According to tradition, the Madigas derive their name from that of a sage called Matanga Muni, and it is said that a dynasty belonging to the caste once ruled in the Canarese country.

The following legend of their origin comes from Mysore: [464] In former times the sage Jambava Rishi was habitually late in attending at Siva's court.

Siva asked him why this happened, and he replied that he was occupied in tending his children.

On this Siva took pity on him and gave him the sacred cow, Kamdhenu, from which all the needs of the children could be satisfied.

But one day while Jambava was absent at Siva's court, another sage, Sankhya, visited his hermitage and was hospitably entertained by his son, Yugamuni.