Markandeya — the Boy Who Was Saved by Shivaमार्कण्डेय

The story

The sage Mrikandu and his wife prayed to Shiva for a son. Shiva appeared and asked, "Would you like a son who is wise and good but lives only sixteen years, or one who lives long but is foolish?" They chose the wise son, and Markandeya was born.

Markandeya grew into a kind, clever boy who loved Shiva with all his heart. As his sixteenth birthday came near, his parents became very sad. When he learned why, Markandeya said, "Don't worry. I will pray to Shiva."

On the fated day he sat before a Shivalinga, praying. The messengers of Yama came for him but could not come near him. So Yama himself came, riding his buffalo, and threw his noose. Markandeya hugged the Shivalinga tightly — and the noose went around both the boy and the linga.

At once Shiva burst out of the linga in fury and struck Yama down for daring to touch his devotee. The gods begged Shiva to forgive Yama, and Shiva brought him back to life — on one condition: Markandeya would stay sixteen for ever. So Shiva is called Mrityunjaya, "the conqueror of death", and Kalantaka, "the end of death".

What we learn

• Hold on to God in difficult times.
• Faith and courage can overcome fear.
• A good and wise life matters more than a long one.

A shloka to learn

Questions to talk about

• What choice did Markandeya's parents make?
• What did Markandeya do when Yama came?
• Why is Shiva called Mrityunjaya?
• Who do you hold on to when you are afraid?

Parents and teachers: read the story aloud, then talk about the questions together. Let children retell it in their own words.

Frequently asked questions