[GHHF] Bala Samskar Kendras – Students learned about Maharishi Markandeya, his birth, penance and how he became Immortal.

01 Feb 2024 403 Views

Global Hindu Heritage Foundation is committed to transmit the richness of Sanatana dharma to the youngsters in terms of the depth and width of knowledge, the sacrifices of national heroes, miracles of Maha Rishis, science and mathematics, and the importance of maintaining the traditions and customs.
Our students celebrated the Jayanthi of Maharishi Markandeya Jayanti
Our elders always used to remember Maharishi Markandeya and used to with the children to live like Markandeya. 
Because among our Indian Maharshi, we have got boons by undergoing intense penance to have no death, that is, how Markandeya Maharshi is still alive. Parents and their children also wish to live forever.
There used to be a sage named Mrukundu. While Mrukundu was meditating about Lord Shiva, he did not worry even though the animals were rubbing at him. Such Mrukundu had a saintly wife named Marudvati. The couple who are leading their life have a single day remembering God always. They don't have children! For the good fortune of having children, both reached Varanasi area and started worshiping Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva appeared before the couple to bless them.
But that Supreme Lord felt like testing them… I will bless you with a son. But decide for yourself what kind of son you want. Do you want a wicked person to live for a long time, or do you want a virtuous person to live only for a short time? They thought what the use is of having a person who will live  long without a character. We need a virtuous person.  At last, a boy appeared to the couple like a ray of light. The son of Mrukundu, hence he was named Markandeya. Maharishi Mrukundu decided to do Upanayana to his son and send it to the Gurukul. When Markandeya reached the age of 11, he returned to his parents after completing all the education.
Seeing their son coming from Gurukul's residence with Brahma brightness, the parents felt very happy.  The couple's heart sank when they remembered the 11 years of their son since death may be approaching.  The father was heartbroken, the mother shed tears holding her son. When Markandeya asked why he was crying, he did not give any answer. At last, the father told the son the truth and said that his life span is only for a few years. Then Markandeya said Lord Siva is all powerful. He will do severe penance and get the immortality blessing from Lod Siva. 
While Markandeya was getting ready to leave, Narada came there and praised Markandeya after knowing his determination. Narada asked him to go the shore of Gautami and offer prayers to Lord Shiva with the help with panchakshari Mantra. He blessed me that my resolution would be fulfilled. Markandeya went to the Gauthami shore and started performing penance for Lord Shiva by consecrating the Siva Linga.

When time for Markandeya’s death came, Lord Yama sent his messengers to end his life. Their eyes were unable to see the brightness that emanated from Shivalinga. The messengers did not stop and went back and told the story of what happened to Yama. Then Yama dharma Raja himself set out riding a buffalo named Mahisha. Seeing Markandeya sleeping with his head bent over the Saitha Linga, he threw his noose around Markandeya’s neck to take away his life.  While roaring, Supreme Lord Shiva appeared from the Shivalinga and pointed his trident at the Yama who had thrown the noose on Markandeya. Seeing Lord Shiva appearing in the form of Rudra, he started crying saying spare his life. Lord Shiva forgives Yama and forgives him. Shiva told Markandeya that there is no fear of death for him and promise that he will remain like Chiranjivi till the end of Kalpa. Markandeya, who was blessed with the blessings of Lord Shiva, reached his parents who were very happy. Whatever difficulties we face, if we approach God with utmost devotion, He blesses us with the strength to overcome them.
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