Markandeya

At a distance of 20 kilometers from Bilaspur, Markandeya Ji Temple is a Hindu shrine devoted to famous sage Markandeya Rishi. Devotees of Rishi Markandeya, Bilaspur often visit the temple to offer their prayers. The magnificence of the shrine also attracts tourists from all over the world. The deity is cogitated to be enormously powerful and its spiritual vibe, overwhelmingly appeasing. The devotees visit the temple to sit in peace or meditate to unruffle their minds. The serene atmosphere helps visitors alleviate their worries, anxieties and find a direction in life just by soothing the restless mind.

The Rishi Markandeya Temple also has a spring close by which is supposed to be holy as it is said to have therapeutic possessions. The idol of the deity is an exclusive feature of the temple. Devotees also deem Rishi Markandeya can cure their physical and medical diseases. Entitled after the Rishi Markanday, the temple also holds high religious significance amongst childless couples. It is believed that if a childless person applies kajal in one eye of the idol of Markanday ji and pledges to apply the same in the other eye . That's why many childless couples throng the temple to offer their prayers to Rishi Markandeya in the hopes of having a child throughout the year. A dip in the holy spring is also said to cure sterility along with many other ailments. Many visitors are fascinated by the local legends about diseases and cures. Whether it is a prodigy or pure science is something that each visitor is left to decide but a visit to the Markandeya Ji Temple is essential while traveling Bilaspur.

There is interesting folklore attached to Markandeyaji Temple, which revolves around Rishi Mrikandu. The Rishi had no children and used to pray to Lord Shiva ardently for a child. The Lord blessed him with a son, but also warned him that the son will die after reaching just 12 years of age. Rishi Mrikandu named his son Markanday and started living in the relentless fretfulness and distress of the death of his only child.

When Markanday came to know the reason for his father's fear, he started worshipping Lord Shiva at the same place where the idol stands preserved today. Markanday got sanctified to live long by the Lord, on the day of Baishakhi and at the same time, a spring of water started flowing there. This spring is considered sacred and it is said that the pilgrimage of Char Dham cannot be accomplished without taking a dip this spring. An annual religious fair is organized at Baisakhi.

Traveller Tips:

• A decent attire is appreciated if you wish to soak yourself in the divine aura of Rishi Markandeya Temple.
• Cigarettes, alcohol and non-vegetarian food is strictly prohibited in the premises of the temple.
• Photography is also prohibited in the circumscribed precincts of the temple.
• Following the rules and remaining calm in the ques is a priority to visit this temple.

Things to Do:

• Submit your prayers to the deity.
• Shutterbugs can capture the picturesque view of the surrounding in your camera for a lifetime memory.
• Meditate in the serene atmosphere of the temple and soak all the positivity to calm your mind.
• Take a dip in the holy water to get rid of any ailments as believed by the legend.

Availability:

Morning 6:00 a.m to Evening 7 p.m, daily.

History:

There is interesting folklore attached to Markandeyaji Temple, which revolves around Rishi Mrikandu. The Rishi had no children and used to pray to Lord Shiva ardently for a child. The Lord blessed him with a son, but also warned him that the son will die after reaching just 12 years of age. Rishi Mrikandu named his son Markanday and started living in the relentless fretfulness and distress of the death of his only child.

When Markanday came to know the reason for his father's fear, he started worshipping Lord Shiva at the same place where the idol stands preserved today. Markanday got sanctified to live long by the Lord, on the day of Baishakhi and at the same time, a spring of water started flowing there. This spring is considered sacred and it is said that the pilgrimage of Char Dham cannot be accomplished without taking a dip this spring.

Festival:

An annual religious fair is organized at Baisakhi.

Best Time to Visit:

The best time to visit the Markandeya Ji Temple is early in the morning as it is less heaving.

How to Reach?

Can be reached via NH154 by rented cab or by private/self-driven vehicles

Interesting Facts and Trivia About:

• It is believed that if a childless person applies kajal in one eye of the idol of Markanday ji and pledges to apply the same in the other eye .
• The Rishi Markandeya Temple also has a spring close by which is supposed to be holy as it is said to have therapeutic possessions that are said to cure sterility along with many other ailments.

Nearby Attractions:
• Shri Naina Devi Ji
• Gobind Sagar Lake
• Laxmi Narayan Mandir
• Kandrour Bridge
• Koldam dam
• Bhakra Dam
• Vyas Cave