Please enter the code we just sent to 91-11-46710500 to proceed
Didn't Receive OTP?
Sage Markandeya was born to Sage Mrikandu and his wife Manasvini. The couple who was childless, prayed to Lord shiva to bless them with a child. After deep penance, Lord shiva appeared and offered them a choice:
The couple settled upon the former and thus Markandeya was born, destined to live up to age 16.
Markandeya was intelligent, radiant and wise. He was deeply spiritual and immersed himself in worshipping Lord Shiva. He was disciplined and spent most of his time meditating. As his sixteenth birthday approached, his worship and prayers intensified and he spent several hours chanting the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra, a very powerful mantra to conquer death itself.
On the day of his destined death, Yama Dev, the God of Death appeared to him. Yama Dev had arrived to claim his soul. Markandeya who was in the middle of his prayer ritual to Lord Shiva, asked Yama Dev not to disturb him. Yama Dev told Markandeya that it was time for his soul to transition but Markandeya who wanted to finish his prayers, clung onto the Shiva Linga, pleading for protection. Yama Dev angered by the boy’s reaction, cast a noose, it encircled Markandeya and the Shiva Linga.
The moment the noose touched the Linga; this angered Shiva and he manifested as Kalantaka (the destroyer of death) from the Linga and struck down Yama with his trident. Shiva declared that true devotion transcends even death! Shiva who was pleased with the devotion and dedication of Markandeya, blessed Markandeya with eternal life, making him a Chiranjivi- an immortal.
The most popular mantra associated with Markandeya is the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra, also known as the death conquering mantra.
ॐ त्र्यम्बकं यजामहेसुगन्धंपुष्टिवर्धनम्।
उवाधरुकष्टमव बधनान्मृत्योमुधक्षीय माऽमृतात्॥
Transliteration:
Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam
Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritat
Meaning:
“We worship the three-eyed One (Lord Shiva), who is fragrant and who nourishes all beings. May He liberate us from the bondage of worldly attachments and death, granting us the nectar of immortality.”
There are several temples across India associated with Markandeya:
Thirukkadaiyur, Tamil Nadu- This kshetra is believed to be the place where Shiva saved Markandeya from Yama Dev.
Markandeya Mahadeva Tample, Varanasi- A kshetra that symbolises Markhandeyas devotion.
Our spirit transcends time: Live meaningfully, no matter how short our lives maybe. Our spirit and purpose can defy the constraints of time. Markandeya’s inner strength altered his fate. While we cannot control all our circumstances, our responses can change the course of events. Destiny may lay a plan, but our determination can alter the script!
Immortality lives in the legacy we leave behind: This story is a reminder to focus on what we leave behind in the hearts of others, not just on how long we live. It reminds us to focus on the quality of the life we live over the quantity of years we live.
How would we live differently, if we understood the value of each day?
Confront your fear with Faith: Markandeya faced his greatest fear by turning to his greatest strength, his divine connection with Shiva. His faith in Shiva was unshakable. Tap into your higher divine support system.
What is your Shiva Linga? What do you hold onto when life tests you?
Live with awareness: Time is finite, this awareness should inspire presence.
Stay committed in what you believe in: Unshakable belief has power. Believe in your vision and stay committed, just as Markandeya did to his spiritual path. Stay committed, sometimes answers, help or breakthroughs come just when you feel you can’t go on anymore. When Markhandeyas time was up, divine intervention occurred.
Remember your story can outlive you. The story of Markandeya is timeless and is a beautiful blend of devotion, courage and divine grace. Legacy is built on values, not time. Many great teachers, artists and saints may no longer be around but their words or actions still guide us. Markandeya’s story lives on because of his spirit! That’s what we leave behind.
Shape Your Kid's Future with Bambinos Classes | World’s first Bhagavad Gita course for Kids | Click here to Book a Free Class Limited time offer.
Jyotsna Krishnadev is a passionate educator, a design aficionado, an ardent reader, a passionate writer and a storyteller at heart. She is the author of Hot Air Balloon, a book that takes readers on a journey of discovery and adventure, much like the one her words often embark on. With a sharp eye for detail and an insatiable curiosity about the world, she has made her mark as a thought leader in the realms of design, art, culture, and the intricacies of life. Her voice resonates through the pages of esteemed architectural magazines, local publications, and newspapers, where she pens articles and opinion pieces that challenge perspectives and spark dialogue. A firm believer that words can shape the world, Jyotsna finds inspiration in every corner of life. She uses her writing to explore the intersection of creativity and life, weaving together her love for literature, her passion for design and her reflections on culture.
Unbox English
Little Yogi- Gita for kids
Alpha Math
