I have been there. I have been enchanted by this magestic mount. And I could have meditated on it forever…
This very special for me mountain may not look so special at the first sight. Although its peak is quite artistic, one can find many similar hills in some regions of Maharashtra, India – by the way, it makes me think that Indian architecture is just the mirror of its nature…
This mount belongs to Saptashringi Hills (near Nasik, Maharashtra) famous for the great sage Markandeya who used to live there in ancient times. As a beautiful outcome of his enlightenment and mediations we have got Markandeya Purana, one of the Puranas or secondary Hindu scriptures.
I can honestly say that this mount (or hill?) fascinates me even more than the powerful Devi Swayambhu (self-manifested divinity, mostly as a stone), which is on the opposite hill. The story tells that Saint Markandeya discovered that Shri Adi Shakti is the power of Shri Shiva, he went to the Saptashringi hills and started to meditate upon the primordial Mother with constant attention. He was, in fact, the first one to meditate upon Shri Adi Shakti. When the 16th birthday came around, Shri Shiva came to fetch him (they had a treaty) but because of the aura of Shri Adi Shakti around Markandeya, could not come near him, and that is how, Markandeya became a Chiranjeev – one who lives eternally.
Whatever it is, the vibrations of that landscape are truly magnificent and it is one of that rare places where one can touch the ETERNITY…
LOVE, axinia
axinia
1000 petals by axinia 
I should say I am yet again mesmerised by your hold on Indian history and culture….and ya Markandeya Purana is one of our ancient scriptures!!
I thought Swayambhu – self manifested creation of Brahma – generally in the form of Stone – to be the male / Purusha and Adi Shakthi – to be female counterpart – Sthri!
but guess its different from what ur perception is!
thanks, Sahaja!
I love reading Devi Mahatmyam from Markandeya Puranas, which si an amazing piece of art and value. They say, The Devi Mahatmya is not the earliest literary fragment attesting to the existence of devotion to a goddess figure, but it is surely the earliest in which the object of worship is conceptualized as Goddess, with a capital G.
How beautiful it is. I hope to see it with my own eyes some time…
I’ve heard a different story of Markandeya. I was told that he was destined to die at the age of 16 and Yama (God of Death) came to fetch him on his 16th birthday. Markandeya hugged the Linga (representation of Lord Shiva on Earth) and the rope Yama (similar to a lasso) threw to tie Markandeya’s life also fell on Lord Shiva. Shiva got enraged at Yama and dismissed him from the task and granted life to Markandeya.
Irrespective of the different stories, the moral is one. Faith can do wonders.
And must acknowledge your beautiful photography skills. I can see the shape of Linga. Thank You.
Beautiful Saptashringi mountains!!!! How graceful and vibratory they are!!! would like to visit the great land Maharastra. Have you also been to Bhramapuri, Ganapatipule etc.?
Axinia, I always fancied listening to Hindustani vocal music amidst these mountains.
Sometime back I saw a movie, in it the Armenians hold a music concert amidst some sacred mountains. The musicians in attendance are challenged to play there compositions, one by one, such that the mountains too shall sing!! One of them does it …that was something.
I wonder what you would say I you saw Mt. Kailash.
Raman, thanks!
Sailaja,
These places are full of vibrations… I have been to Ganapatipule and Brahmapuri too… For me personally Brahmapuri was the stronges: actually I felt I was about to dissolve there…such depth!…amazing experience!
Swaps, thanks for that really interesting story, I never heard of that!
The Lings looks superb and Wow what a lensman skill it was really superb.It is Great to know that you have been there and you love to meditate
I certainly feel that It generates a feeling of Tranquility and sereneness within yourself when you happen to go there and think of the Lord Shiva.The title is 100% right it is a Magnetic Mount
I forgot to say, I was expecting this post 🙂
seshdotcom, thank you.
swaps, why you have been expecting this post? You could not know that I have ever been there.
Axinia, nice post! Nature always fascinates us with its majestic imposing expansiveness. Yet we are looking at just one small wonder on earth. I am impressed by your deep interest in the ancient scriptures and cultures of India. There are as many beautiful places in India as there are enchanting stories!
Gopinath Mavinkurve, thanks.
India has always been an everlasting magnet and a fairy-tale to me. That is why wherever I have time and possbility I prefer India to any other place on Earth…It is just so full of vibraitons and spirit.
“You could not know that I have ever been there.”
I do … http://sahajayogais.wordpress.com/2008/06/12/the-mountains-are-very-meditative/
Axinia, may I emphasize what Gopinath says, “There are as many beautiful places in India as there are enchanting stories!”
hmmm, I thought you remember this one: http://1000loves.wordpress.com/2008/05/09/mein-favourite-mountain-markandeya-mount-in-india/
I think so, but I certainly remember the next one 🙂
http://1000loves.wordpress.com/2008/05/10/i-love-dior-yes-i-confess/
you are so mean!!! :))))))))))))
One thing I can say is you are so knowledgable about India Axinia… I dont know about the puranas, even now i never had the thought of reading them… but they really fascinates me… thanks to you Axinia for helping me in learning about India 🙂
I beg to differ… The version I have heard (which, I am quite sure, is the more factual one!) is that on the eve of his 16th birthday, the virtuous Markandeya (knowing his hour has come) leaves his dwelling to meditate on Lord Shiva.
As the hour draws to a close, Yama, the Lord of Death comes to take him. In a desperate attempt, Markandeya pleads to Lord Shiva to protect him and the Lord obliges.
Pleased with his pious devotion, he grants Markandeya eternal life. He remains 16 forever…
—
I am quite certain this is the version… Anyway, thanks for the post. happy to hear you had a peaceful experience!
Peace.
Beautiful. Absolutely beautiful. That makes number…86 on my “things i want to do before i die” list…See that in person 🙂
🙂 thanks and gool luck with your list!!!
🙂