The Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra is one of the most powerful verses in Hinduism is from the rig Veda.

ॐ त्र्यम्बकं यजामहे सुगन्धिं पुष्टिवर्धनम् |
उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनान् मृत्योर्मुक्षीय मामृतात् ॥

Meaning – We concentrate on our third eye which lies behind the two eyes and this gives us the power to feel you and by this we feel happy, satisfied and peace in life. We know immortality is not possible but some extension can be given to our death by your powers Lord Shiva.

It is popularly referred to as the heart of the Vedas. In times of distress and failure, the maha mrityunjaya mantra is said to uplift people from the trap of failure and rejuvenate them to think about the purpose of their life. It is said to be a healing force that works throughout the world. Maha” which means Great , “Mrityun” means Death and “Jaya” mean Victory which turns into Conquer or victory over death. It is also known as “Rudra Mantra” or “Trayambakam Mantra”. Rudra refers to Lord Shiva.

Who Can Chant Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra?

The Maha Mrityunjaya mantra is especially used by people who are searching for some divine intervention and miracles in life. People affected by life threatening diseases are advised to chant this mantra regularly. It gives the will power and strength to move forward in life. Those who are plagued by the fear of death also chant this mantra and meditate on lord Shiva to protect them.

Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra mantra is not just about life and death but also helps a person achieve immense mental concentration and focus. It can be recited at anytime of the day, even before going to sleep. It is a mental stimulant that activates the mind and brings it in the line of focus.

How Many Times to Chant Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra?

A person can either chant 108 Mantra’s or a Mala daily. 108 chants are important because it has a great mathematical calculation. 108 is the multiplication sum of 12 and 9. 12 here refers to Zodiac Signs and 9 refers to the planets. When a human chants this Mantra for 108 times all his planets and zodiac signs instead of making ups and downs in life come on track and stay calm and because of their changed nature, the human life settles again.

For a person scared of death and depression, he can visit the Shiva temple on a daily basis and pour water on the lingam while chanting the maha mritunjaya mantra 5 times. Within 15 days of this practice one can see drastic changes in the outlook and attitude of the person. An increased confidence and positive attitude is reinforced on that person.

The total count of the chants varies for different purposes:

If you are praying to rid yourself of fear: 1100 times.

To improve health and remove disease: 11000 times.

For children, healthy growth and development, and protection from untimely death: 125000 times

After learning the mantra, bring it to mind as you begin your daily meditation, as a kind of invocation to your normal practice. After calming the body and breath, do 3, 11, 21, or even 36 recitations, and allow your mind to become absorbed in the sounds and rhythm of each line. Let the mantra draw your awareness to the heart center or the eyebrow center, whichever feels most natural to you, and use that center as the focal point of your awareness. If you are reciting the mantra to help with a health problem, focus your awareness at the navel center.

The Story Behind Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra

There are several puranas in Hinduism. One of the most famous ones is about Markandeya. Markandeya’s parents meditated on Shiva for him to bless them with a child. Shiva conceded to their penance and offered them a boon with a condition. They can either raise an exemplary spiritual individual who would live a mere 16 years or a dim witted unworthy individual who would live a long life. Marakndeya’s parents chose the short lived intelligent child and hence Markandeya was born. His parents did not reveal to him that he would die at the age of 16 years but as years rolled by, there was an evident sorrow in both Mrikandu and Marudvati and they finally informed Markandeya about his ill fate. Markandeya seeked refuge of lord Shiva and began meditating. His strong penance even stopped lord yama, the god of death from taking his life. Finally Yama threw the noose over Markandeya who was in a tight embrace with the Shiva linga, the noose fell around Shiva too. Angered by Yama’s arrogance Shiva descended on earth and killed Yama. After much consolation and pleading by all the other gods, he restored Yama’s life to maintain the balance of life. But he pointed out that Markandeya’s devotion had protected him, and he was therefore blessed to remain a sixteen-year-old sage eternally. The ancient belief is that the realized soul of Markandeya is still moving in the universe.

According to some puranas, the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra has been used by many Rishis as well as Sati during the time when Chandra suffered from the curse of Prajapati Daksha. By reciting this mantra, the effect of the curse of Daksha, that could make him die, slowed, and Shiva then took Chandra and placed it upon his head.

Lord Shiva is worshipped in various forms but to Markandeya, he is mritunjaya or the conqueror of death. Disease, famine, accidents, and old age played the role of death’s messengers. But, not understanding its place in the order of the universe, all beings feared death. They witnessed premature death and worried lest they be taken before their appropriate time. When that time did come, fear of death led to even greater suffering.

To overcome this fear, it is said that Lord Shiva himself gave humanity the Maha Mrityunjaya mantra. Whenever there is listlessness, stress, grief, or illness, or when fear of death intrudes in awareness, this great mantra can be used for healing, for maintaining vitality, and for refuge.

“O sages of good and holy rites, there is no other lord as merciful as Triambaka. He is propitiated and delighted easily. Truly, it is just so with the Maha Mrityunjaya mantra. One who is united with it, whatever may be his plight, shall undoubtedly be liberated from attachment, and by meditation he shall become one with the infinite itself.”

These are the words of a Sage Suta who speaks about the magnanimous nature of  lord Shiva. he reinstates that in times of trouble, fear or depression one can always look towards lord Shiva, similar to how Markandeya prayed with devout sincerity to the Shiva linga. Often lord Shiva is portrayed as the destroyer who brings about destruction of evils . but he is also a healer he heals people of their sins, ailments and sorrows. Shiva is our inner most consciousness. the mritunjaya mantra stands on par with the gayatri mantra which aids a person to attain spiritual purity where as the mritunjaya mantra guides in the path of healing and rejuvenation.

Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra