'great seer', IAST: Maharṣi) is a Sanskrit word used for members of the highest order of ancient Indian sages, popularly known in India as "seers", i.e., those who engage in research to understand and experience nature, divinity, and the divine context of existence, and these experiences' governing laws.
[9][10] Alternate meanings describe Maharshi as a collective name that refers to the seven rishis or saptarishis (including Maharishi Bhrigu) cited in the scriptures of Rig Veda and the Puranas, or any of the several mythological seers that are referenced in Vedic writings and associated with the seven stars of the constellation Ursa Major.
[11][12] While some suggest that the only ones who can adopt the title are those who achieve the highest state of awareness in the path of evolution and completely understand the working of parabramha, note that unlike Tibetan tulkus, maharishis outside of textual listings are not ordained, conferred nor confirmed by major institutional agency, so that this title is not typically adopted but acclaimed by admirers or critics, whether individuals or organizations including those composed of worshippers or disciples.
Furthermore, some also claim that Maharshis are capable of making others become saints as they impart knowledge of the working of the divine, though this is not a dogmatic expectation in each tradition which uses 'Maharshi' as a title.
[16] Maharishi Mahesh Yogi (1918–2008) was an Indian guru, known for developing the Transcendental Meditation technique and for his association with the Beatles.