rishi

noun2

1. •
   A Vedic poet and seer who composed Rigvedic hymns, who alone or with others invokes the deities with poetry of a sacred character.

   • The rishi asked one unfathomable question after another, until both he and his audience were reduced to the silence of unknowing. — 2006
2. •
   A Hindu sage or saint occupying the same position in India's history as the patriarchs of other countries, constituting a peculiar class of beings in the early mythical system, as distinct from Asuras, Devas and mortal men.