Markandeya and the Defeat of Death

The sage Mrikandu and his wife Marudvati had no children. They did tapasya to Shiv. Shiv appeared and offered a hard choice: do you want a long-lived but ordinary son, or a son of great virtue who will live only sixteen years? Both chose the virtuous son.

The boy was named Markandeya. He was very wise and a deep devotee of Shiv. As his sixteenth year drew near, his parents grew sad. Learning the reason, Markandeya said: do not worry, I will stay in Shiv's refuge. He immersed himself day and night in worship of the Shivling.

On the fated day, Yamraj came himself and threw his noose. Markandeya clasped the Shivling tightly with both arms. The noose fell around the Shivling along with the boy. At that very moment Shiv burst forth from the Shivling, blazing with anger.

Shiv said: no one can touch a devotee who has taken refuge in me. He struck Yamraj and drove him back. That is why Shiv is called Kalantak and Mrityunjay, the conqueror of death. Later, at the devas' request, Shiv restored Yamraj to his duty, so that the order of creation could continue.

Shiv blessed Markandeya to remain sixteen for ever and to be chiranjeevi, one who lives through the ages. Tradition links the Mahamrityunjay mantra to this story, and devotees chant it for patience and courage in hard times.