Introduction
Marichi, whose name means "ray of light", is one of the ten mind-born sons (Manasaputras) of Brahma, a Prajapati, and, in the Puranic scheme, one of the seven sages of the first Manvantara. He is the father of Kashyapa, and through him an ancestor of the gods, demons and many other beings.
The Prajapatis, "lords of creatures", are the progenitors of living beings in Hindu tradition. The Bhagavata Purana names ten sons of Brahma, born from his mind (the Manasaputras): Marichi, Atri, Angiras, Pulastya, Pulaha, Kratu, Bhrigu, Vasishtha, Daksha and Narada.
Family
- Father: Brahma
- Siblings: Daksha, Angiras, Pulastya, Pulaha, Kratu, Vasistha, Narada, Atri
- Son: Kashyapa
Family
In the Bhagavata Purana, Marichi married Kala, a daughter of the sage Kardama, and their children were Kashyapa and Purnima. In the Vishnu Purana, his wife is Sambhuti.
Saptarishi
The seven sages of the first age, in the Svayambhuva Manvantara, were Marichi, Atri, Angiras, Pulastya, Pulaha, Kratu and Vasishtha. In the present age, other sages, including Kashyapa, Marichi's son, hold the position.
In Vedic literature
The word marichi, "light ray", also appears in Vedic literature.
Not to be confused with
The Buddhist goddess Marici, a deity of the dawn, is a different figure. The Rakshasa Maricha of the Ramayana has a similar name, but is a different person.