Pan Indian Presence of RISHI MARKANDEY --- Glimpses into his Life, Victory over Death, Sites Associated with him, and Tips for Longevity and well being

Abstract

The concept of One Nation in the vastly diverse population that inhabits the Indian sub-continent, is unique among world civilizations. This feeling of nationalism is as old as the Vedas, and was inculcated and nurtured by some ancient seers and saints. Foremost among them is Rishi Markandeya, whose imprint is not just found all over the Indian landmass, but also traverses all the way to Indonesia and Bali. Markandey is also unique among seers because he is venerated among all the mainstream Indian religious traditions, namely Vaishnavism, Shaivism, Devi cults and ascetic orders. From his birth in the Himalayas, to his severe penance in the dense jungles of the Western Ghats of peninsular India, to the ashrams along the Narmada and Ganges, and going upto the Eastern coast at Jagannath Puri, the Indian sub-continent is strewn with sites named after the great Rishi. The present paper attempts to list out some of these sites, and the accompanying geographical features, in an effort to highlight the immense accomplishments of the Rishi, encompassing fields as diverse as geology, hydrology, philosophy, herbal medicine, music, sacred chanting, goddess worship, astrology and horticulture.