Sage Mrikandu and his wife Marudvati were strong devotees of Lord Shiva. They were very happy singing the songs of the Lord.However, the two of them had a regret: They did not have any children.Therefore, the sage and his wife decided to perform severe penances to win the favour of Lord Shiva. Finally, pleased with their penances, Lord Shiva appeared before them. “Mrikandu, Marudvati, open your eyes!” said the three-eyed God. Mrikandu and Marudvati opened their eyes and were stunned to see the handsome Lord Shiva standing before them. 'You have come...Lord', and both of them immediately fell on the Lord's feet, unable to contain themselves...
Lord Shiva rejoiced to see the devotion in the couple’s eyes said “I am very pleased with your penance! What do you desire, tell me, Mrikandu and Marudvati?” Marudvati looked at the Lord with a smile in her face. 'Lord, all I want is a child...' She looked at her husband, who looked at her encouragingly, 'Lord...' she continued, 'I wish for a child who is blessed by you...'
Lord Shiva remained silent for a few minutes, then said, 'What sort of a child do you want?' Mrikandu and Marudvati were puzzled. What sort of question was that? They both turned Shiva, waiting for him to explain.Lord Shiva continued, 'What I meant was that, do you wish for a gifted child or a foolish child?' Again they were confused.& so did not speak.
Lord Shiva said plainly: “Do you wish for a gifted child with a short lifespan, or a foolish child who would live a very long life?” Mrikandu and Marudvati looked at each other with troubled eyes. They realised that this was some sort of a test for them and that they had to make a choice!Marudvati turned to the Lord. 'Lord, I wish for a gifted child with a short lifespan'. She then turned to her husband, who was looking at her alarmed.Mrikandu realised the truth in her words and turned towards Lord Shiva, nodding his head in agreement. The two of them then fell at Lord Shiva's feet. Lord Shiva then blessed them and without another word, vanished.
In time, Marudvati gave birth to a boy. The couple named the child Markandeya. Markandeya was a very gifted child. He learnt all the Vedas and the scriptures very fast. Having observed his parents since his childhood, Markandeya too became a staunch devotee of Lord Shiva.
However, being a very intelligent child, Markandeya sensed that his parents were unhappy about something.They seemed to put on a happy face when he was around, but deep inside, he could sense their sorrow.Finally, on the eve of his sixteenth birthday, Markandeya talked to his parents. “Father, why do you always look so sad?I mean...have I done something to make you so unhappy?” Hearing these words, Mrikandu looked horrified that his son could even think like that, 'We love you, son. You have made us so proud...You are everything that a parent would want in their child...' Mrikandu said,with a bittersweet tone in his voice. Marudvati too broke down crying, 'No...No...How could you even think like that?We got you as a boon from Lord Shiva...... & told her sons the entire story. Markandeya heard them patiently. He felt sorry for his parents. They had loved and nourished him while carrying a secret burden knowing that they were going to lose him...He looked at them proudly.
Markandeya was, however, not worried. He knew his parents had changed their destiny and got him as a child. With a knowing smile that changing destinies was nothing new to their family, Markandeya looked at his parents lovingly.“Father, Mother...Please do not be worried. I will pray to the Lord...” Markandeya said with steely determination. “I am sure the Lord will not let anything happen to me...” His parents could not help but feel optimistic when they heard the words of the boy.Mrikandu hugged his son and blessed him. “Go on son! I am sure you will overcome whatever comes in your way.” Marudvati also blessed her son.Armed with the blessings of his parents, Markandeya immediately sets out. He reaches the sea-shore and feels peace seeping into him.“If I am to meet my end, I want it to be here...” he thinks, and sitting down on the seashore,lovingly builds a Shiva Linga there. After building a Shiva linga, Markandeya begins praying to his beloved god.
Meanwhile, Yama - the god of Death – realising that Markandeya's time on earth was up, sends two emissaries to collect Markandeya's soul.But, Markandeya sat in deep meditation that a strange fierce light emerged from him which was burning so bright that the servants of Yama could not get close to him.Facing failure, the emissaries return crestfallen to their Master. Yama nodded, 'It is okay. I will take care of this...' Yama then picks up his noose but realises that Markandeya has led a pure and good life, which was the aura protecting him. “Markandeya,” Yama spoke in his deep voice, “your time on earth is up...” Markandeya then opened his eyes and looked at Yama. However, there was no fear in his eyes. Looking at Yama in the eye, Markandeya says, “I will not go with you...My Lord will protect me...”Yama says, “Your time on earth is up. I have come to take you...” Markandeya, however, shakes his head and hugs the Shiva Linga tightly. Yama threw his noose around Markandeya's neck to pull out his soul. Unfortunately Yama's noose fell around both Markandeya and the linga. Markandeya closed his eyes tightly, saying “ Save me, my Lord...” Markandeya was surprised to feel the linga moving. He opened his eyes in astonishment. Markandeya is thrilled to see the three-eyed Lord before him. His wish had, indeed, been fulfilled. He had seen Lord Shiva now...
Markandeya suddenly felt like as if he was inside a protective shield. Nothing could hurt him now...not even death!Shiva then raised his trident and pointed it at Yama, and the weapon pierced his chest. He falls down dead. Imagine - the Lord of Death himself dead! Indira pleads Shiva to restore Yama to life.Hearing Indra's words, Lord Shiva nodded 'Yes...Yama shall have his life back, & Markandeya will live forever.
Yama opens his eyes looks at Markandeya, smiled and disappeared. Markandeya falls at the feet of Lord Shiva,'Lord, I want nothing more, I have seen you...'Lord Shiva smiles, “Go back to your parents, Markandeya. Look after them for their entire life. You will remain 16 for all eternity...”went to his parents, who were thrilled with joy to hear this.
