The Story of Prahalad, Dhruv and Sage Markandeya Maharishi

Bhakta Prahalada was the son of the Demon King Hiranyakashipu. Lord Narasimha killed Hiranyakashipu and made Prahalada the king of the region. Bhakta Prahalada was an ardent devotee of Lord Hari. He preached the greatness of Lord Hari along with his fellow students and lived a life full of holiness, pure devotion, and kindness toward his people.

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Sree Bhakta Prahalada Mahathmiyam

Prahalad: Son of Hiranyakashipu, saved by Lord Narasimha for his unwavering devotion to Vishnu.
Dhruva: A prince who became the immortal North Star after meditating on Vishnu.
Markandeya: Sage blessed with eternal life by Lord Shiva after meditating at age 16.
Devotion: All three highlight the power of bhakti in gaining divine blessings.
Legacy: Their stories continue to inspire devotion and faith.

During his reign, he offered Annadanam (food donations) to more than 1,000 people daily. He is considered the Avatar of the Divine Personality – Sangukarna Devar. Sangukarna Devar served Lord Brahma in Satyalok during Krita Yuga. Once, due to his mistake, he was cursed by Lord Brahma and took the avatar of Bhakta Prahalada. His subsequent avatars were Pahlika Raja, Vyasa Raja, and Guru Raghavendra Swamy.

In Raghavendra Mutts, it can be observed that the Urchava Vigraham is that of Prahalada. Bhakta Prahalada was praised by divine gods like Indra for his efficient governance of the kingdom.

OM SREE BHAKTA PRAHALADAYA NAMAHA.

Sree Bhakta Dhuruva Mahathmiyam

Dhruva was born to King Uthanapadha and his first wife. King Uthanapadha was deeply attracted to his second wife and showed little interest in Dhruva. Depressed by this, Dhruva went to the forest and meditated on Lord Hari. After several years, Lord Hari appeared and granted him the boon of becoming a GREAT STAR – DHRUVA.

Dhruva returned to his palace, where he was joyfully received by his father and mother. He was crowned as the king after his father. After ruling righteously, Dhruva attained the star position. Even today, we can see a bright star shining in the sky – that is Bhakta Dhruva.

Due to his devotion, Dhruva attained the position of the star. He will never be conquered by anyone. Even during the Maha Pralayam (cosmic dissolution), there will be no disturbance to him, and he will continue to shine in the sky forever. He is still fulfilling the wishes of his devotees.

OM BHAKTA DHURUVAYA NAMAHA

Sree Markandeya Maharishi Mahathmiyam

Sage Mrikandu had no children and performed severe penance for many years. Lord Shiva granted him the boon, and Markandeya was born. Markandeya was destined to live only up to the age of 16. Upon learning this, the young Markandeya left his parents and went to the forest, where he created a Shivalingam from the soil and meditated deeply on Lord Shiva.

When his time on Earth was over, Lord Yama came to take his life. As Yama tried to place the noose around his neck, it got caught on the Shivalingam. Lord Shiva emerged angrily from the Shivalingam and burned Lord Yama to ashes. At the request of the divine gods, Lord Shiva revived Yama and granted Markandeya the boon of becoming Chiranjeevi – eternal and always remaining 16 years old, with no end to his life. He would remain constant, embodying the purest form of devotion.

Markandeya returned to his parents and shared his experience. His parents were overjoyed and worshipped Lord Shiva for granting their child eternal life.

Even today, Sage Markandeya is alive and continues to fulfill the wishes of his devotees.

OM SREE MARKANDEYA MAHARISHIYE NAMAHA