॥ जाप ॥
ॐ त्र्यम्बकं यजामहे
सुगन्धिं पुष्टिवर्धनम् ।
उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनान्
मृत्योर्मुक्षीय मामृतात् ॥
Om Trimbak Yajamhe
Sugandhi Puthivivradhanam ।
Urvorukmiv Bandhanan
Mrtyormukshiy Mamratat ॥
About महामृत्युंजय मंत्र (Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra)
The Mantra
ॐ त्र्यम्बकं यजामहे सुगन्धिं पुष्टिवर्धनम् ।
उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनान् मृत्योर्मुक्षीय मामृतात् ॥
Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushti-Vardhanam |
Urvarukamiva Bandhanaan Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritaat ||
Other Names
The Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra is also known as the Rudra Mantra, the Tryambakam Mantra and the Mrita-Sanjivini Mantra. Each name reflects a different dimension of its power — Rudra (the fierce form of Shiva), Tryambaka (the three-eyed one) and Mrita-Sanjivini (the life-restoring nectar).
Vedic Source & Origin
The Mahamrityunjaya Mantra comes from the Rigveda (RV 7.59.12) and is one of the most sacred verses in Hindu spirituality. This powerful prayer appears in three major Vedic texts — the Rigveda, Yajurveda and Atharvaveda. It is found in Rigveda VII.59.12, Yajurveda III.60, Atharvaveda XIV.1.17 and the Shiva Purana.
The mantra is associated with the Vedic sage Rishi Vasishtha and Rishi Markandeya. Lord Shiva himself gave the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra to Rishi Markandeya. The mantra was also used to save the life of Chandra Dev (the Moon God) when he was cursed by King Daksha.
Word-by-Word Meaning
– **ॐ** — The primordial sound, the cosmic vibration
– **त्र्यम्बकं (Tryambakam)** — The three-eyed one (Lord Shiva)
– **यजामहे (Yajamahe)** — We worship, we adore, we honour
– **सुगन्धिं (Sugandhim)** — The fragrant one, the sweet-smelling
– **पुष्टिवर्धनम् (Pushti-Vardhanam)** — He who nourishes and strengthens all beings
– **उर्वारुकमिव (Urvarukamiva)** — Like a ripe cucumber (urvaruka)
– **बन्धनान् (Bandhanaan)** — From bondage, from the stalk
– **मृत्योः (Mrityoh)** — From death
– **मुक्षीय (Mukshiya)** — May you liberate us, free us
– **मा अमृतात् (Maamritaat)** — Not from immortality, grant us immortality
Translation
“We worship the Three-eyed Lord Shiva who is fragrant and who nourishes and nurtures all beings. As a ripe cucumber is effortlessly freed from its vine, may He liberate us from death and grant us immortality.”
The Cucumber Metaphor
The metaphor of the cucumber (उर्वारुक) is one of the most profound in all of Vedic literature. A ripe cucumber separates from its creeper naturally, without force or struggle — it simply falls away when the time is right. The mantra prays that we may be freed from the cycle of death and rebirth in the same effortless, natural way — not through struggle, but through divine grace and spiritual maturity.
Syllable Count & Cosmic Significance
According to Maharishi Vasishtha, the 33 syllables of the Om Tryambakam Mantra represent the 33 divine forces — 8 Vasus, 11 Rudras, 12 Adityas, 1 Prajapati and 1 Shatkara. The complete power of all 33 deities is contained within the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra.
Historical Significance & Modern Research
A three-year study at Delhi’s Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital revealed that coma patients with severe brain trauma showed 25% higher survival rates when the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra was chanted. This reflects what Vedic tradition has always known — that this mantra operates simultaneously on the physical, mental and spiritual levels of existence.
Benefits of Chanting Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra
– Conquers the fear of death and promotes a long, healthy life
– Possesses potent healing energies for both physical and mental ailments
– Aids in awakening higher consciousness and facilitating the journey toward self-realisation (Moksha)
– A powerful shield that removes obstacles, dispels negative energies and protects from accidents and misfortune
– Prescribed in Vedic astrology to mitigate the adverse effects of challenging planetary positions
– Removes fear of illness, surgery, accidents and untimely death
– Promotes physical healing — especially when chanted during illness
– Brings peace of mind, emotional stability and spiritual strength
Maha Mrityunjaya Havan
While chanting the mantra at home is beneficial, a Maha Mrityunjaya Homa (Havan) amplifies the mantra’s power manifold. The fire (Agni) acts as the messenger, carrying prayers directly to the cosmos. Specific herbs like Guduchi (for health) and Durva grass must be offered at precise intervals.
When to Chant
– Daily during Brahma Muhurta (4–6 AM) — most auspicious time
– On Maha Shivratri — the most powerful day for this mantra
– On Mondays — Lord Shiva’s day
– During illness of self or family members
– During Pradosh Kaal (evening twilight) on Trayodashi tithi
– 108 times daily for 40 days for maximum benefit
– During any personal crisis, surgery or life-threatening situation
Correct Jaap Vidhi (Method)
1. Take a bath and wear clean white or saffron clothes
2. Sit facing east or north on a clean asan
3. Light a diya with ghee or sesame oil
4. Offer bilva (bel) leaves, white flowers and vibhuti to Shiva
5. Hold a Rudraksha mala for counting jaap
6. Begin with “Om Namah Shivaya” 3 times
7. Chant the mantra 108 times or in multiples of 108
8. Pronounce each syllable correctly — especially त्र्यम्बकं
9. Conclude with Shiva aarti
Number of Jaaps Recommended
– 108 times — daily practice
– 1,008 times — for serious illness or crisis
– 1,25,000 times — complete Maha Mrityunjaya Anushthaan (done over multiple days with a Vedic pandit)