This blog post talks about one of the most famous Saptarishis of the Hindu Culture, Rishi Marichi. It details the contribution and importance of Rishi Marichi to the culture of Hinduism.
Image source: British Museum
BACKGROUND
The Ray of Light
Rishi Marichi was born as the son of Brahma’s mind. Brahma is the creator of Universe, hence being born as a son of Brahma was an exceptional quality in itself. His name Marichi means, ray of light. Being the son of Brahma, the creator he became the creator of many legendary concepts of our Hindu culture.
LIFE
The Manasaputra
Since Lord Brahma created Rishi Marichi with his Manas (mind), he is called the Manasaputra. He was the eldest son of Lord Brahma. The meaning of being born as Manasaputra of Brahma basically means, that Marichi as born as a representative of Lord Brahma. He was one of the ten sons of Brahma.
WORKS
One of the Saptarishis
The Saptarishis or the Seven Sages or the Seven sons of Lord Brahma were created to represent the Lord Brahma and his wisdom. Rishi Marichi as one of the Saptarishi played an integral role in creating a wide ocean of wisdom which has transcended time from Ancient age to the modern centuries. He is a part of the first Manvantara or Age of Many.
CONTRIBUTIONS IN SOCIETY
Founder of Vedanta
Rishi Marichi is known as the reincarnation of the 24th Tirthankara Mahavira. His understanding of the creation of the universe and his infinite wisdom led him to add more knowledge and culture to our Hindu texts. In one of the Hindu texts, Smritichandrika he elucidates various concepts like Bhojanavidhi, Tarapanam etc. He is mentioned and detailed in many other Hindu texts like Bhagavata Purana, Matsya Purana etc. He created the concept of Vedanta. It basically means the End of the Vedas. It became the age of Upanishads. It dwelt into the questions of Atman (Self)and Brahman (Universe).
This became the age when a higher level of enquiry of the philosophy of life and universe began with the origin of Vedanta.
AREAS OF INFLUENCE
An Expert of Spirituality
Rishi Marichi is known to administer the heavens. He wrote the Vimanachana Kalpa. He was also known as the one of the most knowledgeable rishis who guided Dhruv. In the Mahabharat epic, he is mentioned a couple of times when Arjun was born and when Bhishma laid on his deathbed.
His appearance in the epic Ramayan is also very important in the course of the events and the ideology and philosophy on which Hinduism is based on. Today, we know Rishi Marichi as one of the most important stars positioned in the Great Bear constellation. He is also important in the practice of Yoga.
A very famous yoga pose is named after Rishi Marichi. The pose Maricyasana is practiced to increase energy levels and reduce fat. The Rishi Marichi also gets a very honourable mention in Buddhism. A goddess in the Buddhist culture is known by the name of Marichi.
Marichi, the origin of many legends
Rishi Marichi was married to three very important and pivotal characters in the philosophy of Hinduism, Kala, Dharmavrata and Sambhuti. Kashyapa was born to Rishi Marichi and Kala, who was known as the Lord of Creatures. He is also one of the first Prajapati, which means the Ruler of People.
To understand the vibrant creations of Rishis like Rishi Marichi, Sameedh takes you on a comprehensive tour and leaves you more curious and enlightened.
