Mrikandu was a great sage and an ardent devotee of Lord Shiv. He and his wife Marudvati dedicated their life to the worship of the Lord, and their only regret was that they had no child to whom they could pass on their devotion.
In response to his prayers, Lord Shiv appeared before Mrikandu, and said. "I am very pleased with you and your wife. I have decided to grant your dearest wish of bearing a child. However, you have a choice. Do you want a son who will be smart and intelligent, but will only live for sixteen years, or do you want a foolish son with a long life?" Mrikandu replied immediately, " Lord. we would rather have an intelligent son, even if his life will be short. Of what use is a long life if one is not intelligent enough to make use of it for the right purpose?" Lord Shiv was pleased by Mrikandu's choice, and left, granting the sage his wish.
A child was born to Marudvati and they named him "Markandeya". literally meaning "the son of Mrikandu." Even as a child, he stood out among the other children of his father's ashram, with his divine luster that grew as he absorbed knowledge like a sponge. At a young age, his father performed his thread ceremony and started teaching him the Vedas and the Puranas. The child picked up the mantras easily, amazing the inmates of the ashram. In a few years, he had mastered all the Vedas and the Shastras, making his parents proud.
As his sixteenth birthday drew near, Sage Mrikandu and Marudvati became anxious, remembering Lord's injunction, and fearing that they would lose their son whom they adored so much. Markandeya noticed his parents' apprehension, and asked them the reason for their sadness. Sage Mrikandu explained the circumstances of his birth, the conditions laid down by Lord Shiv, and his approaching death. " My son, we were so happy at the prospect of getting an intelligent son, that we did not worry about the short life span. Now, we cannot bear to be parted from you, and are worried about what will happen just a few days from now."
Markandeya smiled and replied, " Father, you have taught me the Vedas, the Puranas, and the Shastras. You have taught me that Lord Shiv always listens to the sincere prayers of His devotees. Please do not worry. It is Lord SHiv who has decreed that I should live for sixteen years. I shall pray to him, and ask him to extend my life. He will surely answer my sincere prayers." Speaking thus, with a confident smile, Markandeya went to the river bank, made a Shiv ling with sand, and began praying with all his heart.
Days passed, and Markandeya was immersed in his prayers, when Yamraj, the god of death, arrived to take his soul from his mortal body. Seeing the fearful form of Yamraj, Markandeya tightly hugged the Shiv Ling he had made. Yamraj laughed and said, "Child, it is my duty to take you today. Nothing and no one can save you now.." Saying this, he threw his noose over the boy, but he was so close to the Ling that the noose encircled the Shiv Ling and Markandeya.
As soon as the noose touched the Shiv Ling, Lord Shiv was enraged. He burst out of it, and kicked Yamraj. "How dare you throw your noose on me," He shouted, shocking Yamraj.
Caught off-guard, Yamraj tried to explain that it was his duty, but Lord Shiv was furious. He said, "This boy has come to me for protection, and he shall have it. Yamraj, you can never touch him as he will be immortal." Chastised and disappointed, Yamraj left for his abode. Lord Shiv blessed Markandeya with a long life, and with immense knowledge. Markandeya returned home, making his parents ecstatic. He went on to become one of the most learned rishis of all time.
There are many powerful hymns, such as the Maha Mrityunjaya mantra that protect one from death, which are ascribed to him. He is mentioned in many of the sacred epics and Puranas. The Markandeya Puran comprises of a conversation between Sage Markandeya and Sage Jaimini, and is a store house of knowledge and information. The Devi Mahatmaya, a treatise on the Devi, is part of this Puran. Markandeya's story and dialogue are also described in many chapters of the Shreemad Bhagavatam.
Moral:
The story of Markandeya demonstrates us how our love for God is reciprocated by Him, and how far He will go to protect His devotees!!
An excerpt from "INSPIRATIONAL STORIES FOR CHILDREN - VOL: 4"
