Mahamrityunjaya Mantra — Word-by-Word Meaning
महामृत्युंजय मंत्र
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
ॐ
Om
The sacred primordial sound and symbol of Brahman — the absolute divine reality
त्र्यम्बकम्
Tryambakam
The three-eyed one (Lord Shiva) — his three eyes are the Sun (right), Moon (left), and Fire (third eye)
यजामहे
Yajamahe
We worship / we honour / we make offering to — collective, continuous worship
सुगन्धिम्
Sugandhim
Of divine fragrance / of excellent essence — the innermost essence that pervades all creation
पुष्टिवर्धनम्
Pushtivardhanam
Who increases and strengthens nourishment — the source of all growth, strength and abundance
उर्वारुकम्
Urvarukam
A ripe cucumber (or large gourd) — the central metaphor: the mature soul that separates naturally
इव
Iva
Like / just as — the word of simile connecting the metaphor to the prayer
बन्धनात्
Bandhanan
From its bondage / from the stem that holds it — attachment, karma, ego identification and fear
मृत्योः
Mrityoh
From death — physical death, fear of death, and compulsory rebirth
मुक्षीय
Mukshiya
Liberate / free / release us — the central prayer, from the same root as moksha
मा
Maa
Not / do not — the subtle negation
अमृतात्
Amritat
From immortality / the deathless — do not separate us from the divine eternal source
Complete Translation
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).
Origin & History
Source: Rigveda (7.59.12)
Author: Rishi Vasishtha
Period: 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra?▼
The Mahamrityunjaya Mantra (OM Tryambakam Yajamahe) is a Vedic mantra from the Rigveda (7.59.12) dedicated to Lord Shiva as the conqueror of death. It is the most powerful healing and protection mantra in the Vedic tradition, chanted for overcoming illness, fear, accidents and untimely death, and for spiritual liberation.
What does Mahamrityunjaya Mantra mean word by word?▼
OM = primordial sound. Tryambakam = three-eyed one (Lord Shiva). Yajamahe = we worship/honour. Sugandhim = of divine fragrance. Pushtivardhanam = who nourishes and strengthens all. Urvarukamiva = like a ripe cucumber. Bandhanan = from its bondage/stem. Mrityor = from death. Mukshiya = liberate/free us. Ma Amritat = not from immortality/nectar — do not separate us from the divine.
How many times should I chant the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra?▼
108 times is the traditional prescription, ideally using a rudraksha mala. 11 times daily is very beneficial for regular practice. 1,25,000 times is the prescribed number for the Mahamrityunjaya Purashcharana (intensive practice). During illness or crisis: 108 times for 40 consecutive days.
What is the difference between Mahamrityunjaya Mantra and Mrityunjaya Mantra?▼
They refer to the same mantra. Mrityunjaya means conqueror of death. Maha means great — so Mahamrityunjaya is the great conqueror of death. The full name acknowledges it as the supreme mantra for overcoming mortality. It is also called the Rudra Mantra, Trayambaka Mantra and Mrita-Sanjivani Mantra.
When should I chant the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra?▼
Brahma Muhurta (1.5 hours before sunrise) is the most powerful time. Monday is the most sacred day — Shiva's day. Pradosh (13th day of lunar fortnight, dusk) and Mahashivratri are the supreme annual occasions. Chant during illness, fear, accidents, near death, or any life crisis.
What is the difference between Mahamrityunjaya Mantra and the Gayatri Mantra?▼
Both are supreme Vedic mantras but with different purposes. The Gayatri Mantra (Rigveda 3.62.10) is addressed to the Sun as the divine intellect — it illuminates the mind and grants wisdom. The Mahamrityunjaya Mantra is addressed to Shiva as the conqueror of death — it heals, protects and liberates. Traditionally they are considered complementary: the Gayatri for illumination of mind, Mahamrityunjaya for protection of life.
Can women chant the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra?▼
Yes, absolutely. The mantra is for all human beings. The Rigveda contains mantras accessible to all who seek the divine. The mantra itself says "yajamahe" — we worship — a collective prayer with no gender restriction.
What is the correct pronunciation of Mahamrityunjaya Mantra?▼
The key pronunciation points: Tryambakam = try-AM-ba-kam (the 'try' is one syllable, not 'tri-yam'). Yajamahe = ya-ja-MA-he. Sugandhim = su-GANDH-im. Pushtivardhanam = push-ti-VARDH-a-nam. Urvarukamiva = ur-VA-ru-ka-mi-va. Bandhanan = BANDH-a-nan. Mrityormukshiya = mri-tyor-muk-SHI-ya. Maamritat = ma-AM-ri-tat.
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