ABSTRACT |
| The reference of sage Markandeya apart from Ayurveda is found in Skanda Purana, Padma Purana, Markandeya Purana, and Mahabharata. Maharishi Markandeya had got boon of longevity from lord Shiva. Hence, he lived long. His presence is seen during the Ramayan as well as during Mahabharata period. He had met the Ayodhya king lord Rama as well as the Hasteenapur king Yudhishthira. He guided lord Rama about the ‘Shraddha Karma’ for his ancestors. When Maharishi Markandeya came to know about the gloomy state of King Yudhishthira, he guided him about the pilgrimage to get rid of the sins which Pandavas committed during Mahabharata war. He belonged to illustrious Bhrigu lineage. He participated in the symposium on embryonic organogenesis organized by Kashi king Divodasa. Maharishi Markandeya is also credited with the invention of medicinal preparation called ‘Pancha-nimba choorna’ along with acharya Shaunaka. Maharishi Markandeya was present in the conclave of rishis conducted beneath the mountains of Himalayas, some 5000 years ago. This not only shows his interest in the medical science but also put him as the caring person for the sufferings of mankind. Hence, it becomes essential to explore the life of sage Markandeya to know about his contribution to the Ayurveda. . Keywords – Markandeya, Pancha-nimba choorna |