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Rishi Markandeya.
Rishi Markandeya was the son of Muni Mrakandu and Marudvati. He was childless so he and his wife performed Tapasya for a divine child like Shiva. When Shiva was satisfied with their Tapasya, he appeared before them and asked them as to what boon did they want.
Rishi Markandeya was the son of Muni Mrakandu and Marudvati. He was childless so he and his wife performed Tapasya for a divine child like Shiva. When Shiva was satisfied with their Tapasya, he appeared before them and asked them as to what boon did they want.
Overjoyed Mrakandu asked Shiva to grant him a child having the divine qualities of Shiva.
Shiva then asked him whether he wanted a child who would live longer but would not have any distinctive qualities or would he want a divine child having all the distinctive qualities
Shiva then asked him whether he wanted a child who would live longer but would not have any distinctive qualities or would he want a divine child having all the distinctive qualities
but would live only upto the age of sixteen. Mrakandu preferred the second option. So after sometime Marudvati conceived a child. The Muni performed all the rituals and karmas performed for the safety and well being of the child in the womb.
The child was born in the designated period. The birth of the child was a reason for joy and festivities. Even Ved Vyas attended the celebrations. He also performed the Jaat karma for the child. The child was named Markandeya.
Rishi Mrakandu performed all the karmas and pujan, right from the time when the child was eleven days old to the age of five that is from jaat karma upto his Yagyopavit sanskar. The child turned out to be scholarly and very intelligent. He was a good son to his parents.
He obeyed and respected them.
When he was about to reach the age of sixteen, his parents worried about his impending death. The child observed this and asked them the reason for their worry. The parents narrated to him the incidents associated with Markandeya's birth.
When he was about to reach the age of sixteen, his parents worried about his impending death. The child observed this and asked them the reason for their worry. The parents narrated to him the incidents associated with Markandeya's birth.
Markandeya told them that he had decided to perform Tapasya towards Shiva and told them he would definetly return as immortal.
Markandeya travelled southwards towards the Ocean. On its bank he establishes a Shivling named after himself. He starts his Tapasya.
Markandeya travelled southwards towards the Ocean. On its bank he establishes a Shivling named after himself. He starts his Tapasya.
But on the designated day Kaala arrives as his Mrityu. But Markandeya asks him to wait for sometime as he has not completed his Shiv puja and he will leave with Kaala after that. There is an interesting dialogue between Kaala and Markandeya as to why does Mrityu has to wait long.
If Markandeya desired life he should have done the necessary puja and rituals in these 16 years. Markandeya warns him to not disturb any Shivbhakts during the rituals otherwise the consequences will be too bad. Markandeya is sure that ultimately Shiva never ditches his bhakts.
He keeps taunting the Kaala.When Kaala forcefully tries to take away his life, Shiva appears before him accompanied by the sound of thunder. He pushes Kaala away with his legs. Now the frightened Kaala stood and just gazed at the happenings.
No one and nobody can stand and disobey the Supreme Shiva. Even Yamraaj has to detract from his stand. He too sings Shiva's praises and goes away empty handed.
Now Markandeya performs his remaining puja directly to Shiva, He recites strotras, singing along his praises.
Now Markandeya performs his remaining puja directly to Shiva, He recites strotras, singing along his praises.
He sings the praises that Shiva always protects his bhakts in all circumstances. He provides immortality to many true Shivbhakts as he had done to Nandi. He is Anant,Avikaari,Peaceful & who certainly takes away the grief of his bhakts just as he drank the Vish to save the devtas.
Mrityu cannot come to a true Shivbhakts as Shivbhakti has made him win over Mrityu. He is Mrityunjay. He is Parmanand Swarup, Nitya and Kaivalyapad. He is the reason to attain Moksha. Mrityu cannot touch me. Shiva is the Moksha provider.
He is the creator protector and destroyer of this Shrishti. I bow before him. Mrityu cannot touch me. Markandeya got his boon of immortality and returned to his Ashram happily.
Source-Padma puran
