Markandeya

Markandeya: A maharshi blessed by Lord Siva to be immortal. Markandeya was the son of Mrikandu rishi. Shiva had given to Mrikandu a choice between a pious and intelligent child who would live only upto 16 years and one who would have longevity but would be dull and wicked. Mrikandu chose the former. 

     When Markandeya completed 16 years of age, Yama the God of death, threw the rope around him, but Markendeya embraced the Sivalinga icon. Hence the rope encircled Sivalinga also. Shiva became angry and kicked Yama away. He interpreted the boon to Markandeya to mean that he would always be 16 years old and immortal. Markandeya wrote Markandeya Purana.