Markandeya Ashram : |
|
Traditionally, an ashram is a religious hermitage. Additionally, today the term ashram often denotes a locus of Indian cultural activity such as yoga, music study or religious instruction, the moral equivalent of a studio or dojo.
The name Markandeshwar is associated with Maharishi Markandeya, a great devotee of Shiva. The Markandeshwar Mahadev temple is located in the town of Shahbad Markanda. Shahbad Markanda lies on the banks of the river Markanda, a tributary of the Ghaggar, and supposed to be a part of the ancient Vedic Saraswati River basin system. The river derives its name from Maharishi Markandeya as well and several ancient ashramas of Rishi Markandeya can be seen along the banks of the river in the neighboring districts. The walls of the Markandeshwar Mahadev temple carry a scene depicting Lord Shiva saving Rishi Markandeya from Yamraj, the Hindu God of death. |
