Markandeya was a boy who loved Shiva with all his heart. He had been blessed with a short life, and the day came when Yama, who carries souls away, arrived for him.
Frightened but full of love, Markandeya threw his arms around the stone symbol of Shiva and would not let go, calling out the name he loved.
Shiva appeared at once to protect his little devotee and blessed him to stay forever young. Markandeya's pure love had turned away even the end itself.