Markandeshwar

The Markandeshwar Mahadev temple is a Shiva temple (not to be confused with 8th century temple Markanda Mahadev, Chamorshi), located in the town of Shahabad Markanda, which is situated in the Kurukshetra district of Haryana in North India. The name Markandeshwar is associated with Maharishi Markandeya, a great devotee of Shiva.

The Shahabad Markanda town lies on the banks of the river Markanda river, Haryana, a tributary of the Ghaggar, and a part of the ancient Vedic Saraswati River basin system. The river derives its name from Maharishi Markandeya as well and several ancient ashramas of Rishi Markandeya can be seen along the banks of the river in the neighboring districts.

The walls of the Markandeshwar Mahadev temple carry a scene depicting Lord Shiva saving Rishi Markandeya from Yamraj, the Hindu God of death.

Markandeya was an exemplary son, who was destined to die at the age of 16. He grew up to be a great devotee of Shiva and on the day of his destined death he continued his worship of Shiva in His form of Shivalingam. The messengers of Yama, the God of death were unable to take away his life because of his great devotion and continual worship of Shiva. Finally, Yama came himself to take Markandeya's life away and sprung his noose around the young sage's neck. By mistake, the noose landed around the Shivalingam and out of it, Shiva emerged in all his fury attacking Yama for his act of aggression. After defeating Yama in battle to the point of death, Shiva then revived him, under the condition that the young Markandeya would live forever. Thus, the Maha Mrityunjaya Stotra is attributed to Maharishi Markandeya.

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