Page 4 - markandeya – The death conqueror

SHRAVAN RUDRABHISHEK BLESSINGS

better than long-lived dull living. Hence he replied, “Oh Lord! I want a good son with character
and wisdom.”

Soon the Rishi was blessed with a son. He named him Markandeya. The boy grew to be very
intelligent and handsome. When Markandeya was five, Mrikandu arranged for his studies. In his
boyhood Markandeya mastered all the Vedas and Shastras. His pleasing ways endeared him to
his teachers. Everyone loved and liked him. When he reached the age of twelve, his parents
arranged his Upanayanam (thread ceremony). He was initiated into the chanting of the mystic
Gayatri Mantra. He was thus spending his days very happily, delighting everyone by his
charming looks, pleasant behaviour and sharp wits. Since Markandeya was born of Lord Vishnu,
his personality shone with radiance along with the holiness of heart. His parents were very
pleased with his good conduct.

Fighting the Fatal

But as their son was growing, their anxiety was also increasing. They were sad at heart and
whenever they beheld their son, a gloom spread over their face. They did not tell Markandeya
that he was not destined to live long. The sixteenth year was approaching fast. Rishi Mrikandu
became sadder and sadder. One day, unable to control their grief, they wept before him.
Astonished Markandeya asked his father, “Why do you look so sad? Why do you weep, Oh
father?" The Rishi said, "Son! What shall I say? When Lord Shiva blessed me with you as my son,
He said you would live only for sixteen years. You are now about to reach that age. How can we
bear to lose you as the end of your sixteenth year is approaching fast?"

Hearing this, the young Markandeya was unperturbed as his mind was made of a firmer
substance and irony will. A person is known by his response to any situation. Circumstances
around us come by prarabdha (fate) but the reaction to it is not by fate; it is our belief, notions
and emotions that guide our response.

Markandeya's belief was guided by the infallible power of faith and indomitable capacity of
tapasya. He said, "Father! Is that the reason? Death is not a thing which wise people should
dread. It is as natural as birth. But do not worry for me. Lord Siva is very compassionate to His
devotees. You yourself have told me that. He has saved many from death before. I have read
about it in the Puranas. I shall therefore, worship Lord Shiva day and night from today. I am
confident of winning over death. Lord will save me too! Pray and bless me that I may succeed in
my endeavour. Permit me to perform severe penance to please the Lord."

Saying thus, Markandeya consoled his parents. The parents blessed him heartily and allowed
him to go ahead in the noblest of all pursuits - which was, putting all his efforts in pleasing and
propitiating Lord Shiva. Bhagwan Shankaracharya puts the definition of tapas in his
Kenopanishad Bhashya in a very cryptic way. He says, tapah kayendriyamansam samadhanam -
which means that investment and harnessing of all the attention of body, sense organs and
mind, over the chosen higher goal. Higher is the goal, more concentration and attention for