Mahamrityunjaya Mantra
महामृत्युंजय मंत्र
Origin & Story
Rigveda (7.59.12) · Rishi Vasishtha · 1500 BCE
The Mahamrityunjaya Mantra was revealed to Sage Vasishtha and later became central to the story of young Markandeya. When Markandeya was destined to die at age 16, his father taught him this mantra. On his 16th birthday, as Yama (the god of death) came to claim him, Markandeya clung to the Shiva Lingam chanting this mantra. Lord Shiva appeared and defeated Yama, granting Markandeya eternal life. The mantra is therefore known as the Mrita Sanjivini Mantra — the mantra that conquers death itself.
✦ As told in scripture
In the Shiva Purana, when Yama cast his noose around young Markandeya, Lord Shiva erupted from the Lingam in his fierce Kalantaka form, kicked Yama in the chest, and declared that anyone who chants this mantra with devotion shall be free from untimely death. Even today, this mantra is chanted at the bedside of the critically ill, and countless devotees testify to miraculous recoveries.
Listen & Chant Along
The Mantra
ॐ त्र्यम्बकं यजामहे सुगन्धिं पुष्टिवर्धनम्। उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनान् मृत्योर्मुक्षीय मा ऽमृतात् ॥
Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityormukshiya Maamritat
Meaning:We worship the three-eyed one (Shiva) who is of divine fragrance and who nourishes and strengthens all beings. Just as a ripe cucumber naturally separates from its vine — may he liberate us from death (and the fear of death), and not from immortality (the divine).
Word-by-Word Meaning
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Benefits of Chanting Mahamrityunjaya Mantra
Healing & Health Recovery — The primary use across all traditions. The mantra activates Shiva's energy as the divine physician. Chanting during illness — especially 108 times daily for 40 days — is one of the most prescribed traditional healing practices.
Protection from Untimely Death — The literal meaning of Mahamrityunjaya — great conqueror of death. Universally chanted when someone faces danger, accident, surgery, life-threatening illness or any situation where death is feared.
Removal of Fear & Anxiety — Fear of death underlies most human anxiety. By working directly with death-consciousness through this mantra, the practitioner gradually dissolves fear at its root — creating genuine fearlessness.
For the Dying and Departed — Chanting near a dying person helps ease their passage. Chanting 108 times for 40 days after a loved one's death is a traditional practice that helps the departing soul.
Spiritual Liberation — At the deepest level, the mantra prays for mukti — liberation from the cycle of birth and death caused by karma and ignorance.
Nourishment & Vitality — Through Pushtivardhanam — the nourisher of all — regular chanting increases vitality, strengthens the immune system and creates deep inner fullness and wellbeing.
How to Chant Mahamrityunjaya Mantra
Sit facing east or north with a rudraksha mala. Begin with Om Namah Shivaya three times to invoke Shiva's presence. Chant 108 times with full pronunciation — especially Tryambakam (try-AM-ba-kam), Yajamahe (ya-ja-MA-he), Urvarukamiva (ur-VA-ru-ka-mi-va), Mukshiya (muk-SHI-ya). Chant at a measured, unhurried pace. For healing: 108 times daily for 40 consecutive days. For the Purashcharana: 1,25,000 repetitions over weeks to months. Mondays are especially auspicious. Pradosh and Mahashivratri are the supreme annual occasions.