Markandeya's Hymn

Rikandhu Rishi lived his life with loving, Faithful, childless wife. In prayer and tapas, night and day, To Shiva turned his hope and gaze. And Shiva granted Rishi's plea, A precious gift, a son to be. "Choose now," said Shiva, voice so clear, "Long life or yogi's path, oh, Steer." The yogi's life the Rishi chose, For wisdom's flower, not age that grows. So Markandeya soon was born, by God's own blessing, Hails the dawn. Our friend, our sweetheart calls Aloud, but death approaches, veiled in cloud. At sixteen years, when Yama's near, A noose for neck, he feels the fear. But Markandeya, quick and wise, Fled to the shrine with pleading cries. He grasped the lingam, locked his arm, And prayed to Shiva to disarm. Now Yama came with silent dread, A deadly noose for trusting head. But Shiva's wrath, a nod of eye, He struck the god of death aside. Friend, our sweetheart calls aloud, But death approaches, veiled in cloud. At sixteen years, when Yama's near, A noose for neck, he feels the fear. Without the lord Yama, world was pained, All balance left for loss or gain. So Shiva brought back Yama's soul, but kept his Yogi always whole. Forever sixteen he remains, a spirit young, Untouched by chains. And if you wish for joy, not dread, Sing this hymn and look ahead. Our friend, our sweetheart calls aloud, But death approaches, veiled in cloud. At sixteen years, when Yama's near, A noose for neck, he feels the fear. Oh, Champaka, Your charm ahead. Sugandhi, the Shiva Vana. The aura kami va. Manalan vi chamachiya. Mancha chai.