Page 3 - markandeya – The death conqueror

SHRAVAN RUDRABHISHEK BLESSINGS

Long back in Satyuga, born in the pious and renowned lineage of Bhrigu Rishi, Markandeya was
the grandson of Dhata. Markandeya's father, Mrikandu Maharshi, performed severe penance
residing in the holy region of the Himalayas. As the result of his austerity, his mind became
absolutely pure and his vision of Truth became so clear that he regarded all the beings as his
own Self alone.

It is the glory of tapas that it purifies the mind and makes the intellect shine with true
knowledge. It is said in Ramcharitmanas (Balakand 72/3), tapu sukhprad dukh dosh nasava –
“austerity begets peace and it removes the sorrow and impurity”. Alarmed by his tapasya
(penance), Indra and other devatas sought refuge in Lord Narayana. Moved by their prayers,
Lord Vishnu appeared before them. He held a conch-shell, a bladed-discus and a mace in His
hands. His eyes resembled the petals of lotus flowers and His body shone with the radiance of a
million suns. His clothes were yellow of hue and He was bedecked with dazzling jewellery.

Penance Matured

Lord Vishnu calmed them down saying, “Be at peace! I know Mrikandu. He is a righteous and
virtuous soul; he has no intention of oppressing you. Only sinners meditate to obtain boons
that can be used to persecute others. I shall reveal Myself to Mrikandu and find out what he
wants.”

Having blessed the gods, Lord Vishnu manifested in front of Mrikandu. The rishi was delighted
to see the Lord. He fell at His feet and offered obeisance. “I am pleased with your tapasya, ask
for your wishful boon.” Lord Vishnu told Mrikandu. “I do not wish for any boon,” replied
Mrikandu. “Oh Lord! You have appeared before me, whom even the devatas find difficult to
behold! What more should I aspire? I have no more desires.” Lord Vishnu was so pleased that
He said, “I myself would be born as your son. Any lineage in which I am born is forever
sanctified.”
Lord Vishnu then blessed Mrikandu and disappeared. For a long time, sage Mrikandu and his
wife, Marudwati waited for a child. Then, they performed rigorous austerities to please Lord
Shiva.

When Lord Shiva appeared they asked Him for a child. The Lord said, “Oh sage! You prefer a son
with knowledge, grit and character who will live a sheer sixteen years of life; or a dullard son
who will lead a long life?”

It is one strange rule of Almighty that He does not provide everything to anyone. None can have
the best of all! In everyone's life, Lord has withdrawn something howsoever powerful one may
be! He tailors the situations in such a way that we may not forget Him and remain conscious of
our area of helplessness. The area of our helplessness opens the gateways for Lord to enter in
our life. Similarly, Lord Shiva presently, was not willing to offer to Mrikandu Rishi the joy of
living with a bright and blissful son for a long time. But Rishi knew that short-lived brilliant life is