As a boy, he knew all the Vedas and Shastras; at 16, he started meditating on Shiva so steadfastly that the day of his death passed him by, and he remained 16 for the next 10 million years. (Glossary for the Vahinis)

Markandeya was born as the result of boon granted by Ishvara to his parents. Ishvara asked his parents whether they wanted a virtuous son with a short life-span or a son not so virtuous but who would live long. The parents for a virtuous son. Accordingly, Markandeya was born. He was one of good thought, good behavioour and good conduct. Ishvara informed his parents that he would only for sixteen tears. Neverthless, the parents were overjoyed as they have been blessed with a virtuous son. Years rolled by and Markandeya entered his sixteenth year. Remembering the words of Ishvara, his parents became grief stricken. His mother would often shed tears thinking of imminent death of her son. Markandeya could not understand the cause of her grief. One day he found his parents steeped in sorrow. On enquiry they revealed that hid death was imminent as per the divine will and that was the cause of their sorrow. Markandeya felt sorry that Ishvara’s will was not revealed to him till then because of which he had wasted the precious time alloted to him. He had an early bath, went tho the temple of Ishvara and started chanting the sacred Shiva Panchakshari Mantra, Namah Shivaya, with all sincerity and devotion. He lost himself in the contemplation of Ishvara. He did not expect any reward for his prayers. The following day was supposed to be the last day of his earthly sojourn. Hence, he remained in the temple. As he had not returned home, his parents went to temple and sat at its entrance. (DD on 19-10-2004, pp. 3-4)

At the appointed hour, Lord Yama (God of death) cast his noose around the neck of young Markandeya. As he was hugging the Linga, the noose fell around the Siva Linga also. Ishvara manifested there and remonstrated with Yama, “How dare you cast the noose around Me?” Pleased with the devotion of Markandeya, He blessed him with the boon of immortality. (LASA, p. 16)

The lord was immensely pleased with the sincere devotion of markandeya. He said ‘Markandeya! Today marks the completion of your sixteenth year. You have come to me in a happy frame of mind. You have bowed down to my will with implicit faith and obedience. I am pleased with your devotion.’ The parents joy knew no bounds when they noticed some movements in the Markandeya’s body. He got up and said, ‘My dear mother and father, lord Ishvara and Mother Parvati have brought me back to life. I will stay with you as long as you want me. Let us entertain noble thoughts and undertake good deeds. I will discharge my duties as your son and give you happiness.’ Accompanying his parents Markandeya went home.The people of the village were stuck with wonder when they came to know that Markandeya was brought back to life by lord Ishvara and Mother Parvati.

God responds to the prayers of devotees and comes to rescue only when they have purity of heart. One with pure heart can never alter the sankalpa of God. The story of Markandeya bears the ample testimony to this. Markandeya had no desires. He made ssacred use of time granted to him. It is the primary duty of the devotees to cultivate noble thoughts and perform sacred actioons. Markandeya remained chiranjeevi (immortal), served his parents and gave them immense happiness. In the normal course, God’s will cannot be altered. But, sometimes God does changer his Sankalpa in answer to the prayers of a devotte who is sincere and pure at heart. The devotee has the power to change the will of the god. Devotion does not mean mere vocal expresion of prayers; one should have purity of the heart. (DD on 19-10-2004, pp. 3-4)