Forever 16

You can achieve anything through real bhakti – if you seek it with pure intentions. Here is the story of a young boy who was blessed by Lord Shiva, with immortality and unending youth too. 

Our salutations to Parvathi and Parameshwara

Sage Mrikandu was a great devotee of Lord Shiva. Unfortunately, his wife Marudmati and he were childless for long. He continued to keep his faith, and prayed sincerely to Lord Shiva. One day, the Lord appeared in front of the sage and asked, “Dear Mrikandu, I am happy with your unwavering devotion. What do you seek?” When the sage sought to be blessed with a son, Lord Shiva asked further, “Sage, do you wish for a noble son who will master the vedas but will live only for 16 years, or would you rather have a stupid son who will live a long but unfruitful life?” The wise sage obviously chose the former option! 

Soon, the couple was blessed with a beautiful young boy, whom they named Markandeya. The boy was so endearing and kind that everyone loved him. He went out of his way to help every living creature, from the tiniest insect and plant, to the people around him. He was also extremely bright and mastered the vedas at a very young age – not only the text but the essence of it too. Everyone was happy. 

However, some days before he was to turn 16, Markandeya found his parents discussing something secretly and crying. Unable to see his parents in distress, he begged them to share their worries with him. The sage decided not the hide the truth from him anymore, and told Markandeya that he was fated to live only for 16 years. They thought Markandeya would be shocked, but the wise boy replied calmly, “Oh father, Lord Shiva is the embodiment of compassion. He will not cause distress to good people. Let me plead with him to extend my life. Although I am not attached to this body, I will seek a longer life from him for your happiness – and to take care of you in your old age. I am sure the Lord will help us out of this situation. Do not worry!” 

Having said so, Markandeya started worshipping Lord Shiva in linga form. On the day Markandeya turned 16, Lord Yama, the God of death, summoned his assistants and bade them to end Markandeya’s life on Earth and bring back his soul. However, when the kinkaras arrived there, they found a strong aura surrounding the boy, due to his sincere prayers. They could not go anywhere near him. They returned to Yama Loka empty handed and reported the happenings to Yama. 

Now, Yama had to set out by himself. He went to Markandeya and said, “Oh boy, your life on Earth is over. You seem to be a pious and good person, so I do not want to use any force on you. Please come with me!” 

Markandeya, as we know, was a learned boy. He had no attachment to worldly pleasures or his bodily form. He only wanted to remain on Earth to take care of his parents, and do good to others. So, he continued to pray hard. He hugged the Shiva-linga, like a child would hug his father, and sought refuge. He surrendered totally to the Lord, forgetting his surroundings. Yama kept calling out, and got no response from the boy who was engrossed in his prayers. In a fit of fury, the Lord of Death threw his noose around the boy to pull out his soul. Unfortunately, the noose also fell around the linga! 

Markandeya, by Raja Ravi Varma

An enraged Lord Shiva emerged from the linga and burnt Lord Yama to ashes! He compassionately hugged and soothed the young boy. By this time, all the devas had assembled there, and begged Lord Shiva to bring Yama back to life, as his role was vital in maintaining the balance of life on Earth. Lord Shiva calmed down and brought Yama back to life. He also blessed Markandeya with a long life. “You shall remain 16 forever, dear Markandeya. Serve your parents well. Continue your good deeds!” 

So it was that Markandeya was blessed to be a chinranjeevi, who will remain on Earth till the end of this yuga. Keep an eye on sixteen-year-olds around you – one of them might be Markandeya!

By Janani G. Vikram