Markandeshwara Temple – Situated in the Raichur district, Markandeshwara temple is a renowned ancient temple in Karnataka. According to a legend, King Krishnadevaraya, of the Vijayanagara Empire, along with his family used to visit 6 different temples in Raichur regularly. Amongst those, the Markandeshwara temple is one of them. This temple is said to have been named after Maharishi Markandeya. He was a very famous devotee of Lord Shiva. Markandeshwara temple, a century-old age-old monument, is elegantly sculpted and comprises polished pillars.
According to folklore, Rishi Mrikandu and his wife Devi Marudvati did not have children for a long time. Hence, the Rishi prayed to Lord Shiva. Pleased with his prayers, Lord Shiva appeared in front of him and asked Rishi Mrikandu if he wanted one hundred foolish children who would live long, or do you want an intelligent son who would live for just 16yrs? So, the Rishi chose to have one intelligent son. In a course of time, they had a son who was named, Markandeya. The boy grew up to be brilliant and handsome.
The Rishi performed a sacred thread ceremony for him, and Markandeya became well versed, in all the Vedas and Shastras. As the age progressed, his parents started worrying more. After learning about the reason for his parents to worry, Markandeya told them not to worry and decided to pray to Lord Shiva, day and night. Even when the time came for Markandeya to leave this world, he continued praying to Lord Shiva. Therefore, when an enraged Yama put the noose around Markandeya and ordered him to go with him, immediately, Lord Shiva emerged from the Shiva Linga, pushed Yama aside, and defeated him in a battle.
After which, Lord Shiva declared that Markandeya would live forever. Therefore, the Markandeshwara temple was named after Markandeya and his devotion towards Lord Shiva, who gave him immortality. The story is one of the most sacred ones, told in the district of Raichur, and carries a certain, spiritual connection for people living there.
Timings – 6 AM to 6 PM
Address – Ashok Nagar, Raichur, Karnataka 584103
