Today, I am going to talk about another kid who is an ardent devotee. This devoted kid has even defeated the Lord of Death (Yama) due to his devotion. Are you able to guess who that kid is by now isn’t it? Yes, his name in Markandeya the most devoted kid in Indian Mythology
Introduction to Markandeya:
This story has been narrated to by my granddad when I said I was scared of snakes. He told me that there is one boy who has hugged Lord Shiva irrespective of the snakes crawling all over Shiva’s body. You know that Lord Shiva uses snakes as ornaments on his body right? So coming back to our story:
There was a very wise and good couple living in
He asked that couple whether they want an intelligent and very good kid like me, but who will live only for a short time or a very bad and naughty kid who would torment everybody, but will live for 100 years. Now tell me, all the parents want their kids to be good and intelligent right? So that couple also chose a good kid only.
Soon they got a small kid and named him Markandeya. This boy is a very intelligent and sharp kid. He was the most liked and loved boy among all the kids living in that forest. This boy is also very observant, unlike his other counterparts. He used to observe that his parents were always unhappy though they keep enjoying all his antics and accomplishments.
Markandeya’s fight with Lord of Death
He asked his parents to what is the reason for their unhappiness. Markandeya had to literally pressurize them to know the real reason. When they told him that he would die soon due to the boon given by Lord Shiva and they are more worried about this fact only. His reply was very simple in fact. He told that he would go and talk to Lord Shiva only and convince him to increase his life span.
So, Markandeya went into the nearby Shiva’s temple and started praying continuously. He prayed day and night, without having food or water. In the meantime, his end time has come and Lord Yama sent his people to fetch his soul. But the people from Lord Yama couldn’t reach that boy as his devotion towards Lord Shiva was acting as the safety valve around that boy, as he hugged the Shiva Lingam tightly.
Then when Lord of Death (Yama) himself came down to take Markandeya to his land, Shiva rose out of the Shiva lingam and fought with Lord Yama. Thus, Lord Yama got defeated and Makandeya has escaped from the clutches of death. Lord Shiva then granted Markandeya the boon to live forever and be devoted to him as always.
My Learning from Markandeya the devoted kid:
So after hearing this story from my granddad again and again, I learned that if we have a will, we can achieve everything what we wish for. This can include conquering the Lord of Death also. Along with our will, we need to work hard also to achieve our life’s goals.
So this is my story of a devoted kid in Indian Mythology my friends. Hope you liked it. Please let me know your comments. Happy for participating in the #A to Z Challenge and #BlogchatterA2Z. My other stories under the Indian Mythology series could be found here.
I have read about Rishi Markandeya. Is he the same? Very interesting story of fighting with Lord Shiva for life and I loved the cute pic of him hugging the Shiva.
Thank you Vartika for the quick read. Yes, he is the same one. He was given boon to become a Chiranjeevi like Hanuman. And he wrote that Markandeya Puranam
This is one story I knew nothing about. So wonderful to read about a child who had so much focus and belief. Felt really nice after reading this, Suhasini.
Thank you Mayuri
Very interesting post. I didn’t have much idea about Matkandeya until I read this.
Thank you Sonia
Another super interesting that I didn’t know about. Great post!
Thank you Noor
Each post si so informative in this series, I am learing a lot about Indian mythology with this.
Thank you Surbhi
Very interesting post. I love mythology & keep reading about it. Through your theme am getting to know so much more.
Thank you dear
If one wishes seriously and sincerely, wish is fulfilled. In this case, Lord Shiva presented himself. How could he not, when a devotee is calling. Like Nachiketa, Markendeya also met Lord Yama alive and came back. What a kid these must be. What an incredible faith on their own selves. Her Har Mahadev!
Thank you Abhijit.
Nice to recollect Rishi Markendaya ” story. My grandma had narrated it to me . I thought you woild chose Mandodari as the mythological character.
https://ideasolsi65.blogspot.com/2019/04/mouth-parts-of-body.html?m=1
Thank you Kalpana
This was a story my grandmother used to tell me when I was in my 4th grade and I still love hearing it from anyone. All these mythological tales are bringing my childhood back to me at the age of 52. Thanks Suhasini
Thank you Jay. I am really humbled with your words. Now that type of grandparents are also missing to narrate nice little tales to kids. That’s another reason for my kid’s friends to come to my house, so that they can hear my dad or MIL.
Conquering the lord of death. WOW. Yes you are right one can achieve anything is she or he has the will.
#ContemplationOfaJoker #Jokerophilia
Yes Manas. Today’s story will all the more interesting. Watch out for it.
Another beautiful mythologocal character! I’m thoroughly enjoying your AtoZ series:)
Thank you Aditi
Very meaningful story dear, I had no clue about. Going to narrate it to kid as a bedtime story today.
Thank you dear. Hope your kid liked this story
I knew Markandeya has won the death but this is the first read the story in detailed.
oh really! Thanks a lot Sanjota
I like the moral you write in every blog, every one teaches us something good, great series.
My dad and hubby has this habit of asking what did my kid learnt after reading a story and then they discuss various points as to what can be taken forward. Thats the reason why I started writing the lessons learnt
I wasnt aware of Rishi Markandeya’s childhood. Thanks for sharing an interesting life story, Suhasini!
Thank you Shilpa.