TheMarkandeshwar Mahadev temple is aShiva temple (not to be confused with 8th century templeMarkanda Mahadev, Chamorshi), located in the town ofShahabad Markanda, which is situated in theKurukshetra district ofHaryana inNorth India. The nameMarkandeshwar is associated withMaharishiMarkandeya, a great devotee ofShiva.
TheShahabad Markanda town lies on the banks of the riverMarkanda river, Haryana, a tributary of theGhaggar, and a part of the ancientVedicSaraswati River basin system. The river derives its name from Maharishi Markandeya as well and several ancientashramas of Rishi Markandeya can be seen along the banks of the river in the neighboring districts.
The walls of theMarkandeshwar Mahadev temple carry a scene depicting Lord Shiva saving RishiMarkandeya fromYamraj, 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 greatdevotee of Shiva and on the day of his destined death he continued his worship of Shiva in His form ofShivalingam. The messengers ofYama, theGod 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 ofdeath, Shiva then revived him, under the condition that the young Markandeya would live forever. Thus, the Maha Mrityunjaya Stotra is attributed to Maharishi Markandeya.[1]
TheMarkandeya Purana comprises a dialogue between Markandeya and a sage calledJaimini and a number of chapters in theBhagavata Purana are dedicated to his conversations and prayers.[2] MaharishiMarkandeya is also mentioned in theMahabharata.
The Markandeshwar Mahadev temple is supposed to be the place where the young Markandeya was praying toShiva in order to win over his destiny. This is whereShiva fought withYama and blessed Maharishi Markandeya with the boon of immortality. The original temple dated back to pre-Mahabharat times and was founded in the third millennium B.C. The current structure is more recent and dates back to the early 20th century.
Pilgrims turn out to visit the Markandeshwar Mahadev temple in large numbers on Sundays and during the month ofShravan, which roughly corresponds to the months of July–August in theJulian calendar. The temple can be reached very easily and it is located 20 kilometers south ofAmbala on theAmbala-Delhi section of the famousGrand Trunk Road.A Markundeshwar Mahadev temple also situated near village AJARI, Sirohi road, Sirohi which is 28 km east from Sirohi District and known as one of the oldest temple in the area. 365 days water flowing form the markundeshwar temple. there are three Kund where people also doPind dan'.
30°10′43″N76°51′42″E / 30.1785°N 76.8617°E /30.1785; 76.8617
