Mahamrityunjaya Mantra
ॐ त्र्यम्बकं यजामहे सुगन्धिं पुष्टिवर्धनम् । उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनान् मृत्योर्मुक्षीय मामृतात् ॥
Om tryambakaṃ yajāmahe sugandhiṃ puṣṭi-vardhanam, urvārukam-iva bandhanān mṛtyor-mukṣīya māmṛtāt.
The Mantra and Its Meaning
Also known as the Tryambakam Mantra, this verse is a prayer to Lord Shiva for protection from death and for spiritual liberation.
- Om: The primeval sound.
- Tryambakaṃ: The three-eyed one (Lord Shiva).
- Yajāmahe: We worship, we honor.
- Sugandhiṃ: Sweet-smelling, fragrant (a metaphor for His virtues).
- Puṣṭi-vardhanam: Who nourishes all beings.
- Urvārukam-iva: Like the cucumber or melon.
- Bandhanān: From bondage (of the stalk).
- Mṛtyor-mukṣīya: May I be liberated from death.
- Māmṛtāt: But not from immortality.
Full Meaning: We worship the Three-eyed One (Lord Shiva) who is fragrant and who nourishes all beings. May He liberate us from death for the sake of immortality, just as the cucumber is severed from its bondage to the vine.
Deity and Origin
This mantra is dedicated to Lord Shiva in his fiercest and most compassionate form, Tryambaka, the conqueror of death. It is attributed to the sage Markandeya and is found in the Rigveda (Mandala 7.59.12) and the Yajurveda (3.60).
Story Behind the Mantra
The mantra was revealed to Sage Markandeya, who was destined to die at the age of sixteen. On the day of his foretold death, as Yama (the god of death) arrived, Markandeya was deep in meditation, clinging to a Shiva Lingam. He chanted this mantra with intense devotion. Pleased by his faith, Lord Shiva appeared, defeated Yama, and granted Markandeya the boon of eternal youth and immortality. Thus, the mantra became known as a "life-saving" prayer.
Who Should Chant This Mantra?
Anyone seeking protection, healing, and courage can chant this mantra. It is particularly powerful for those suffering from illnesses or facing great fear. It is considered a moksha (liberation) mantra, guiding the soul towards self-realization. A sincere heart and faith are the only requirements.
How and When to Chant
- Time: Early morning (Brahma Muhurta) or before sleep are considered ideal. It can also be chanted throughout the day.
- Preparation: A bath and clean clothes are recommended. It's often chanted in a sacred space or in front of a picture or idol of Lord Shiva.
- Method: The mantra should be chanted with focus and devotion, typically 108 times using a Rudraksha japa mala. Applying 'vibhuti' (sacred ash) on the forehead is a common practice.
Benefits and Advantages
- Protection from Harm: Creates a powerful psychic shield against negativity, accidents, and misfortunes.
- Healing: Believed to have immense curative powers for physical, mental, and emotional ailments. It promotes rejuvenation and longevity.
- Conquers Fear of Death: Regular chanting instills courage and helps overcome the primal fear of death, promoting a peaceful transition for the soul.
- Spiritual Liberation: It purifies karmas and aids in breaking the cycle of birth and death (samsara).
- Disadvantages: There are no disadvantages. However, due to its immense power, it should be chanted with respect and correct pronunciation. It is a powerful tool for spiritual transformation.