Tales froM Indian Mythology

SR No.: 006950
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: A S Raman
Publisher: Kutub Popular
Publication Year: 1961
Total Pages: 166
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 16 MB

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Tales from Indian Mythology
gods. For he would reverently touch their offerings with his eyes, and return them politely saying, "You should not spoil ascetics with your gifts. You need them more than we do. So please accept them as my offerings. Of course, you deserve much else which no man can do without, and that is-education. And I shall see that it is not denied to you."
The part played by the rishis in the ritual was naturally significant. They bestowed their choicest blessings on him through the Vedic recitations. They invoked God's own gracious guidance during Markandeya's studies ahead, as there was now nothing that man could teach him. They propitiated the spirits and the five elements so that they might preserve him for many, many years to come. They sought their ancestors benedictions too, for Markandeya was worthy of all the good that anybody would care to do to him.
The ceremony over, Markandeya at once set about the exacting duties of a brahmachari. But his perennial energy and enthusiasm made them seem lighter. As years passed, his parents began to lose interest in life. The mere thought of his sixteenth birthday chilled their spirits. They would be remiss in their oblations, would forget to feed the antelopes, observe fast more frequently and rigorously, keep awake by night and sleep by day, and neglect their duties towards their guests. Their condition had become a source of anxiety to Markandeya. But when he knew that he himself was the cause of it, he assured them thus, "My godly parents! Grieve not for me. Permit me to propitiate the Lord Shiva whose gift I am. I am confident that I shall return to the ashram and celebrate many, many