Rishi Marichi or Rishi Marishi or Rishi Mareechi is called the Manasputra or the mind-born son of Lord Brahma. He is a Sage and the son of the cosmic creator, Lord Brahma. Marichi means, ‘ray of light’.
In the first Manvantara, Rishi Marichi is one of the Seven Great Sages Rishi – ‘Saptarshi’. The other Great Sages include Vashishtha, Atri, Pulastya, Angirasa, Krathu, Pulaha, Pulasthya, Narada, Prachethasa and Bhrigu.
Before starting the creation of the Universe, Lord Brahma required some people to would take up responsibility for creating the remaining part of the Universe. Accordingly he created the 10 Rulers of the People, called Prajapatis, with 9 from his body and one from his Mind (Manas). Marichi denounced total renunciation and took up the path of worldly responsibilities.
Kala is wife of Marichi. Kashyap her son is also recognized as Prajapati. The right of creation was inherited by Kashyap, from his father Marichi. Not only is he father of Kashyap, but also the grandfather of the Asuras and Devas. It is because of his descendants that Marichi’s life is known, especially because of Sage Kashyapa’s works.
Kashyapa is formed out of Lord Vishnu’s sustained energy, it is believed. It is also believed that Marichi was the one to officiate penance of Brahma at Pushkar, Rajasthan. During the Mahabharata, he went to meet Bhisma as he lay on the bed of arrows. Young Dhruva followed Marichi’s advice and followed austerities. Hindu scriptures like the Vedas and Brahmanda Purana feature, Rishi Marichi’s name.