The sage Vishvamitra, according to an Indian mythological story, was originally belonged to the Kshatriya caste, practiced austere penance for thousands of years with a view to attaining Brahmanhood. At last Brahma recognized his claims to Brahmanhood and called him a Brahmarshi (a Brahman sage).

However, Vishvamitra would not be satisfied until Vashishtha accepted him as such in this way he attached a greater weight to Vashishtha's opinion. Vashishtha, however, declined to accept him as a Brahmarshi till he retained even a tinge of egotism. Others, however, maintain that Vashishtha did not recognize his claims to Brahmanhood till the last.