Markandeya

Markandeya is boy sage who overcame his destined early death through devotion and divine grace. Son of sage Mrikandu and Marudvati.

His parents chose a brilliant son with a short life over a dull son with longevity.

Knowing he was destined to die at sixteen, Markandeya devoted himself completely to Shiva.

When Yama cast his noose, it fell around the linga Markandeya embraced; Shiva emerged and subdued death.

Granted long life, he became a sage who witnessed vast cosmic cycles and instructed epic heroes.