Maharishi Markandeya

 Who is Maharishi Markandeya ?

Maharishi Markandeya sharnam parpadye !!!!!!

Maharishi Markandeya is among the highest Siddhas and Maharishis in Sanatana Dharma. In the clan of Maharishi Bhrigu, Rishi Mrikandu was born. This great sage Mrikandu 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 righteous 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 very great devotee of Lord Shiva and on the day of his destined death he continued his worship of Lord Shiva in his real form i.e. 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 Lord Shiva. Yama then came in person to take away Markandeya's life, and sprung his noose around the young sage's neck. By accident or fate the noose mistakenly landed around the Shivalingam, and out of it, Lord Shiva emerged in all his fury attacking Yama for his act of aggression. After defeating Yama in battle to the point of death, Lord Shiva then revived him, under the condition that the devout youth would live forever. For this act, Lord Shiva was thereafter also known as Kalasamhara Murti or Kaalantaka ("Ender of Death").

This event, it is said, took place on the bank of river Gomati in Kaithi, Varanasi. An ancient Markandeya Mahadeva Temple is made on this site. Its the place where river Ganga and river Gomati merges so being a Sangam area, its sacredness increases.

Maharishi Markandeya was an extreme devotee of Lord Shiva, Maa Bhavani and Lord Vishnu.

In Bhagwata Purana there is a story which says that he got to knew that what happens after pralaya. Lord Vishnu showed his Baal Mukunda swaroop as which is always he take when he starts the word. This made Maharishi Markandeya to write Baal Mukundashtakam.

The most famous Mahapurana dedicated to him is Markandeya Purana. It is highly considered Purana among Hindus and especially Shaivas, Smarthas and Shaktas. The most famous part of this Purana is Durga Saptshati which gives a detail information on Maa Chandika Devi also called as Maa Durga . Durga Kavach in it is the most beautiful.

Markandeya rishi also told the story of Ramayana to Pandavas and help them in their Vanvaasa. The Ramayana part in Mahabharata was recited by Maharishi Markandeya only to Pandavas.

Markandeya Rishi is also called as Mahabhakta because of his devotion towards Lord Shiva especially. He is referenced in many Tamil poems written by Siddhars and is considered a gem among them.

His greatness cannot be explained in words and especially not by an agyaani like me. I can only worship him as my guru and can lean things from his life described in Itihasas and Puranas and make my life as sacred as divine Kailaasha and Vaikuntha.

Thank you

Hope I have answered !!!!!!

Jay Uma Maheshwara !!!!!!!

Jay Lakshmi Narayana !!!!!!