Vedic Mantra · Lord Shiva (Tryambakeshwara)
महामृत्युंजय मंत्र
Mahamrityunjaya Mantra
Sanskrit (Devanagari)
ॐ त्र्यम्बकं यजामहे सुगन्धिं पुष्टिवर्धनम् उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनान् मृत्योर्मुक्षीय मामृतात्
Transliteration
Om Tryambakaṃ Yajāmahe Sugandhinṃ Puṣṭivardhanam Urvārukamiva Bandhanān Mṛtyor Mukṣīya Māmṛtāt
Meaning
We worship and adore you, O three-eyed Lord Shiva! You are sweet fragrance, the nourisher of all beings. Like a ripe cucumber that naturally falls from the vine, liberate us from the bondage of death and bestow upon us immortality.
Last updated: 19 April 2026 · Traditional Vedic mantra
Benefits of Mahamrityunjaya Mantra
- ·Conquers fear of death and bestows longevity and good health
- ·Powerful healing mantra — chanted for recovery from serious illness
- ·Protects against accidents, sudden calamities, and untimely death
- ·Removes malefic effects of Rahu, Ketu, and Saturn in the horoscope
- ·Brings mental peace and removes deep-seated fears and anxieties
- ·Grants liberation (moksha) — frees the soul from the cycle of birth and death
How to Chant
- 1.Sit on a Kusha grass mat or white woolen asana, facing north or east
- 2.Light a ghee lamp and offer Bel (Bilva) leaves to a Shiva Lingam or picture
- 3.Hold a Rudraksha mala — Rudraksha is specifically sacred to Lord Shiva
- 4.Chant with deep focus on the meaning — visualize divine healing light from Shiva
- 5.Recommended during Pradosh Vrat, Maha Shivratri, and Monday mornings
- 6.For healing: chant facing a person who is ill or sprinkle water on them after chanting
Best Time
Brahma Muhurta (4–6 AM), Pradosh Vrat (13th day of lunar fortnight), Maha Shivratri, and during Rahu Kaal for protection. Mondays are especially auspicious.
Recommended Count
108 times daily (1 mala). For healing: 1008 times. Purashcharan: 1.25 crore (125 lakh) repetitions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.What is the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra used for?
The Mahamrityunjaya Mantra is primarily chanted for health, healing, and protection from premature death. It is recited for those who are seriously ill, facing accidents or surgery, or going through dangerous periods in their horoscope (Rahu Ketu periods, Saturn's Sade Sati). It is also a powerful liberation mantra for spiritual seekers.
Q.How is Mahamrityunjaya different from other Shiva mantras?
The Mahamrityunjaya is a Vedic mantra from the Rigveda (7.59.12) — one of the oldest and most powerful mantras in the Sanskrit tradition. Unlike the Panchakshara (Om Namah Shivaya) which is a puranic mantra for devotion and surrender, the Mahamrityunjaya specifically addresses Shiva in his form as the conqueror of death (Mrityunjaya) and is used for healing, longevity, and liberation.
Q.Can I chant Mahamrityunjaya for someone else?
Yes. Chanting Mahamrityunjaya on behalf of another person is very common in Indian tradition. You can mentally hold the person in your thoughts while chanting, or sprinkle water over them after the chanting session, or simply dedicate the merit of your chanting to their wellbeing. The mantra's protective energy transfers to those you pray for.