Markandeya History
Maharishi Markandeya is an ancient rishi (sage) from the Hindu tradition, born to Mrikandu Rishi and Marudvathi, in the clan of Bhrigu Rishi. Markandeya is celebrated as a devotee of both Shiva and Vishnu and is mentioned in a number of stories from the Puranas. One legend relates the story of how Shiva protected Markandeya and gave him a boon to be everlasting 16 years boy and chiranjeevi (immortal). The Markandeya Purana especially, comprises a dialogue between Markandeya and a rishi called Jaimini, and a number of chapters in the Bhagavata Purana are dedicated to his conversations and prayers. He is also mentioned in the Mahabharata. Markandeya is venerated within all mainstream Hindu traditions.
Padmashalis are predominantly Telugu speaking community with roots tracing back to Markandeya Maharishi and his son Bhavana Rishi. Padmashalis have been using Bhavana Rishi’s 101 son’s names as Gothras.
