Markandeya Temple - Rajahmundry, India

The ancient Lord Markandeya temple is located in Rajahmundry town. This temple is on the Godavari bund. It is easily reachable from the towns of Kakinada and Amalapuram. The temple was found in the ruins of an old Mosque near Chanda Satram (Satram - Choultry). On examination of the dilapidated mosque, the archaeological experts confirmed it to be a Shiva temple. A rich patron - Gundu Sobhanadriswara Rao in the year 1818, reconstructed this temple. The street on which he lived was named Gundu vari Street and the main entrance of this temple is on this street.

Legend has it that a Muni named Mrukhanada prayed to Lord Shiva for a child. The Muni was given the choice of selecting a baby and not having a husband or choose a boy who would survive for 11 years and would be a great devotee with a pious personality. The Muni chose the latter and Lord Shiva blessed her with a son.

The Boy, named 'Markandaya' knowing of his short life on earth, dedicated his life to the devotion of Lord Shiva and installed a Lingam and worshipped at the place where the temple now is. On attaining the age of 11 years, the Lord of Death Yama tried to take his life but Lord Shiva came to the boy’s rescue the Boy and gave him the boon of a full life.  The temple gets its name from Lord Shiva’s ardent devotee and is popularly known as Sri Markendeyeswara Swamy Varu.