On the road next to ISKCON Bhakti-kuti and Srila Haridas Thakura’s samadhi one will find Sat Asana Mathas, which are actually only 4 temples honouring 7 sitting places (sat asana) established by the Sapta-rsis, who once did bhajana here. Sapta-rsis are 7 potent Brahmin sages amongst demigods who assist in universal affairs: Kasyapa, Atri, Vasistha, Visvamitra, Gautama, Jamadagni and Bharadvaja.
One day during his samudra-snana (sea bath), King Indradyumna saw 7 exalted sages doing bhajana in a lonely place on the beach. When asked about their identity, they remained silent, absorbed in meditation. That night, Lord Jagannatha told King Indradyumna in a dream, “They are the universally famous Sapta-rsis. You must give them some land and daily send My maha-prasadam.” Although the king offered land, the rsis refused saying, “We are detached sadhus only interested in bhajana. But if you desire, you may send Lord Jagannatha maha-prasadam everyday.” In time, 7 mathas (temples) were established to honour the 7 sitting places of these exalted saints. Today however, only 4 temples remain.
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