Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra: Meaning, Benefits & How to Chant
Tryambaka (the Three-Eyed One), traditionally identified with Rudra and Lord Shiva 108 repetitions
ॐ त्र्यम्बकं यजामहे सुगन्धिं पुष्टिवर्धनम् । उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनान् मृत्योर्मुक्षीय मामृतात् ॥
Om Tryambakaṃ Yajāmahe Sugandhiṃ Puṣṭivardhanam Urvārukamiva Bandhanān Mṛtyor Mukṣīya Māmṛtāt
Learn the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra with Sanskrit, transliteration, meaning, Vedic significance and traditional guidance for chanting this revered Shiva mantra.
Quick facts
- Deity
- Tryambaka (Three-Eyed One), traditionally identified with Rudra/Shiva
- Source
- Rigveda 7.59.12
- Tradition
- Vedic / Shaiva
- Common name
- Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra
- Also called
- Tryambakam Mantra
- Common count
- 108 repetitions
- Theme
- Liberation, devotion and immortality
The Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra, also known as the Tryambakam Mantra, is one of the best-known Shiva mantras in the Vedic tradition. It appears in Rigveda 7.59.12 and is addressed to Tryambaka, the “Three-Eyed One,” traditionally identified with Rudra and later widely understood as Lord Shiva.
The name Maha Mrityunjaya is commonly understood as “the great conqueror of death.” However, the deeper meaning of the mantra is not simply a request to avoid physical death. It expresses a prayer for liberation from the bondage of death and for connection with amṛta, the immortal or deathless principle.
Sanskrit:
ॐ त्र्यम्बकं यजामहे
सुगन्धिं पुष्टिवर्धनम् ।
उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनान्
मृत्योर्मुक्षीय मामृतात् ॥
Transliteration:
Om Tryambakaṃ Yajāmahe
Sugandhiṃ Puṣṭivardhanam
Urvārukamiva Bandhanān
Mṛtyor Mukṣīya Māmṛtāt
Meaning:
We worship the Three-Eyed One, who is fragrant and who nourishes and sustains. May we be released from the bondage of death, like a ripe fruit naturally separating from its stem, but may we not be separated from immortality.
The image of the ripe fruit separating from its stem is central to the verse. It suggests a natural release from bondage rather than a violent struggle against death.
Traditional practice:
The Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra may be included in Shiva worship, japa, meditation and devotional prayer. Monday, Maha Shivaratri and the month of Shravan are commonly associated with Shiva worship, although the mantra can be recited as part of a regular personal practice.
For beginners, 11 or 21 repetitions can provide a manageable starting point. A traditional japa count of 108 repetitions may also be used.
The mantra should be approached as a sacred prayer and contemplative practice. It should not be presented as a substitute for medical care or as a guarantee against illness, injury or death.
Its central spiritual themes are devotion to Shiva, release from fear and bondage, nourishment of life, and aspiration toward immortality.
Timeline
Vedic period
Rigveda 7.59.12
The Tryambaka verse is preserved in the Rigvedic tradition.
Vedic ritual tradition
Yajurveda
The verse also appears in Yajurvedic textual traditions.
Later Shaiva tradition
Shiva worship
Tryambaka becomes firmly associated with Lord Shiva in later Hindu devotional understanding.
Contemporary practice
Daily japa
The mantra remains widely used in Shiva worship, meditation and devotional practice.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra?
The Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra is a revered Vedic verse found in Rigveda 7.59.12. It is addressed to Tryambaka, the Three-Eyed One, traditionally identified with Rudra and Lord Shiva.
What does Maha Mrityunjaya mean?
Maha Mrityunjaya is commonly understood as “the great conqueror of death.” The mantra's deeper prayer is for liberation from the bondage of death and for connection with immortality.
Who is the deity of the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra?
The verse addresses Tryambaka, meaning the Three-Eyed One. In the Vedic context this is associated with Rudra, and in later Hindu tradition Tryambaka is identified with Lord Shiva.
How many times should I chant the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra?
There is no single required count for every personal practice. Beginners may start with 11 or 21 repetitions, while 108 repetitions is a commonly used japa count.
When is the best time to chant the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra?
The mantra can be included in morning or evening devotional practice. It is especially associated with Shiva worship, including Mondays and Maha Shivaratri. A consistent and respectful practice is more important than treating one particular time as mandatory.
Can the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra cure illness?
The mantra is traditionally used as a prayer for protection, strength, liberation and devotion to Shiva. It should not be presented as a medical treatment or as a guaranteed cure for illness. Anyone with a medical condition should continue appropriate medical care.