Mahamrityunjaya Mantra — Sanskrit, Transliteration & Meaning

The Mahamrityunjaya Mantra ("the great death-conquering mantra") appears in the Rigveda (Mandala 7, Hymn 59, Verse 12) and is one of the oldest and most-revered mantras in the Vedic tradition. It is also called the Tryambakam Mantra after its opening word — Shiva's epithet meaning "the three-eyed one."

The mantra is offered to Tryambaka (Shiva) for protection against untimely death (akāla mṛtyu), recovery from grave illness, and longevity. The Vedic story attached to it tells of sage Markandeya, who chanted this mantra to overcome a foretold death at age 16 — Yama (the god of death) was unable to claim him as long as he was wrapped around the Shivling.

Traditional recitation is 108 times per session, ideally during pradosh kaal (twilight), on Mondays, in the month of Sawan, or during Maha Shivratri. A 40-day continuous recitation (anushthana) is undertaken for serious health concerns. The mantra is also chanted to anoint a Shivling with milk, water, or honey (rudrabhishekam).