This Markendeyan Golu Set tells the legend of Markandeya Rishi. This popular bommai set features dolls of Lord Shiva, Lord Yama with his Buffalo, Markendeyan, and Shivalingam. Golu is a doll and figurine festival held in South India during Navaratri and Dussehra. It is a set of steps decorated with bommais (dolls) of all shapes and sizes to tell a story about a Hindu or secular cultural issue. Every Golu needs a refreshing twist with beautiful handmade dolls. This Markendeyan Golu Set does just that, by celebrating the power and protection of Lord Shiva. The legend: Sage Mrikandu and his wife Marudvati performed a penance to win the blessings of Shiva to beget a child. Shiva, pleased with their penance, offered a choice – a virtuous son who would have a short life of only 16 years or a foolish son who would have a long life. The pious couple chose to be parents to a virtuous son, whom they named Markandeya. Legend has it that towards the end of his fifteenth year, Markandeya, who had grown up to be a great devotee of Shiva. On the destined day, Yama, the god of death, inevitably had to come personally to draw the life out of Markandeya, as his messengers failed in their attempts. Markandeya, seeing Yama and his demonic form, holds on to the Linga in fear like a child would cling to a parent. Yama, bound by his duty, has no choice but to fling the noose of death towards the boy holding the Linga. At the touch of the noose Shiva emerged from the Linga, brought Yama down with a kick to the chest, and killed him with the Trishul. All the gods appeared before the angry Shiva and requested that he restore the life of Yama, as without death the world would be unbalanced. The Markendeya set is crafted with light-weight papermache, and it makes for an ideal present for festivals like Navaratri, Diwali, and housewarmings. Buy the Markandeya set now.