| Type: | Hindu |
| Mrikanda | |
| Texts: | Puranas |
| Spouse: | Manasvini |
| Children: | Markandeya |
| Parents: | Vidhatri (father), Niyati (mother) |
Mrikanda is a sage in Hindu mythology. He is the husband of Manasvini[1] and the father of Markandeya.[2]
In the Vishnu Purana, Mrikanda is described as the son of Vidhatri, a son of Bhrigu and Khyati, and Niyati, one of the two daughters of Meru.[3] Mrikanda becomes the father of the sage Markandeya.[4] The Markandeya Purana names Manasvini as Mrikanda's wife.[5]
Mrikanda is venerated as the founder of weaving, and as a result of the gods' gratitude he was granted two boons--a tiger and a giant. The giant disobeyed Mrikandaʻs orders and was summarily slain, but the tiger was obedient, and thus lived. According to modern Koshta folklore, if a tiger is encountered in the jungle it is enough only to speak Mrikanda's name to prevent oneself from being attacked by it. Mrikanda is still seen as a watchful and protective figure in folklore.[6]
In addition to being the father of modern weaving, he is also venerated as the father of Markandeya, the rishi (sage) who is featured extensively in the Markandeya Purana.[7] [8] According to legend, Mrikanda and his wife Marudmati worshipped Shiva and sought from him the boon of begetting a son. As a result, he was given the choice of either a righteous son, but with a short life on earth or a child of low intelligence but with a long life. Mrikanda chose the former, and was blessed with Markandeya, an exemplary son, who was nevertheless destined to die at the age of 16.