The Bhrigus, also known as Bhargavas, are a clan of sages descending from the ancient fire-priest Bhrigu. They instituted the ritual of offering the juice of the Soma plant to the old deities. Some of them were also warriors in addition to being priests. The Bhrigus are intimately linked with the composition of the Atharva-Veda.

Bhrigu was one of the seven great sages, the Saptarshis. He is a ManasaPutra (wish-born-son) of Lord Brahma. His father is Brahma, who simply wished him into existence, to assist in the process of creation. He is married to Khyati, the daughter of Daksha. He has two sons by her, named Dhata and Vidhata. According to some traditions, Laxmi, the consort of Lord Vishnu is said to be his daughter. He has one more son, who is better known than Bhrigu himself - Shukra. The sage Chyavana is also said to be his son. [Maha:1.5]

Bhrigu is credited as the father of Hindu astrology and the first astrological treatise Bhrigu Samhita is attributed to his authorship. This treatise is said to contain over 5 million horoscopes, in which he wrote down the fate of every being in the universe. According to popular tradition, only about a hundredth of these horoscopes have survived to this age.

In a popular tale involving Bhrigu, once he participated in a debate concerning who among the divine trinity Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva is greater. He first visited Brahma and Shiva, both of whom, when they learned of his quest, sought to impress him with their power. However when he reached Vaikunta, the abode of Vishnu, he saw that the god was fast asleep. Brighu called to him many times, but could not wake him up. Angered, he kicked the God on his chest. This woke Vishnu up. Immediately he started pressing the sage's feet, asking him if he had hurt his feet in kicking his hard chest. Vishnu also destroyed the third eye that Bhrigu had on his foot. Upon seeing the humility of the God, Bhrigu learned the answer that he had been seeking for so long.