Markandeya Tank, Puri – Legends
Purusottama
Kshetra:
After the Mahapralaya, Markandeya alone survived because
he was blessed to be immortal by Lord Shiva. However, Markandeya was floating
in the deluge looking for shelter. Suddenly he saw an island with a banyan
tree. To his great surprise, Markandeya observed that a sapphire blue baby
lying on a leaf playfully sucking his toe. When Markandeya approached the child
to learn his identity, the baby inhaled and forcefully drew the sage into his
body. Within that baby's belly, he saw the fourteen planetary systems and all
the ruling demigods. Markandeya traveled toward the end of creation but failed
to reach it.
As Markandeya marveled at the unprecedented display, the
baby exhaled and threw the sage out. Now Markandeya realized that the infant
was none other than Lord Krishna. Awestruck Markandeya enquired why this
particular tract of land was unaffected by the pralaya. Lord Krishna responded
that this is my abode called Purusottama Kshetra (Jagannatha Puri). On hearing
this astonishing fact, Markandeya stayed here in Puri. The sage Markandeya is
also said to have meditated at this place after the Lord saved him from
drowning in the sea. The Sage performed a yagna here, and also built a temple.
Four
Ashrams:
There are four prominent Ashrams or hermitages in Puri
connected with Puri Jagannath Temple rituals and Markandeya Ashram is one among
them. The other three Ashrams are Bhrigu Ashram, Angira Ashram and Kandu Ashram.
Markandeya Ashram is situated on the banks of Markandeya Theertham.
Pancha
Pandava Temples:
Jameswar Temple is one of the Pancha Pandava Temple of
Puri. As per the legend, Pancha Pandavas (Yudhishthira, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula
and Sahadeva) during their exile visited Puri and stayed here for one day. They
worshipped Lord Vishnu for the safety of their journey. As a symbol of their
visit, five Shiva temples were built at Puri in memory of their stay at this
holy place. These famous five Shiva temples are Lokanatha,
Jameswara, Kapalamochana, Markandeswarar and Nilakanthesvara.
Together, these temples are called as Pancha Pandava Temples. Yamesvara Temple is
associated with Arjuna, one of the brother among the Pancha Pandavas. Markandeswarar
Temple is situated on the banks of Markandeya Theertham.
Ashta
Shambhus:
As per Skanda Purana Purusottama Mahatmya, Puri is
called as Shankha Kshetra as it is conch shaped. Puri Jagannath Temple stands
at the centre. lt is surrounded and protected by eight shrines called Ashta Shambhus.
Markandeswar is one among them. The others are Kapalamochana, Kshetrapal,
Yameshwar, lshaneswar, Bilweswar and Neelakantha. Markandeswarar Temple is
situated on the banks of Markandeya Theertham.
Panchatirthas:
As per Brahma purana, the sage Markandeya founded this
Shaiva shrines in Vishnu Kshetra in order to close the rivalry between Shaivas
and Vaishnavas. Sri Jagannath directed Sudarsana Chakra to dig a pond for
Markandeya. That pond was named after Markandeya and became the Adya Tirtha
among the Panchatirthas viz. Markandeya tank, Swetaganga, Rohini Kunda,
Mahodadhi and Indradyumna tank.
Location
in Sixth fold of Shankha Kshetra:
The Markandeya tirtha is located in the sixth fold of
Shankha Kshetra. Markanda Tank, the ancient hermitage and Markandeswar Temple
reside here together at Puri Dham.
Kaliya
Mardana Lila:
Sri Madana Mohan, Lord Jagannatha's utsava Murti, enacts
his Kaliya Mardana Lila in this holy Markandeya Tank.
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