For a long time, the sage Mṛkaṇḍu remained in deep contemplation, seeking to understand the destined purpose of his son. When he finally realized it, he approached a wise seer and asked about the length of his son’s life, longing to know whether his child’s years would be few or many. The wise one responded, “O lord of sages, the Creator has set your son’s lifespan at six months. You must not grieve—this is truly declared.” Upon hearing these words, Mṛkaṇḍu, though saddened, performed the initiation ceremony for his young boy. He instructed his son, “Greet the sages,” and the boy joyfully offered his salutations to all. Unaware of distinctions of caste, he greeted everyone equally; by then, five months and twenty-five days of his short life had passed. At that moment, the seven great sages arrived along that path. The boy saw them and respectfully greeted each one. Seeing him, staff and girdle in hand, the sages blessed him, saying, “May you live long.” But they noticed his life was nearly spent—only five days remained. Fearing for him, they took the boy with them and journeyed to Brahma, the Grandfather of all. Releasing him before Brahma, they bowed and explained everything, paying their respects. In the presence of the sages, Brahma declared that the boy would have a long life. Hearing this, the sages were filled with joy. Brahma, amazed at their arrival, asked, “For what purpose have you come, and who is this boy? Let it be explained.” The sages replied, “This is Mrikandu’s son, whose lifespan is short. Please grant him long life.” Although the boy had been destined for a brief existence, his father had performed the investiture, giving him the sacred thread and staff, and had instructed him to greet all he met on earth with respect. The boy, wandering the earth and greeting elders due to his pilgrimage and divine arrangement, became habituated to this practice. There, the sages said, “Be long-lived, child.” They wondered how their blessing could harmonize with Brahma’s decree. Brahma replied, “This earth is established by the truth of speech in every way.” Then Brahma declared, “The boy Markandeya shall have a lifespan equal to mine; he shall exist at the beginning and end of the kalpa.” With their purpose accomplished, the sages sent Markandeya back to earth. The brahmins continued their pilgrimage, and Markandeya returned home, where he spoke to his father: “I was taken to Brahma’s world by the sages who know Brahman. I have been made long-lived, granted boons, and then released. These blessings have removed your anxiety; at the beginning and end of the kalpa, I shall exist continuously. By the grace of Brahma, the creator of the worlds, O father, I will go to Pushkara, intent on performing austerities. There, I will worship Grandfather Brahma, lord of the gods, who grants all desires and removes adversities. I will please Brahma, the giver of all happiness, the refuge of Indra and the others, Grandfather of all the worlds.” Hearing his son’s words, the eminent sage Mrikandu was filled with supreme joy and breathed deeply for a moment. Composing himself with courage and a cheerful heart, he declared, “Today my birth is fulfilled, and my life has been well-lived. Through you, my son and heir, who has seen the creator of all worlds, I have become a bearer of the lineage. Go now and behold the Lord of gods, Brahma, who dwells at Pushkara. Having seen the Lord of the universe, one is freed from old age and death. There, happiness, prosperity, and inexhaustible ascetic merit arise; three shining peaks and three springs are found there. Likewise, there are three Pushkaras—one youngest, one middle, and one eldest—though we do not know the reason. Named after peaks and auspicious springs, Brahma, Vishnu, and Rudra are always present there. Among all places on earth, O great king, none is holier than Pushkara; its water is pure, spotless, and renowned in the three worlds. Those blessed ones who see Pushkara behold the path to Brahma’s world. Whoever worships the sacred fire there for a hundred years, or dwells at Pushkara for a single Kartika month—even such deeds I was not able to perform, nor did I accomplish them by action. Therefore, my son, without effort you have conquered death, the taker of all; there, the Lord of gods, Brahma, the Grandfather of the worlds, was seen. No mortal on earth will be equal to you; I am indeed satisfied by you, who were born for five years. By my boon, you shall attain the status of those who live long—there is no doubt; this is my blessing. Thus, all say: ‘Go to whatever worlds you desire.’ In this way, by the grace obtained through Mrikandu’s son, Markandeya, the blessings and boons were fulfilled.