The Story of Sage Markandey and Indra: A Scriptural Warning Against Temporary Heavenly Pleasures

The Story of Sage Markandey and Indra’s Deception: A Lesson on the Futility of Heavenly Pleasures

The ancient scriptures hold profound lessons hidden within stories of sages, gods, and cosmic events. One such powerful narrative appears in the accounts surrounding Sage Markandey, who once performed intense meditation on the shores of the Bay of Bengal. His story reveals the insecurity of celestial beings like Indra and exposes the hollowness of temporary heavenly pleasures—ultimately guiding seekers toward true, scripture-based worship.

Indra’s Fear of Losing His Throne

In the divine order, the position of Indra, king of heaven, comes with a condition: If during his tenure of 72 Chaukadi Yugas, any human performs a meditation or sacrificial ritual powerful enough to qualify them for the post of Indra—and if such worship remains uninterrupted—then the throne automatically passes to that worshipper. The current Indra gets dethroned.

Because of this, Indra constantly fears losing his position. Whenever he hears of a sage performing deep penance, he does everything possible to obstruct it—even resorting to deceit, temptation, and manipulation.

When Indra’s messengers informed him that Sage Markandey was engaged in unwavering meditation in the Bay of Bengal, Indra panicked. He immediately sent his wife, the celestial apsara Urvashi, to break the sage’s concentration.

Urvashi’s Attempt to Distract the Sage

Urvashi descended to earth in her full celestial splendor—adorned with jewels, intoxicating fragrance, and divine beauty. Using her supernatural abilities, she transformed the surroundings into a spring-like paradise filled with blossoming flowers, soothing breezes, and melodious sounds.

When Sage Markandey remained unmoved, she intensified her efforts. She sang, danced, and even tore the string of her garment, appearing naked before him. Yet the sage remained completely steady.

Instead of being tempted, he addressed her with dignity:

“O Daughter! O Sister! O Mother! Why have you come alone in this deep forest?”

Urvashi was shocked. She confessed:

“All sages of this forest lose their balance upon seeing my beauty, but you remained unshaken. Please come with me to Indralok; otherwise, I will be punished for failing.”

Markandey’s Astonishing Reply

Sage Markandey explained with calm clarity:

“During meditation, my attention was in Brahmlok. There I saw celestial nymphs whose beauty is incomparable—each attended by seven maids like you. Why would I be attracted to you? If someone more beautiful exists, bring her.”

Offended, Urvashi replied:

“I am the main queen of Indra himself. No one in heaven surpasses my beauty.”

Markandey then asked a life-changing question:

“What will you do when Indra dies?”

Urvashi answered truthfully:

“I will be a queen to fourteen successive Indras.”

The Cycle of Heavenly Rise and Fall

According to the scriptures, within one day of Brahma (which contains 1008 Chaturyugas), 14 Indras come and go. Each Indra rules for 72 Chaturyugas before dying. Urvashi’s accumulated virtues allowed her to remain queen for fourteen of them.

But even this celestial privilege is temporary.

Markandey asked again:

“What after these fourteen Indras die?”

Urvashi replied:

“Then I will become a female donkey on earth. Those Indras who were my husbands will also become male donkeys.”

The Sage Exposes the Futility of Heaven

Markandey responded sharply:

“Why should I visit such a realm whose king and queen will end up as donkeys? You admit that you will become a female donkey. What honour does a female donkey have?”

Urvashi pleaded that she needed to maintain her honour—that returning unsuccessful would bring disgrace. The sage retorted:

“Even now you are like a female donkey, for you will have fourteen husbands and then be born as a donkey. What honour is this?”

Indra Arrives — and Loses

At this point, Indra himself arrived, prepared to surrender his throne according to divine law. He bowed humbly before Sage Markandey:

“Sage, you have won. Please accept the position of Indra.”

Markandey refused:

“Indra, your throne is worthless to me—no greater than crow droppings.”

He offered spiritual guidance instead:

“Do true worship as I instruct. I can take you to Brahmlok. Leave this perishable kingdom.”

But Indra answered:

“Let me enjoy for now. I will consider this later.”

The Tragic Delusion of Indra — A Warning for Humanity

The sage rebukes the mindset common not only in Indra but in most humans:

Indra knew he would become a donkey after death. He knew his pleasures were temporary. He knew his throne meant nothing in the end.

Yet he clung to his momentary luxuries, saying:

“I will consider it later.”

The story reflects a universal truth: People today behave the same way.

Advise someone to do true, scripture-based worship or warn them of karmic consequences, and they respond:

• “Who knows what happens after death?”
• “We will see later.”
• “Don’t say such things.”

By the time “later” arrives, it is too late.

The Real Message: Seek True Worship Before It’s Too Late

The final teaching delivered in the narrative echoes the words of Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj:

“What will you see after becoming a donkey? A potter will decide how much load you will carry.”

He urges:

• Abandon arbitrary practices
• Quit vices
• Perform scripture-based worship
• Seek the Complete God
• Ensure liberation in this very life

Because after death, humans lose all choice.

Now is the time to reflect. Now is the time to act. Now is the time to choose the path of salvation.