What is the story of Markandeya? Markandeya, fated to live sixteen years, held on to a Shiva linga when Yama threw his noose. Shiva burst from the linga, struck Yama down and blessed the boy to stay sixteen for ever.
The story
The sage Mrikandu and his wife prayed to Shiva for a child. Shiva offered them a choice: a dull son with a long life, or a wise son who would live sixteen years. They chose the wise son, and named him Markandeya.
The boy grew up devoted to Shiva. On his last day he sat before a linga in worship, and when Yama’s messengers could not approach him, Yama came himself and threw his noose. It fell around both the boy and the linga.
Shiva burst from the linga in fury and struck Yama down, and so he is called Kalantaka, ender of death. Markandeya was blessed to stay sixteen for ever. The story is told at Thirukkadaiyur in Tamil Nadu, where couples still go for Shashti Poorthi. It’s also why the Maha Mrityunjaya prayer is linked with long life.
What it teaches
Sources
- Markandeya Purana; Shiva Purana.
The puja families link with this story
Questions devotees ask us
Where does the story of Markandeya come from?
It is told in the Markandeya Purana; Shiva Purana. Retellings differ in small details from region to region.
What does this story teach?
Faith is stronger than fear, even the fear of death.