Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra
The death-conquering mantra — we worship the three-eyed Shiva for liberation from mortality.
Sanskrit Text (Devanagari)
ॐ त्र्यम्बकं यजामहे
सुगन्धिं पुष्टिवर्धनम् ।
उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनान्
मृत्योर्मुक्षीय मामृतात् ॥
Transliteration (Roman Script)
Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam | Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritat ||
Meaning & Translation
We worship the three-eyed one (Lord Shiva), who is fragrant and nourishes all beings. Just as a ripe cucumber is effortlessly released from its vine, may He liberate us from death and grant us immortality.
Word-by-Word Meaning
Benefits of Chanting Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra
- ✓Protects from untimely death and serious illness
- ✓Promotes physical healing and recovery from disease
- ✓Removes fear of death and the unknown
- ✓Bestows longevity and robust health
- ✓Shields from accidents and unforeseen dangers
- ✓Grants spiritual liberation and immortal consciousness
How to Chant Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra
- 1Sit facing east or north, preferably near a Shiva Linga or image of Lord Shiva
- 2Light a ghee lamp and offer water or milk to the Shiva Linga if available
- 3Chant 'Om' first, pause, then recite the mantra slowly with clear pronunciation
- 4Use a rudraksha mala (ideally 5-mukhi) for counting 108 repetitions
- 5Visualize a healing golden light emanating from Shiva's third eye as you chant
- 6Complete at least one full mala (108 times) per session
Best Time to Chant
Early morning (Brahma Muhurta), during Pradosh Kaal, on Mondays, and on Maha Shivaratri. Also chanted for healing during illness at any time.
Recommended Repetitions
108 times daily; for specific healing, 1,25,000 times over 40 days
times per session (one mala = 108)
Source & Origin
Rig Veda (Mandala 7, Hymn 59, Verse 12). Attributed to Rishi Markandeya, who conquered death through devotion to Shiva.
About Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra
The Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra is one of the oldest and most powerful mantras in the Vedic tradition. Found in the Rig Veda, it is attributed to the sage Markandeya, who was destined to die at age 16 but conquered death through his unwavering devotion to Lord Shiva. When Yama, the god of death, came to claim Markandeya, the boy clung to the Shiva Linga and chanted this mantra. Shiva appeared and defeated Yama, granting Markandeya eternal youth.
This mantra is considered one of the two supreme mantras of the Vedas, alongside the Gayatri Mantra. While the Gayatri illuminates the intellect, the Maha Mrityunjaya protects life force and conquers the fear of death. It is sometimes called the 'Moksha Mantra' because it liberates the consciousness from identification with the mortal body.
In modern times, the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra is widely chanted for healing, protection, and overcoming life-threatening situations. It is traditionally recited 108 times at the bedside of the seriously ill, during Vedic fire ceremonies (havan), and as a daily protective practice. The mantra works on the subtle body by strengthening the pranamaya kosha (vital energy sheath), making it one of the most practically beneficial mantras for physical and mental well-being.