How Markandeya Became Chiranjeevi

Sage Bhrigu had a son named Mrikandu. Mrikandu and his wife performed intense penance because they did not have  a child. After some time, their devotion was rewarded, and they had a son. When the boy turned five years old, a sage noticed him. Observing the child, the sage became thoughtful. He saw that the boy's life span was only six more months.

The sage revealed to Mrikandu the truth and advised that they should make the child perform good deeds. Mrikandu immediately conducted his son's upanayana ceremony and taught him prayers. He instructed the boy, 'Whoever you meet, greet them with respect.'

The child obeyed his father's command. Believing that God resides in everyone, he began greeting everyone with reverence. As he diligently followed this practice, five months and twenty-five days passed. Now, only five days of his life remained.

At this, the Saptarishis arrived there. Following his rule, the child greeted them respectfully. Pleased by his devotion, the Saptarishis blessed him, saying, 'Ayushman bhava'. Later, they realized that only five days of his life were left. They feared their blessing might become false.

To resolve this, they took the child to Brahmaloka, the abode of Lord Brahma. Upon arrival, the boy greeted Lord Brahma with great respect. Lord Brahma, moved by his reverence, also blessed him, saying, 'Ayushman bhava'. The sages explained the situation to Brahma that even his blessing would turn false unless the child lives for long.They requested a solution so that their blessings would remain true.

Lord Brahma declared, 'His lifespan will now be equal mine.' By this, the boy's life was extended indefinitely. Through devotion and good deeds, the child's fate was transformed. He later became famous as Markandeya, the chiranjeevi.

Lessons:

1. The boy greeted everyone cheerfully and with reverence. This led to the sages and even Lord Brahma blessing him with a long life. Respecting others brings blessings. 
2. Though the boy's life was destined to be short, his sincere actions and good conduct altered his fate.
3. The child's good conduct caught the attention of the Almighty. His life was extended indefinitely. Good deeds can change destiny. 

You must have heard the story of Lord Shiva granting eternal life to Markandeya. The story given above is from the Padma Purana. Different versions of the same story are not contradictions. You should understand that they are from different kalpas.

Ramaswamy Sastry and Vighnesh Ghanapaathi