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This is a story of Markandeya's devotion to Lord Shiva which granted him protection from death. It embodies the power of faith and the blessings that can arise from sincere prayer.

Characters in the story:
Markandeya: Markandeya is a legendary figure in Hindu scriptures known for his devotion to Lord Shiva and his encounter with Yamaraj, the god of death.
Rishi Mrikandu: Rishi Mrikandu is a revered sage known for his devotion and penance, seeking the blessings of Lord Shiva to overcome his inability to have children.
Lord Shiva: Lord Shiva holds significant prominence in Hinduism as a prominent deity, revered for his role as the vanquisher of malevolence and the catalyst of universal change. Depicted in various forms, he is often portrayed as a tranquil ascetic engaged in deep meditation or as the divine dancer, adorned with a third eye, an entwined serpent around his neck, and a trident grasped firmly in his hand.
Lord Yama: Lord Yama is the Hindu god of death and the ruler of the afterlife who judges the souls of the deceased and determines their fate in the next world.

Rishi Mrikandu and his wife Marudmati were filled with sorrow as they were unable to conceive a child. They turned to prayers, seeking the blessings of Lord Shiva. After enduring a long penance, Shiva appeared before them, granting a boon. However, there was a condition: their son could either possess great intelligence but have a short lifespan or live a long life but lack intellectual prowess.
Choosing the path of intelligence, Mrikandu and his wife welcomed their son, Markandeya, into the world.
As Markandeya grew into a teenager, his parents became anxious about his fate. Observing their distress, Markandeya insisted on learning the truth. They revealed the bargain they had made with Lord Shiva.
Determined not to leave his parents alone, Markandeya embarked on his own penance, devoutly praying to Lord Shiva in front of a Shiva Linga. It is said that during this time, Markandeya composed the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra to appease Lord Shiva.
When Yamaraj, the god of death, sent his messenger to claim Markandeya’s life, the young devotee was immersed in deep meditation. The messenger returned empty-handed. Witnessing this, Yamaraj himself descended to take Markandeya’s life. However, Markandeya clung to the Shiva Linga, pleading for mercy.
In the act of fulfilling his duty, Yamaraj cast his noose upon Markandeya, but it inadvertently fell around the Shiva Linga. Lord Shiva, enraged by this act, instantly vanquished Yamaraj.
The gods, alarmed by the disruption this caused to the balance of the universe, implored Lord Shiva to revive Yamaraj. Relenting, Lord Shiva brought Yamaraj back to life, on the condition that Markandeya be granted a long life. All the gods agreed to this pact.
Another legend associated with the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra involves Rishi Markandeya. He possessed the knowledge of this secret mantra, making him the sole guardian of its wisdom. The Moon once faced a curse from King Daksha, and Rishi Markandeya offered the Mahamritryunjaya Mantra to Sati, Daksha’s daughter, for the Moon’s relief.
Thus, the mantra became known. In an alternative version, it is believed that Rishi Kahola received the Bija mantra from Lord Shiva, which he later passed on to sage Sukracharya. The mantra eventually reached Rishi Dadicha, who shared it with King Kshuva, leading to its inclusion in the Shiva Purana.
The Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra is also referred to as the Rudra mantra, symbolizing Lord Shiva’s fierce aspect. It is known as the Tryambakam mantra, signifying Shiva’s three eyes, and is sometimes called the Mrita-Sanjivini mantra due to its association with the practice of restoring life. Rudra, the destructive and intense form of Lord Shiva, is the deity associated with this mantra.
In the Vedas, it is found in three texts: the Rig Veda VII.59.12, the Yajur Veda III.60, and the Atharva Veda XIV.1.17.
Om Tryambakam Yajaamahe, Sugandhim Pusstti Vardhanam
Urvaarukam Iva Bandhanaan, Mrtyor Muksheeya Maa-Amritaat
ॐ त्र्यम्बकं यजामहे, सुगन्धिं पुष्टिवर्धनम्
उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनान्, मृत्योर्मुक्षीय मामृतात्
“We worship the three-eyed Shiva, who is fragrant and nourishes all beings. Just as a ripe cucumber is effortlessly released from its vine, may we be liberated from the clutches of death and attain the realization of our immortal nature.”
The Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra originated as a precious offering from Rishi Markandeya, the dedicated sage who challenged the very concept of death. Through his unyielding devotion and the intervention of Lord Shiva, the mantra evolved into a powerful instrument to surpass mortality and awaken the timeless essence within.
