The story of the origin of Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra is associated with Young Sage Markandeya. He wrote and chanted this is powerful Shiva mantra to escape from the clutches of Yama, the Hindu god of death. Thus this great mantra conquers fear of death and provides long life to one who chants it. Sage Mrikandu and Marudvati had no children. Mrikandu Rishi was an ardent devotee of Shiva. Day for the rishi began with Shiva and ended with Shiva. But the rishi never asked for anything from Shiva. Seeing his wife in pain in not having any children, Sage Mrikandu decided to ask Shiva for a solution. Shiva who is Bholenath is ever ready to help his ardent devotees. Shiva appeared before the Sage and gave him an option – 100 sons who are foolish or one son who will be intelligent but with a short life. Sage Mrikandu opted for an intelligent son – who will only live for 16 years. Soon a son was born to the couple, they named him Markandeya. He showed great intelligence from childh