Mrikandu was a great rishi. Marudvati was his wife. For a long time they had no children.

The rishi prayed to God Siva. God Siva appeared to him, and said, "I am pleased with you, Mrikandu. Tell me, do you want a hundred sons, who will live for a long time, but will all be foolish?

Or, do you want one very intelligent son, who will live for only sixteen years?"

The rishi at once said, "God, give me that one intelligent son."

God Siva said, "Good! You shall have him."