The Mahamrityunjaya Mantra is a powerful and ancient mantra from the Rigveda, a collection of Vedic Sanskrit hymns. It's dedicated to Lord Shiva and is often called the "Great Death-Conquering Mantra."
Here is the mantra in Sanskrit, along with its English transliteration and a common translation.
The Mantra
ॐ त्र्यम्बकं यजामहे सुगन्धिं पुष्टिवर्धनम्
उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनान् मृत्योर्मुक्षीय माऽमृतात्
English Transliteration
oṃ tryámbakaṃ yajāmahe sugandhíṃ puṣṭivardhánam
urvārukamiva bandhánān mṛtyór mukṣīya mā 'mṛtāt
The Mahamrityunjaya Mantra (ॐ त्र्यम्बकं यजामहे सुगन्धिं पुष्टिवर्धनम्। उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनान् मृत्योर्मुक्षीय मामृतात्॥) is one of the most powerful and revered mantras in Hindu spirituality. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva in his aspect as the conqueror of death. The mantra is often chanted for its profound healing, protective, and life-giving benefits.
Meaning of the Mantra
The mantra is a plea to Lord Shiva for protection and liberation. Here is a breakdown of the meaning of each line:
Om (): The primal cosmic sound that represents the divine.
Tryambakam (): "The three-eyed one." This refers to Lord Shiva, who has a third eye of wisdom and intuition, allowing him to see beyond the physical world.
Yajamahe (): "We worship, honor, and revere." This is a gesture of surrender and devotion to the Lord.
Sugandhim (): "The fragrant one." This describes Shiva as a sweet, spiritual fragrance that permeates everything, signifying his all-pervasive nature.
Pushtivardhanam (): "The one who nourishes and strengthens." This refers to Shiva's role as the sustainer and nurturer of all beings, who provides health, vitality, and spiritual growth.
Urvarukamiva (): "Like a cucumber." This is a simile, often used to describe the soul.
Bandhanan (): "From bondage." This refers to the bondage of the material world, illness, and the cycle of birth and death.
Mrityor Mukshiya (): "May He liberate us from death." This is the central prayer of the mantra—a request to be freed from the fear of death and the cycle of mortality.
Maamritat (): "Not from immortality." The final, crucial part of the prayer. It asks Shiva to grant liberation from death, but not from the state of immortality or the eternal life of the soul. It is a prayer for salvation and the attainment of moksha.
In essence, the mantra means: "We worship the three-eyed Lord, who is fragrant and nourishes all beings. Just as a cucumber is liberated from its vine when it is ripe, may He liberate us from death, but not from immortality."
Origins and Significance
The Mahamrityunjaya Mantra is an ancient Vedic hymn found in the Rigveda (7.59.12) and the Yajurveda (3.60). Its origins are often linked to several mythological stories:
Sage Markandeya: The most famous legend tells of Sage Markandeya, who was destined to die at the age of sixteen. His unwavering devotion to Lord Shiva led him to embrace a Shivalinga and chant this mantra. When Yama, the god of death, came to take his life, Shiva intervened and granted Markandeya immortality, saving him from his fate.
Shukracharya: Another story attributes the mantra, also known as the Mrita Sanjivini Mantra (the life-restoring mantra), to Shukracharya, the guru of the Asuras (demons). He received it from Lord Shiva as a secret to revive the dead.
Benefits of Chanting
The Mahamrityunjaya Mantra is widely known for its profound benefits:
Healing and Health: It is believed to have powerful healing vibrations that can ward off illness, speed up recovery from sickness, and protect against chronic diseases. Many people chant it for the well-being of themselves or their loved ones.
Protection: The mantra acts as a shield against negative energies, accidents, and premature or untimely death.
Fearlessness: It is a powerful antidote to the fear of death, as it reminds the chanter of the soul's immortal nature. Chanting it with devotion helps one face life's challenges with courage.
Spiritual Growth: The mantra helps to awaken and activate the third eye (spiritual awareness) and promotes a deeper connection with the divine, leading to spiritual liberation (moksha).
Mental Peace: The rhythmic chanting of the mantra calms the mind, reduces stress and anxiety, and brings inner peace.
Because of its potent nature, the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra is often chanted during times of crisis, illness, or on special occasions like birthdays to seek blessings for longevity.
