Markandeya and the Sacred Mahamrityunjaya Mantra

Told by Seattle-local, Bangalore storyteller extraordinaire Murali Venkatrao, who will carry you to ancient and sacred India. The timeless tale of Shiva Bhakta Markandeya teaches us that fear of death is worse than death itself – but is no match to the power of devotion (bhakti). The great God Shiva has decreed that Markandeya would only live for 16 years. Refusing to accept his destiny, Markandeya defies the summons of Yama, the god of death. Deriving great power from the ancient Mahamrityunjaya Mantra, he stares fearlessly at the face of impending death. When the angry Yama tightens the noose of time around his throat, Shiva himself emerges from within the Lingam and grants him immortality. Note on sources: While Markandeya’s story appears in Srimad Bhagavatam Canto 12, Mahabharata’s Vana Parva, and Brahma Purana, they all describe his life after he attains immortality. The tale of how he achieves immortality is described in Narasimha Purana; but in this version, it is Vishnu (in the form of Narasimha) who grants him immortality, not Shiva as in the popular tale. The popular tale of Shiva Bhakta Markandeya comes from the poetry of Tamil saint Appar, one of the most revered of the sixty three Nayanar saints. His beautiful verses refer to Shiva as “Kalantaka”, which means Conqueror of Time (and hence death); this form of Shiva can be found in many temples in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Recorded during Spiritual Renewal Week 2022 at Ananda Village (June 27th). Watch the footage of the beautiful kirtan from the same evening program here (with introduction by Murali):    • Kirtan of Joy (Chants by P.Yogananda, S.Kr...   Join the Bhagavad Gita Retreat (https://www.ananda.org/expanding-ligh... take your spiritual life into an entirely new dimension as you unlock the secrets of this powerful scripture. Experience these teachings on all levels: not only intellectually, but intuitively and practically. Register now for the Bhagavad Gita Retreat at The Expanding Light Retreat, California (Ananda Village). Here are more inspiring stories told by Murali: https://www.ananda.org/video/the-stor... https://www.ananda.org/video/stories-... https://www.ananda.org/video/the-stor... https://www.ananda.org/video/the-stor... https://www.ananda.org/video/the-desc... https://www.ananda.org/video/arjunas-... The Art and Science of Raja Yoga - 3 month course on Raja Yoga with Dr. Murali Venkatrao offered online, offered in January and September every year. Learn more at https://www.anandawashington.org/raja... If you like to a free introduction to the 4-part webinar "Science of Yoga and Meditation" from Murali, please visit our website https://www.onlinewithananda.org/shop... ABOUT ANANDA WORLDWIDE Ananda is a worldwide movement to help individuals realize the joy of their own higher Self. Ananda is based on the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda and was founded by his direct disciple Swami Kriyananda in 1968. Learn more at https://ananda.org. If you have been touched in your own journey by Ananda and our videos please consider making a donation so that we, as a spiritual family, may all continue to reach and inspire souls everywhere: https://www.ananda.org/support/ ___ HOW TO STAY IN TOUCH Subscribe to our YouTube channel:    / anandaworldwide   Follow on Instagram:   / anandaworldwide   Like on Facebook:   / ananda.org   Follow on Pinterest:   / anandasangha   Follow on Twitter:   / anandaworldwide   Take classes on our virtual spiritual community: https://www.ananda.org/online-classes/ Learn to meditate with our Online Lessons in Meditation course: https://www.onlinewithananda.org/less... Download the FREE Ananda Meditation app and watch guided meditations https://www.ananda.org/meditation/app/ Find an Ananda Near You: https://www.ananda.org/find-ananda View Upcoming Live Events Around the World: https://www.onlinewithananda.org/live...