Sage Markanadeya, one of the great immortals (Chiranjeevi) in Hindu tradition, a great devotee of Mahakala (one who is above Kaala or death and time) Shiva, and the author of the holy Markandeya Purana is popular in Indian legends as the one who defeated Yama Raja, the Lord of Death with the benevolent protection of Shiva. According to Hindu textual tradition, Bhagwan Markandeya’s parents after great austerities for an offspring were given two choices- either have a son who lives many years but lacks virtues or give birth to a great being with a short life span. They chose the second option and were graced with a virtuous son. Upon reaching the age of 16 which was his last year, Markandeya’s parents told him the truth about his birth. A devotee of Mahakala to his core, when the time of Yamaraja’s arrival came, Markandeya remained calm and called upon his protector. Hearing the calls of his devotee, Mahadeva Shiva descended and not only saved him from Yamapaasha (the noose of Yama) but also gave him the boon of immortality. This unbounded compassion of Shiva is celebrated in Indian art tradition, in sculptures like this wood Shiva Bhakta Markandeya is blessed by Devi Parvati, with great reverence.
Below her, encircled by a floral aureole and garlanded by three sets of garlands is the intensely powerful engraving of Markandeya with the Shiva Lingam. Markandeya is dressed in a blue Jama, crown, and red scarf which is also draped on the Shiva Lingam from which the young Markandeya appears to be clinging. The Lingam, Shiva’s aniconic presence in this wooden statue is delineated unassumingly with a garland and a five-layered platform as his seat. The young age of Bhagwan Markandeya remarkably discernible on his face or the warmth of a devotee’s grip on the icon of his Lord felt in the image speaks of the skills of the artist who successfully brought the timeless story of “Mahamrityunjaya”- the great victor of death, to wood.
Every cosmic task of Shiva is empowered by Shakti or Parvati whose active energy inspires Shiva into action. Keeping in mind the vitality of Shakti, the artist has given Uma-Parvati the highest space in his composition, as the mother-goddess holds in the macrocosm of Srishti (creation). Enriched by the powers of Shiva-Shakti and the devotion of Markandeya, this wood statue will fill your space with an otherworldly serenity.
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