Lesson: Mastery over time is possible
The great sage Markandeya was destined to die at age 16.
On his last day, Lord Yama (God of Death) came to take him.
But Markandeya embraced a Siva Lingam and chanted "Om Namah Shivaya" with such devotion that time itself stopped.
Lord Shiva appeared and declared:
"No force can take one who is fully surrendered to me."
Markandeya was granted eternal youth and became immortal.
Moral: Devotion can alter destiny.