About Markandey Mahadev Temple in Varanasi :
‘Maha’ meaning ‘Great’ and ‘Deva’ meaning ‘Lord’ is often synonymous of Lord Shiva. The name Markandey was the name of divine boy who was born to a couple by blessing of Lord Shiva. But in General it is considered that Markandey was the incarnation of Lord Shiva. He is also considered as a sage who composed Maha mrityunjaya Mantra or hymn. The hymn is popularly chanted in all rituals of Hindus. It is believed that Maha mrityunjaya mantra makes one free from fear of death. In Indian mythology Gods are often represented as incarnation because of staunch belief of rebirth rooted in Hindu Religion.
Location of Markandey Mahadev Temple in Varanasi :
Markandey Mahadev temple is located at Kaithi in Varanasi at 25.30’N and 83.9’ E coordinates. It is 8 Kms from Aurihar Railway Station. From road transport it is 28 kms from Varanasi on Varanasi-Ghazipur Highway.
How to reach Markandey Mahadev Temple in Varanasi:
Generally auto or taxies can be taken to reach here. One needs to reach first on Aurihar Railway Station or take a bus from Varanasi to Ghazipur and deboard at Kaithi. If need a private tour, then you can hire a private cab/taxi. Click here to get taxi fare in Varanasi
Mythology behind Markandey Mahadev Temple :
Long ago, there were couple, Mrikandu and his wife Marudvati who were devotees of Lord Shiva. They had no offspring. They decided to do a ‘Tapa.’ As the time passed Lord Shiva was pleased to see the devotion of their bhakti. He appeared before devotee couple. Lord Shiva asked them, “Do you want to have an ordinary son having a long life span or an extraordinary son having a short life?” The couple begged Lord Shiva for the latter one.
After sometime Marudvati delivered a baby boy and named him “Markandey”, means son of Mrikandu. He was God gifted child far from ordinary. He became master of all learning at a very early age. He was always dedicated to the Lord Shiva. When he had completed his 16, Yama, Lord of death came on earth to take him. At that time, Markandey was worshipping Shiva Lingam in the temple. When Yama asked him to go with him, he became very afraid and begged to Lord Shiva to defend him.
Yama threw his string of death on the boy, immediately Lord Shiva appeared from inside the Shiva Lingam. Lord Shiva was very angry with Yama’s cruel behaviour. Lord Shiva saved the life of Markandey and blessed him with everlasting life as well as stated that he will always be sixteen years old. On the same day, Lord Shiva declared that his devotees will forever be free from fear of death. The appearance of Lord Shiva which saved Markandey is represented like a wavy flame and revered the same in statue form. The statue is called Kalsa amhara Murti.
Timing of Markandey Mahadev Temple :
Opening time of the temple is: 3:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
Premise of Markandey Mahadev Temple :
Markandey Mahadev Temple is located in a rural landscape. Though the modernisation and commercialisation taking place around it has intruded into its serenity, it is still a calm and to be visited place. The campus gives one a full chance to meditate and explore divinity.
What one can enjoy at Markandey Mahadev Temple in Varanasi :
One can enjoy company of local people and easily ponder over Indian Pantheon where everyone, be it gods, animals or any smallest creature of universe everyone gets regards in some form. If u are a bit spiritual you can meditate here without any interruption. If you wish to explore through depth of Hinduism you can mingle with locals and find out more beliefs among them regarding temple and a lot.