Mahamrityunjaya Mantra — text and meaning
ॐ त्र्यम्बकं यजामहे सुगन्धिं पुष्टिवर्धनम्।
उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनान्मृत्योर्मुक्षीय माऽमृतात्॥
Oṁ tryambakaṁ yajāmahe sugandhiṁ puṣṭi-vardhanam · urvārukam iva bandhanān mṛtyor mukṣīya mā’mṛtāt
We worship the three-eyed Lord, fragrant, who nourishes all beings. As a ripe cucumber is freed from its vine, may He free us from death — and not from immortality.
Rigveda 7.59.12 · Rishi VasishthaThe Mahamrityunjaya Mantra — the “great death-conquering mantra” — is a prayer to Tryambaka, the three-eyed form of Lord Shiva (Rudra). It appears in the Rigveda and the Yajurveda and is also known as the Tryambakam mantra or Rudra mantra. It is popularly associated with the story of young Rishi Markandeya, who was protected by Shiva from Yama, the lord of death.
Devotees chant it for health and healing, for protection during illness and travel, for peace at the time of death, and above all for liberation — being freed from the bondage of death while holding on to the immortal.
Mahamrityunjaya mantra word meaning
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| त्र्यम्बकं Tryambakam | The three-eyed one (Shiva) |
| यजामहे Yajamahe | We worship, we honour |
| सुगन्धिं Sugandhim | Fragrant — full of divine presence |
| पुष्टिवर्धनम् Pushti-vardhanam | Who increases nourishment and strength |
| उर्वारुकमिव Urvarukam-iva | Like a cucumber (ripe on the vine) |
| बन्धनात् Bandhanat | From its bondage (the stem) |
| मृत्योर्मुक्षीय Mrityor mukshiya | May we be freed from death |
| माऽमृतात् Ma-amritat | But not from immortality |
Mahamrityunjaya jap — quick facts
| Deity | Lord Shiva as Tryambaka |
|---|---|
| Source | Rigveda 7.59.12; also Yajurveda |
| Seer (Rishi) | Vasishtha |
| Metre | Anushtubh — 32 syllables |
| Traditional mala | Rudraksha |
| Auspicious days | Mondays, Pradosh, Shravan month, Mahashivratri |
| Common counts | 108 daily; 11 or 21 malas in illness; 1.25 lakh (sava lakh) anushthan |
| One mala takes | About 15–20 minutes |
How to do Mahamrityunjaya jap
Sit facing east or north, preferably after bathing, with a Shiva lingam, picture or simply a lamp in front of you. Chant slowly and with clear pronunciation. For a sava lakh (1,25,000) anushthan, divide the total over a fixed number of days — for example about 11 malas (1,188) a day for roughly 105 days — and keep the time and place the same each day. One tap in this counter counts one complete mantra.
- Tap the malaEvery tap counts one complete Mahamrityunjaya Mantra. The glowing bead moves forward just like a real jap mala. On a computer, press Space or Enter.
- 108 taps = one malaAt 108 the temple bell rings, flower petals fall and your mala count goes up. The next mala begins automatically — no need to reset.
- Made a mistake?Press Undo to remove the last count. Reset only clears the current mala; your daily and lifetime totals stay safe.
- Track your sadhanaOpen My progress to see today, your streak, a 7-day chart, an 18-week calendar and the 70,000 Naam Challenge. Use Focus for a full-screen, tap-anywhere counter.
Frequently asked questions
How many times should the Mahamrityunjaya mantra be chanted?
One mala of 108 is the usual daily practice. During illness or difficulty, devotees chant 11 or 21 malas a day. A complete anushthan is 1,25,000 (sava lakh) repetitions, often done with a priest.
What are the benefits of chanting the Mahamrityunjaya mantra?
It is traditionally chanted for good health, recovery from illness, protection from accidents and untimely death, peace of mind and, ultimately, liberation. It is a prayer of faith — continue proper medical care alongside it.
When is the best time to chant the Mahamrityunjaya mantra?
Early morning (Brahma Muhurta) is ideal. Mondays, Pradosh, the month of Shravan and Mahashivratri are especially auspicious.
Can I chant the Mahamrityunjaya mantra for someone else?
Yes. Many devotees chant it with a sankalpa (intention) for the health and protection of a family member or friend.
How long does one mala of Mahamrityunjaya take?
About 15 to 20 minutes when chanted clearly. The counter shows your session time and pace.