The legend of the ancient sage Markandeya is celebrated among all major Hindu traditions. He was only destined to live a short life of 12 years, but from his early childhood, he became a great devotee of Lord Shiva and went on to attain immortality.
On his 12th Birthday, the messengers of Yama, the Hindu God of death, came to take away his life. Markandeya continued to worship Shiva in his aniconic form of Shiva Lingam, and ultimately, In fury and in an attempt to save Markandey’s life, Shiva ended up killing Yama in the battle. This legend is why Shiva is also known as the “Ender of Death”.
This beautiful sculpture depicts the love and devotion of Markandey towards Lord Shiva as he is seen passionately hugging the Shiva Lingam, refusing to go with death.
