Mahamrityunjaya Mantra
The "Great Death-Conquering Mantra" — one of the most powerful healing chants in the Vedic tradition, dedicated to Shiva.
Sanskrit and phonetics
ॐ त्र्यम्बकं यजामहे सुगन्धिं पुष्टिवर्धनम्
उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनान् मृत्योर्मुक्षीय मामृतात्
Phonetic: Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam, Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya Mamritat
Meaning and translation
We worship the three-eyed Lord Shiva, who nourishes and grants prosperity to all. May He liberate us from death, for the sake of immortality, just as a ripe cucumber is easily severed from its vine. The mantra asks not to escape death outright, but to be freed from untimely death and the fear that binds us to it — as naturally and gently as ripe fruit falls away.
Tradition
The Mahamrityunjaya Mantra is Vedic in origin, found in the Rigveda (7.59.12) and the Yajurveda. It is addressed to Shiva as Tryambaka, "the three-eyed one," whose gaze sees past, present, and future.
Symbolism
The cucumber image at the heart of the mantra is deliberate: a ripe cucumber detaches from its vine effortlessly, without force. The mantra asks for release from fear, illness, and the bonds of mortality in that same natural, unforced way — not a violent severing, but a ripening into freedom.
Benefits of chanting
- Traditionally invoked for healing and recovery from illness
- Believed to support longevity and protection from untimely death
- Eases fear, especially around mortality and uncertainty
- Used as a mantra of resilience during difficult life transitions
How to chant
- Repetitions: 108 repetitions is common; some traditions recommend 1008 repetitions during periods of illness or crisis, often spread across multiple sittings.
- Best time: Early morning is traditional, though it is chanted at any time of need — illness, before surgery, or during periods of fear.
- Seated position: Sit with a straight spine, breathe slowly and deliberately, and let each phrase be unhurried — this is a mantra meant to be chanted with patience, not speed.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra mean?
"We worship the three-eyed Lord Shiva... may He liberate us from death, for the sake of immortality, just as a ripe cucumber is severed from its vine."
Where does the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra come from?
The Rigveda (7.59.12) and the Yajurveda, dedicated to Shiva in his three-eyed (Tryambaka) aspect.
When is the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra chanted?
Traditionally for healing, protection, and longevity, especially during illness or fear — and in regular daily practice.
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Related
Explore more Vedic mantras, browse all mantras, or read our full guide to the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra.