The Divine Story of Rishi Markandeya – Protected by Lord Shiva, Blessed with Eternal Life
Rishi Markandeya was a great saint and a devoted bhakta of Lord Mahadeva (Shiva). He is also known as the composer of the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra –
“Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam,
Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritat.”
Back in Satyug, when Rishi Markandeya’s father, who was a learned astrologer, saw the life pattern of his son, he was astonished to find that his child was destined to live only for 4 years.
When Markandeya Ji was just 2.5 years old, his father trained him to do Dandavat Pranam (a full-body bow from head to toe) to every saint or sage who passed nearby. This was done in the hope of receiving mercy from pure, holy saints who might bless his son with long life.
Despite his young age, Markandeya Ji followed this instruction strictly, without caring for the heat or cold. He offered Dandavat Pranam continuously for 6 months.
When Markandeya Ji turned 3 years old, the four Sanat Kumars (sons of Lord Brahma) happened to be passing by their place. On seeing them, his father requested Markandeya to bow to them, just as he had been doing all these months.
Markandeya Ji bowed down to each of the four Sanat Kumars with full devotion.
Seeing the austerity, sincerity, and effort of this small child, the Sanat Kumars blessed him by placing their hands on his head and said, "Chiranjeevi Bhava" – “May you live long.”
Hearing this, Markandeya’s father approached the Sanat Kumars and said,
"You are divine sons of Brahma Ji. Surely, you know my child was only destined to live for 4 years."
The Sanat Kumars replied,
"Yes, we are aware. But we have blessed him because of his purity and unwavering devotion. For 6 months, he offered Dandavat Pranam without fail – even in extreme heat – to every saint passing by. His efforts moved us."
They then advised the father to guide Markandeya to create a new Shivling and begin worshipping Lord Shiva daily.
"On the day he is supposed to die," they said, "we will return and handle the rest."
It is said that on that significant day, all demigods descended from the heavens to witness the divine moment.
When the day came, Markandeya completed his 4 years. The Sanat Kumars returned and instructed the child:
"Hug the Shivling tightly and keep chanting Lord Shiva’s name."
Markandeya Ji obeyed. He wrapped his small arms around the Shivling and began chanting with full faith.
Everyone, including the Sanat Kumars, sat near the Shivling, waiting for what was to happen.
As per destiny, Yamraj (Dharam Raj) came to take Markandeya’s soul. But when he arrived, he was shocked to see the boy clinging to the Shivling tightly.
Yamraj approached Lord Shiva and asked for a solution.
Lord Shiva replied,
"This child is under my protection now. I cannot allow you to take his life. But I will give him one year from my own lifespan."
Since Lord Shiva’s lifespan is beyond time, almost eternal, even one year from his life became an infinite blessing for Markandeya.
From that day in Satyug till now in Kaliyug, Rishi Markandeya remains alive and ever-blessed.
Moral and Essence:
This true story of Rishi Markandeya shows that blessings earned through selfless devotion, effort, and the mercy of true saints can transcend destiny and make one immortal in divine grace.