The story of Markandeya

The story of Markandeya

 Mrikandu rishi and his wife Marudmati worshipped Shiva and sought from him the boon of begetting a son. As a result he was given the choice of either a gifted son, but with a short life on earth or a child of low intelligence but with a long life. Mrikandu rishi chose the former, and was blessed with Markandeya, an exemplary son, destined to die at the age of 16.

Markandeya grew up to be a great devotee of Shiva and on the day of his destined death he continued his worship of Shiva in his aniconic form of Shivalingam. The messengers of Yama, the god of death were unable to take away his life because of his great devotion and continual worship of Shiva. Yama then came in person to take away Markandeya's life, and sprung his noose around the young sage's neck. By accident of fate the noose mistakenly landed around the Shivalingam, and out of it, Shiva emerged in all his fury attacking Yama for his act of aggression. After defeating Yama in battle to the point of death, Shiva then revived him, under the condition that the devout youth would live forever. For this act, Shiva was thereafter known also as Kalantaka ("Ender of Death"). This was said to be happened in Thirukkadavoor in Tamilnadu.
Thus Maha Mrityunjaya Stotra is also attributed to Markandeya, and this legend of Shiva conquering death is inscribed in metal and worshipped at Thirukkadavoor in Tamilnadu, India. A similar account is also given in Narasimha Purana, although in that version Markandeya is rescued by Vishnu after he recites the Mrityunjaya Stotra.

Markandeya is a Chiranjivi: Yama  could not take away Markandeya, who clung to the Siva Lingam with his heart full of pure devotion singing :

“Chandrasekhara Chandrasekhara Chandrasekhara Pahi Mam

Chandrasekhara Chandrasekhara Chandrasekhara Raksha Mam…”.

Having conquered Mrtyu (Death), Markandeya was called Mrtyunjaya. Markandeya was therefore called a Chiranjiva and he was always 16 years old.

Lineage : Markandeya’s father was Mrkandu Maharshi, the son of Dhata, who in turn was the son of Bhrgu and his wife Khyati.  Markandeya attended the wedding of Sita Devi and Sri Rama.