The Life-Giving Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra

The Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra

Original Text: ॐ त्र्यम्बकं यजामहे सुगन्धिं पुष्टिवर्धनम् । उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनान् मृत्योर्मुक्षीय मामृतात् ॥

Transliteration: Oṃ tryambakaṃ yajāmahe sugandhiṃ puṣṭi-vardhanam urvārukam-iva bandhanān mṛtyor-mukṣīya māmṛtāt

Breakdown

• Om: The primordial sound.
• Tryambakaṃ: The three-eyed one (Shiva).
• Yajāmahe: We worship.
• Sugandhiṃ: Fragrant, virtuous.
• Puṣṭi-vardhanam: Nourishing, increasing well-being.
• Urvārukam-iva: Like a cucumber or gourd.
• Bandhanān: From bondage.
• Mṛtyor-mukṣīya: May I be liberated from death.
• Māmṛtāt: To immortality.

The Mantra and Its Meaning

The Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra is a prayer for healing, longevity, and liberation from the cycle of birth and death. It invokes Shiva's power to overcome mortality.

Associated Deity

Lord Shiva, the destroyer and transformer.

Origin Story

This mantra is found in the Rigveda and is associated with Rishi Markandeya, who overcame death by chanting this mantra.

How and When to Chant

This mantra is often chanted during times of illness, distress, or fear of death. It can be chanted daily or during specific rituals. Repeating it 108 times is considered powerful.

Benefits

• Promotes healing and well-being.
• Extends life and protects from untimely death.
• Liberates from fear and anxiety.
• Brings peace and tranquility.
• Enhances spiritual growth.