Marichi, a revered figure in Hindu mythology, holds significance as one of the Manasaputras of Lord Brahma and one of the Saptha Rishis during the time of Swayambhuva Manu, the first Manu. His story is rich with various narratives and associations, including his marriages and a popular incident involving a curse.
Marriages and Offspring:
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Marriage to Kala (Purnima): Marichi married Kala, also known as Purnima, the daughter of sage Kardama. From their union, Kashyapa, a prominent sage, and Purnima, a significant lunar deity associated with the full moon, were born.
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Marriage to Sambhuti: Marichi was also married to Sambhuti, the daughter of Daksha Prajapati, although their offspring are not commonly mentioned in mythology.
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Marriage to Dharmavrata: Dharmavrata, the daughter of Dharma, became Marichi’s third wife. They had a hundred sons, though their names and deeds are not extensively documented in mythology.
The Story of Dharmavrata’s Curse:
Marichi’s most well-known story revolves around an incident with his wife Dharmavrata. Upon returning home tired from collecting wood and flowers, Marichi requested Dharmavrata to wash his feet. However, when Brahma, Marichi’s father, unexpectedly arrived, Dharmavrata chose to attend to Brahma instead of her husband. Enraged by her decision, Marichi cursed Dharmavrata, turning her into a stone.
Feeling remorseful for her plight, Dharmavrata began meditating. Impressed by her devotion, Lord Vishnu appeared before her and granted her a boon. Despite her wish to lift Marichi’s curse, Vishnu explained that it was beyond his power. Instead, Dharmavrata was blessed to become a sacred stone, known as devashila, to be worshipped by devotees.
The Legend of Gayasura and Gaya Tirtha:
There is an intriguing story associated with Gayasura, an asura who performed rigorous tapasya to obtain a boon from Lord Vishnu. When Vishnu granted Gayasura’s wish to become the most sacred of all tirthas (sacred pilgrimage sites), Gayasura agreed to offer his body for a divine sacrifice.
However, during the sacrifice, Gayasura’s head fell off from his body, causing disturbance. To stabilize the situation, the gods, led by Vishnu, decided to enter the devashila, the sacred stone born from Dharmavrata’s curse, and place it on Gayasura’s body. This act sanctified the region of Gaya, located in Bihar, as a sacred pilgrimage site where gods and Vishnu’s presence are believed to reside eternally.
Marichi’s story, encompassing his marriages, familial ties, and association with sacred legends, highlights his importance in Hindu mythology and his role in shaping various narratives and traditions.