Text-08-09
SB 12.9.8-9
tam eva cintayann artham
rsih svasrama eva sah
vasann agny-arka-somambu-
bhu-vayu-viyad-atmasu
dhyayan sarvatra ca harim
bhava-dravyair apujayat
kvacit pujam visasmara
prema-prasara-samplutah
Translation:
Thinking always of his desire to see the Lord’s illusory energy, the sage remained in his asrama, meditating constantly upon the Lord within fire, the sun, the moon, water, the earth, air, lightning and his own heart and worshiping Him with paraphernalia conceived in his mind. But sometimes, overwhelmed by waves of love for the Lord, Markandeya would forget to perform his regular worship.
Purport:
It is apparent from these verses that Markandeya Rsi was a great devotee of Lord Krsna; therefore he wanted to see the illusory energy of the Lord not to fulfill some material ambition but to learn how His potency is working.