hundred rounds of the ritual ablution sequence
• Establishment of purification protocols: Shatamarshana is credited with elaborating the rules for ritual purity (shaucha) that became embedded in the dharmashastra tradition
• Angirasa tradition: As part of the Angirasa line, he would have been involved in fire rituals (agni-related ceremonies), and the combination of fire and water purification represents both elements of Vedic ritual purification

• Sacred river confluence (triveni sangam) or riverbank -- the ideal site for ritual bathing
• Pristine natural water body -- a clear pool or lake surrounded by forest
• Fire altar near water -- combining both purification elements
• Morning light, dawn setting (brahmamuhurta) -- the ideal time for ritual bathing