According to Hindu mythology, Rishi Mrikandu was a devoted follower of Lord Shiva, but he and his wife had no children. To seek blessings for a child, Rishi performed rigorous penance, which pleased Lord Shiva. He blessed the Rishi with a child but foretold that the child's lifespan would be short. After some time, a son named Markandeya was born to the Rishi, who, like his father, was a devotee of Lord Shiva.

Despite the joy of having a son, Mrikandu and his wife remained saddened by the prophecy of their son's short life. To lessen their sorrow, Markandeya composed the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra and chanted it continuously.

When the time of his demise approached, Yama's messengers arrived to claim his soul. Witnessing Markandeya's devotion, Yama was unable to take his life. This angered Yama, who then revealed himself and tried to seize Markandeya's life. In a desperate attempt to save himself, Markandeya clung to a Shivalingam, which invoked the wrath of Lord Shiva. Appearing before them, Lord Shiva granted Markandeya the blessing of a long life.