Mahamrityunjaya Mantra
మహా మృత్యుంజయ మంత్రం
32 syllables in Anushtubh meter · Composed by Sage Vasishtha · Rigveda 7.59.12 (Mandala 7, Sukta 59); also Yajurveda Taittiriya Samhita 1.8.6
Sanskrit (Devanagari)
ॐ त्र्यम्बकं यजामहे सुगन्धिं पुष्टिवर्धनम् । उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनान्मृत्योर्मुक्षीय माऽमृतात् ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
Oṃ tryambakaṃ yajāmahe sugandhiṃ puṣṭi-vardhanam / Urvārukam-iva bandhanān mṛtyor mukṣīya māmṛtāt
English Translation
We worship the three-eyed Shiva, the fragrant nourisher of all beings. Like the cucumber freed from its vine, may He liberate us from death (but) not from immortality.
About the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra
The Mahamrityunjaya is the most powerful healing and protection mantra in the Vedic corpus. Composed by Sage Vasishtha when his sons were threatened with death, it directly invokes Shiva in his Tryambaka (three-eyed) form. The metaphor of the cucumber separating from its vine is precise — Shiva is asked to liberate us from the bondage of mortality "when it is time" without forcing a premature ending. In practice, the Mahamrityunjaya is recited for any health crisis (one's own or another's), before surgery, during difficult astrological transits, and as a daily protection. Many traditional families perform a 1,25,000-recitation Maha Anushthana when a loved one faces serious illness — the recitation is shared among many people over 11 to 41 days. Recite while bathing in cold water at dawn for maximum healing effect, or in a quiet seat with eyes closed.
Recitation Guide
Benefits
Healing from illness; protection from accidental death; longevity; relief from chronic disease; emotional release after grief; protection during astrological transits (sade sati, mahadasha transitions).
Pronunciation Notes
The compound "puṣṭi-vardhanam" is one word — do not break. "Mṛtyor mukṣīya" should be uttered with a slight pause between to emphasize the prayer for liberation.
How to Practice
- Preparation: Take a bath or wash face/hands/feet. Wear clean clothes (saffron, white, or yellow preferred).
- Seat: Sit on a wool blanket or grass mat (asana). Face east or north. Keep spine straight.
- Mala: Use a 108-bead mala (rudraksha for Shiva mantras, tulsi for Vishnu mantras, sphatika/quartz for universal).
- Sankalpa: Take a vow stating today's date, your name, and the purpose of the practice.
- Recite: 108 daily for general protection. Maintain steady rhythm — neither rushed nor too slow.
- End: Bow with folded hands. Dedicate the merit to all beings ("Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah").
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra?
The Mahamrityunjaya is the most powerful healing and protection mantra in the Vedic corpus. Composed by Sage Vasishtha when his sons were threatened with death, it directly invokes Shiva in his Tryambaka (three-eyed) form. The metaphor of the cucumber separating from its vine is precise — Shiva is a...
How many times should I recite Mahamrityunjaya Mantra daily?
108 daily for general protection; 1,008 for healing; 125,000 (1.25 lakh) Maha Anushthana for life-threatening illness or surgery
When is the best time to recite Mahamrityunjaya Mantra?
Anytime; most powerful during Maha Shivaratri night, Pradosha (twilight), and Mondays
Who composed the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra?
Sage Vasishtha, from Rigveda 7.59.12 (Mandala 7, Sukta 59); also Yajurveda Taittiriya Samhita 1.8.6.
What are the benefits of reciting Mahamrityunjaya Mantra?
Healing from illness; protection from accidental death; longevity; relief from chronic disease; emotional release after grief; protection during astrological transits (sade sati, mahadasha transitions).
Other Vedic Mantras
Sanskrit text and translation cross-verified with classical sources. Editorial methodology reviewed by Pandit Ramachandra Sharma. For initiation (deeksha) into specific mantras, please consult a qualified Sanskrit-speaking guru in person.