He is the son of Brahma, the creator god, and also one of the Saptarshi (seven great sages), in the first Manvantara (age of Manu), with others being Marichi, Atri, Angiras, Kratu, Pulastya, and Vasishtha.
According to Bhagavata Purana, Pulaha Rishi was also married to Gati, a daughter of Kardama and Devahuti.
Brahma created the Saptarishis (the seven sages) and ten Prajapatis (some accounts place it at 21), from whom all human beings are believed to have been born.
He performed intense penance on the banks of river Alakananda and was rewarded to be present in the court of Indra.
King Bharata renounced all his kingdom and sought refuge in the hermitage of Pulaha.