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56
Tales from Indian Mythology
opened his eyes, and looking menacingly at Yama, demanded: "Who are you? And why did you disturb me when I was in communion with the Lord Mahesa?" He hugged the lingam passionately
"You impudent son of a beggarly Brahman,” roared the God of Death with rage. "Do you realize that you have completed your allotted span of life? I am Yama and have come to take away your soul with me. You may have scared away my attendants with your incantations. But you cannot resist me.”
"Salutations to you, O Mighty God of Death! I cannot go with you, as I am yet to finish with my prayers. Perhaps you do not know that you have no power over those whose faith is firm and formidable, who have the blessings of the sages and who live in virtue. They transcend Fate, and do not touch them lest you yourself perish."
"I am not concerned with what you believe in or what you do not. I must perform my duty. That is all."
"And, you will agree, I must perform mine too."
"I have no time for disputations with you. Now down you drop dead." The moment Yama flung his noose at Markandeya, Shiva sprang from the lingam and kicked Yama on the chest. The Supreme Lord placed one hand on the head of his devotee while the trident in the other was pointed threateningly at Yama. Markandeya burst into an impassioned, magnificent panegyric, his own composition, singing the praises of his saviour, as Yama, with his noose in shreds and himself reeling under the heel of the Great Lord, fumbled his prayers, appealing for mercy.
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