Markandeya's Devotion

Long ago there lived a rishi named Mrikandu with his wife. They had no children. For a long time, both of them prayed to Shiv ji and did tapasya.

Pleased with them, Shiv ji appeared and said, "I will bless you with a son. But tell me, what kind of son do you want? A son who will live very long but will not have many good qualities, or a son who will be very wise and devoted, but will live only for sixteen years?" The rishi thought carefully and said, "Prabhu, please give us a wise and good son."

Some time later, a beautiful baby boy was born in their home. He was named Markandeya. Markandeya was very clever. While still young, he learned the Vedas and the Shastras. He spoke lovingly to everyone and worshipped Shiv ji every day with all his heart.

Time passed. When Markandeya was about to turn sixteen, his parents became sad. Markandeya asked, "Why are you unhappy?" Then they told him all about Shiv ji's boon. Markandeya did not panic. He said, "Please do not worry. I will go to Shiv ji for shelter."

Markandeya sat down near a Shivling and began chanting Shiv ji's name day and night. The day of his sixteenth year arrived. Yamraj's messengers came to take him, but because of the glow of his devotion, they could not even come near him.

Then Yamraj himself came, riding his buffalo. Markandeya held the Shivling tightly with both arms, just as a child holds on to his mother. Yamraj threw his noose, but it fell around the Shivling as well as Markandeya.

At that very moment a bright light burst out of the Shivling, and Shiv ji appeared. To protect his devotee, he stopped Yamraj and pushed him back. Yamraj accepted defeat. Shiv ji said, "This devotee of mine will live forever." Later, when the devtas prayed, Shiv ji allowed Yamraj to return to his work.

Markandeya bowed at Shiv ji's feet and went home. When his parents saw him, tears of joy flowed from their eyes. Markandeya grew up to be a great rishi. Since then, Shiv ji has also been called "Kalantak" and "Mrityunjay", the one who is greater than death.