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Marichi

Marichi is a figure in Hindu mythology who is commonly described as a sage, or rishi, rather than a mortal human. The name Marichi is Sanskrit and is often interpreted to mean a ray, shimmer, or bright line of light, reflecting his association with creation and knowledge.

Identity and role

In many traditions, Marichi is regarded as one of the mind-born sons of the creator Brahma (the

Iconography and worship

Marichi is typically depicted as an aged, wise sage with a long beard, embodying ascetic learning and

Legacy

Marichi’s significance lies predominantly in mythological and theological contexts, where he serves as a link in

See also: Prajapati, Saptarishi, Kashyapa, Manasaputra.

manasaputras),
formed
to
aid
in
cosmic
creation.
He
is
sometimes
listed
among
the
Saptarishi,
the
seven
great
sages,
though
the
exact
roster
varies
between
texts.
Marichi
is
also
treated
as
a
Prajapati,
a
progenitor
responsible
for
the
generation
of
living
beings
and
the
propagation
of
cosmic
order.
Across
different
scriptures,
his
genealogical
connections
differ;
in
some
accounts,
he
is
described
as
the
father
of
Kashyapa,
who
in
turn
is
portrayed
as
a
progenitor
of
many
lineages,
including
various
beings
and
clans.
creative
power.
Iconographic
details
vary
by
tradition,
but
the
figure
remains
associated
with
wisdom,
rta
(cosmic
order),
and
the
beginnings
of
creation.
He
is
mentioned
in
a
number
of
Puranic
genealogies
and
is
invoked
within
broader
lists
of
sages
and
progenitors
in
Hindu
literature.
the
chain
of
cosmic
creation
and
lineage.
References
to
Marichi
appear
in
various
Hindu
texts,
illustrating
the
diversity
of
enumerations
for
Prajapatis
and
Saptarishi
across
traditions.