[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.
[7][8] According to legend, Mrikanda and his wife Marudmati worshipped Shiva and sought from him the boon of begetting a son.
Mrikanda chose the former, and was blessed with Markandeya, an exemplary son, who was nevertheless destined to die at the age of 16.