The great sage Mrikandu Rishi and his wife Marudmati worshipped Shiva and sought from him the boon of begetting a son. As a result, he was given the choice of either a righteous son, but with a short life on earth or a child of low intelligence but with a long life. Mrikandu Rishi chose the former, and was blessed with Markandeya, an exemplary son, destined to die at the age of 16.
Markandeya grew up to be a great devotee of Shiva and on the day of his destined death he continued his worship of Shiva in his aniconic form of Shivalingam. The messengers of Yama, the god of death were unable to take away his life because of his great devotion and continual worship of Shiva. Yama then came in person to take away Markandeya's life, and sprung his noose around the young sage's neck. By accident or fate the noose mistakenly landed around the Shivalingam, and out of it, Shiva emerged in all his fury attacking Yama for his act of aggression. After defeating Yama in battle to the point of death, Shiva then revived him, under the condition that the devout youth (Markandeya) would live forever.
Why is Birthday Puja performed?
This Puja is performed to seek the blessings of Rishi Markandeya, increase the good omen for you and to remove the obstacles, which might be there.
Benefits of Birthday Puja (Janamdin Puja)*
1. Janamdin Puja helps you to enter the good omen in your life.
2. Puja helps you to get peace throughout the year and removes the negativity.
3. Any malefic planetary combination forming within a year gets removed and the positive effects of the same can be well enjoyed.
4. Janamdin puja brings happiness and harmony in life.
5. Puja ensures prosperity and good wealth throughout the year.
6. Any bad combination that might otherwise cause loss at work gets removed.