The Mahamrityunjaya Mantra, also known as the Rudra Mantra or Tryambakam Mantra, is one of the most powerful and revered Vedic mantras dedicated to Lord Shiva, the supreme force of transformation and healing. Found in the Rigveda (7.59.12), this ancient chant is a prayer for protection from untimely death, spiritual awakening, and ultimate liberation (moksha).

 

Chanted by sages, saints, and householders alike, the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra is known as the conqueror of death, capable of healing physical, emotional, and spiritual suffering. It invokes the compassionate and restorative energy of Shiva, the three-eyed one (Tryambaka), and is especially recited during times of illness, crisis, or spiritual practice.

 

॥ Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra ॥

ॐ त्र्यम्बकं यजामहे सुगन्धिं पुष्टिवर्धनम्
उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनान् मृत्योर्मुक्षीय मामृतात्॥

Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushti-Vardhanam
Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityormukshiya Mamritat॥

Translation of the Mantra –

 

ॐ (Om)

  • The primordial sound; the universal vibration; the sacred syllable that represents Brahman (Supreme Consciousness).
  • It is the invocation of the divine before the mantra begins.

त्र्यम्बकं (Tryambakam)

  • “Trya” = three, “Ambaka” = eyes → Three-eyed one
  • Refers to Lord Shiva, who has three eyes — symbolizing:
    • The sun, moon, and fire (or inner wisdom)
    • The ability to see past, present, and future

यजामहे (Yajamahe)

  • Means: We worship, we adore, we offer our devotion
  • Denotes the act of ritual offering, reverence, and spiritual surrender

सुगन्धिं (Sugandhim)

  • Literally: Fragrant
  • Symbolically: Refers to Shiva’s divine presence, which is pleasant, purifying, and spiritually nourishing

पुष्टिवर्धनम् (Pushtivardhanam)

  • Pushti = nourishment, Vardhanam = enhancer/giver
  • Means: The one who nourishes and strengthens all beings, physically, mentally, and spiritually

उर्वारुकमिव (Urvarukam-iva)

  • Urvaruka = cucumber or any fruit that naturally detaches from its vine when ripe
  • Iva = like
  • Symbolically: Just like a ripe fruit detaches easily from its stem without pain or damage, the soul should detach naturally from the body at the right time.

बन्धनान् (Bandhanan)

  • Means: from bondage, attachments, or limitations
  • Refers to all kinds of bondages: physical, mental, emotional, karmic, or mortal

मृत्योर् (Mrityor)

  • From Mrityu = death
  • Refers not only to physical death but to all forms of decay, destruction, fear, and ignorance

मुक्षीय (Mukshiya)

  • Means: May you liberate us, free us, release us
  • The soul prays to be freed from fear and suffering

मा अमृतात् (Maa Amritat)

  • Maa = not, Amritat = from immortality or divine nectar
  • Together: Do not separate us from immortality
  • The prayer is not only to be freed from death, but to be connected eternally to the soul’s immortal nature and the divine truth

Meaning in Simple Language –

We worship the three-eyed Lord Shiva, who is fragrant and nourishes all beings.

Like a ripe fruit that detaches effortlessly from the vine,

May He liberate us from the bondage of death –

But never from immortality (eternal truth).

Benefits of Chanting the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra –

Chanting the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra with devotion and correct pronunciation awakens the healing, protective, and transformative energies of Lord Shiva. Here are the top benefits:

 

1. 🛡️ Protection from Illness and Danger

This mantra is widely used for healing and safeguarding oneself or loved ones during critical times, surgeries, or severe illnesses.

 

2. 🧘 Mental Peace and Emotional Stability

It calms the mind, reduces anxiety, and removes fear of death and loss.

 

3. 🔥 Spiritual Cleansing and Karma Liberation

Chanting regularly purifies negative karma and paves the way for inner transformation and self-realization.

 

4. ✨ Removes Fear of Death (Mrityu Bhaya)

It is considered a shield (maha kavach) that protects from unnatural death, accidents, and evil influences.

 

5. 🙏 Brings Divine Blessings and Grace

Creates a spiritual vibration that attracts peace, longevity, and blessings from Lord Shiva.

 

🔔 Ideal Times to Chant: Early morning before sunrise, during meditation, after lighting a diya, or while sitting beside someone who is unwell.