Thread by @desi_thug1

Do you know Markandeya Rishi is a Chiranjeevi, Why Bhagwan Shiva Blessed him with Immortality ?

This Two Minute story of Ardent Shiva Bhakta Markandeya will give you goosebumps, Read whole thread 🧵

According to Legends, Sage Mrikandu rishi and his wife Marudmati worshipped Shiva and sought from him the boon of begetting a son. As a result, he was given the choice of either a righteous son, but with a short life on earth or a child of low intelligence but with a long life

Mrikandu rishi chose the former, Marudhvathi gave birth to a son named Markandeya. The parents were extremely happy with their son, who, even as a child, mastered all the Vedas and Shastras. He was liked by all for his pleasing ways and mastered his studies quickly

When Markandeya was twelve, his parents performed his Upanayana, As Markandeya’s sixteenth year approached, his parents became increasingly sorrowful, knowing he was destined to die at that age. Unable to hide their grief, they eventually told Markandeya about his fate.

Markandeya consoled his parents, he said death was as natural as birth and should not be dreaded. Determined to win over death, Markandeya sought his parents blessings to perform severe penance to please Shiva. His parents blessed him, he began his penance with great devotion.

On the day Markandeya was to complete his sixteenth year, Messenger of Yama, the God of Death, came to take his life. Despite destinated Death they were unable to approach Markandeya due to his intense radiation of piety

Yama himself came on his black buffalo. As Yama threw his noose to capture Markandeya’s soul, it encircled both Markandeya and the Shiva Linga he was worshipping

At that moment, the Shiva Linga split into two, and Shiva emerged with Trishul in hand. He pushed Yama aside and killed him to save Markandeya. From that day, Markandeya became known as Mrityunjaya who Conqueror of Death and Kalakala the one who conquered time

Upon the request of Devtas, Shiva restored life to Yama. Pleased with Markandeya’s devotion, Shiva blessed him with immortality, ensuring that he would never age, remain virtuous, and be famous until the end of the world.

Story of Markandeya teaches us the power of Devotion, By taking shelter of Devotion and Bhakti, one can receiving the blessings of a higher power, we can achieve seemingly impossible feats.