Mantra · Shiva
Mahamrityunjaya Mantra
Last updated: August 31, 2026
The Mahamrityunjaya Mantra (Rudra Mantra) with Sanskrit text, transliteration, word-by-word meaning, benefits, and how to chant it correctly.
ॐ त्र्यम्बकं यजामहे सुगन्धिं पुष्टिवर्धनम्। उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनान्मृत्योर्मुक्षीय माऽमृतात्॥
Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritat
Meaning
We worship the three-eyed Lord Shiva, who is fragrant and nourishes and nurtures all beings. As the ripe cucumber is freed from its bondage to the creeper, may He liberate us from the bondage of death, for the sake of immortality — not freedom from death itself, but freedom from the fear of death and the cycle of suffering it represents.
हम त्रिनेत्रधारी भगवान शिव की पूजा करते हैं, जो सुगंधित हैं और सभी प्राणियों का पोषण करते हैं। जिस प्रकार पका हुआ खीरा (ककड़ी) अपनी बेल के बंधन से सहज ही अलग हो जाता है, उसी प्रकार वे हमें मृत्यु के बंधन से मुक्त करें, अमरता (मोक्ष) की प्राप्ति के लिए — मृत्यु से नहीं, बल्कि मृत्यु के भय और अज्ञान के बंधन से।
Benefits
- Traditionally chanted for healing, long life, and protection from untimely death or serious illness.
- Believed to calm the mind and reduce fear and anxiety when recited with focus.
- Often recited for the wellbeing of a sick family member or before surgery.
- Considered one of the most powerful mantras in the Rigveda for inner strength and resilience.
How to Chant
Sit facing east in a quiet space, ideally at sunrise or during sandhya (dawn/dusk). Take a few deep breaths to settle the mind. Chant slowly and clearly, giving each syllable its full sound rather than rushing. Traditional practice uses a Rudraksha mala of 108 beads, completing one full round (108 repetitions) per sitting, though even 11 or 21 repetitions with sincere focus are considered beneficial. Many people begin with just a few minutes a day and build up gradually.
Recommended count: 108 times (1 mala), or in multiples of 11
Origin
The Mahamrityunjaya Mantra, also called the Rudra Mantra or Tryambakam Mantra, comes from the Rigveda (Mandala 7, Hymn 59, Verse 12) and appears again in the Yajurveda. It is addressed to Lord Shiva in his form as Tryambaka — “the three-eyed one” — and is among the oldest and most revered mantras in Hindu tradition.
Word-by-word breakdown
| Sanskrit | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Om | The primordial sound, representing the universal consciousness |
| Tryambakam | The three-eyed one (Lord Shiva) |
| Yajamahe | We worship, we honor |
| Sugandhim | Fragrant, of sweet fragrance |
| Pushti-vardhanam | One who nourishes and increases wellbeing |
| Urvarukam iva | Like a ripe cucumber/fruit |
| Bandhanat | From bondage |
| Mrityor | From death |
| Mukshiya | May I be liberated |
| Ma amritat | Not from immortality (i.e., toward immortality, not away from it) |
When it is chanted
The Mahamrityunjaya Mantra is chanted during Maha Shivratri, on Mondays (Shiva’s day), during health crises, and as part of daily sadhana by many practitioners. It is also recited during Rudra Abhishek ceremonies performed at Shiva temples.
How to chant the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra
Sit in a quiet place, ideally at dawn, and take a few slow breaths first. Recite each word fully rather than rushing, since the verse is longer than a short beej mantra. A common practice is one mala of 108 repetitions per sitting, though 11 or 21 careful repetitions are also considered worthwhile. For pronunciation support, see the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra pronunciation guide, and for a fuller explanation read Mahamrityunjaya Mantra meaning and benefits.
Devotees often chant it alongside Om Namah Shivaya and include the Shiva aarti in the same routine. If you are new to japa, the guide to starting a daily mantra practice is a good starting point.
Traditional benefits and honest limits
The mantra is traditionally associated with healing, courage, and freedom from the fear of death. It is often recited for a sick family member or before a medical procedure. These are devotional practices offered in hope, not medical treatment. Chanting can steady the mind, but illness and emergencies still need qualified medical care.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra for?
It is a prayer to Shiva as Tryambaka for healing, resilience, and release from the fear of death. The verse asks for liberation from bondage “as a ripe cucumber is freed from the creeper” — that is, gently and in due course.
How many times should the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra be chanted?
The traditional count is 108, one full mala. Many people chant it in multiples of 11. During a health crisis some families organise longer recitations. Attention matters more than the number.
Can the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra be chanted for someone who is ill?
Yes, it is commonly recited for the wellbeing of a sick relative. It should accompany proper medical care, not replace it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Mahamrityunjaya Mantra mean?
We worship the three-eyed Lord Shiva, who is fragrant and nourishes and nurtures all beings. As the ripe cucumber is freed from its bondage to the creeper, may He liberate us from the bondage of death, for the sake of immortality — not freedom from death itself, but freedom from the fear of death and the cycle of suffering it represents.
How many times should Mahamrityunjaya Mantra be chanted?
The traditional recommendation is 108 times (1 mala), or in multiples of 11.
What are the benefits of chanting Mahamrityunjaya Mantra?
Traditionally chanted for healing, long life, and protection from untimely death or serious illness. Believed to calm the mind and reduce fear and anxiety when recited with focus.