Overcoming Death: The Mrityunjaya Mantra

The Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra

Original Text: Om Tryambakam Yajamahe, Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam, Urvarukamiva Bandhanan, Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritat

Transliteration: Oṃ tryambakaṃ yajāmahe, sugandhiṃ puṣṭivardhanam, urvārukamiva bandhanān, mṛtyor mukṣīya māmṛtāt

Breakdown

• Om (Oṃ): The primordial sound.
• Tryambakam (tryambakaṃ): The three-eyed one (Shiva).
• Yajamahe (yajāmahe): We worship.
• Sugandhim (sugandhiṃ): Fragrant; possessing a good scent.
• Pushtivardhanam (puṣṭivardhanam): Nourishing; increasing vitality.
• Urvarukamiva (urvārukamiva): Like a cucumber.
• Bandhanan (bandhanān): From bondage.
• Mrityor (mṛtyor): From death.
• Mukshiya (mukṣīya): May I be liberated.
• Maamritat (māmṛtāt): Not from immortality (but from death).

The Mantra and Its Meaning

The Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra is a powerful prayer to Lord Shiva for healing, longevity, and liberation from the cycle of death and rebirth. It seeks freedom from suffering and the fear of death.

Associated Deity

Lord Shiva, the destroyer of illusions and the transformer of consciousness.

Origin Story

The Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra is found in the Rigveda. It is believed to have been given by Lord Shiva to Sage Markandeya, who used it to escape death.

How and When to Chant

• How: Chant with devotion and focus on the healing power of Shiva. Visualize the divine energy flowing through you.
• When: Chant during times of illness, crisis, or fear of death. Also beneficial for daily practice to promote health and well-being.

Benefits

• Promotes healing and recovery from illness.
• Grants longevity and protects from accidents.
• Reduces fear of death and suffering.
• Brings peace and tranquility.
• Liberates from the cycle of birth and death.