Mantradraṣṭā

Mantradraṣṭā literally means ‘seer of a Vedic mantra’.

Vedas, the basic scriptures of the religion, are considered as ‘apauruṣeya,’[1] but as revelations of God Himself through certain ṛṣis or sages. These sages only ‘saw’[2] these mantras and uttered them. Hence they came to be known as mantradṛk or mantradraṣṭā. Some of the sages who uttered this mantras are:

1. Vasiṣṭha
2. Vāmadeva
3. Madhucchandā
4. Medhātithi
5. Dīrghatamas
6. Asita Devala
7. Viśvāmitra

There are at least 27 women sages also.

“Mantra Drashta” refers to the seer or revealer of a mantra in Hinduism. It specifically denotes a Rishi, a sage who is believed to have perceived or received a mantra rather than invented or created it Sivanandaonline.org, Wisdom Library. In essence, a Mantra Drashta is a visionary who has realized the spiritual truth embedded within a mantra. 

• Mantra: A mantra is a sacred sound, syllable, word, or group of words believed to have spiritual power, often used in meditation and chanting. 
• Drashta: In Sanskrit, “Drashta” (or “Drashtaa”) means a seer, a visionary, or one who sees. 
• [Rishi]: A Rishi is a wise person or sage in Hinduism, revered for their spiritual insights and often associated with the revelation of sacred texts and knowledge. 
• Mantra Drashta’s Role: In the context of Vedic literature, Rishis are considered Mantra Drashtas, meaning they “saw” or “revealed” the mantras rather than composing them. They are believed to have received these mantras through divine revelation or spiritual insight. 
• Significance: The concept of Mantra Drashta emphasizes that the Vedas and other sacred texts are not human creations but rather divine revelations received by these seers. It highlights the importance of spiritual experience and direct perception in understanding the true nature of reality.