Marichighna (मारीचघ्न, IAST: Mārīcaghna) is a Sanskrit-origin Hindu boy-name meaning “Slayer of the demon Maricha”. Derived from 'Mārīca' (the shape-shifting demon) and 'ghna' (slayer), this name glorifies Lord Rama's dispatching of the cunning rakshasa who assumed the form of a golden deer to lure Sita away.

Meaning, etymology & significance

Maricha, a demon of great cunning, was commissioned by Ravana to distract Rama by becoming an irresistible golden deer; Rama, ever alert to adharma, slew him and exposed the ruse. The epithet 'Mārīcaghna' thus celebrates not only martial prowess but also divine wisdom and the protection of dharma. In the Valmiki Ramayana this episode is a pivotal turning point, making this name rich with narrative and spiritual significance.

This epithet belongs to Vishnu in his Rama avatar and appears as a name of praise in devotional texts. 'Marichighna' (mah-REE-cha-ghna) could be used as a traditional given name, though its reference is most understood by those versed in the Ramayana.

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Scriptural source

Marichighna appears in the Vishnu Sahasranama, among the sacred names of Vishnu.

Astrology — nakshatra, rashi & numerology

By the standard Vedic correspondence between a name’s first syllable and the lunar mansion, Marichighna aligns with the Magha nakshatra, under the Simha rashi (Moon sign). Its Chaldean name-number is 4.