Lord Shiva meditating under a crescent moon in a misty night sky
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Lord Shiva

Mahamrityunjay Mantra

A prayer to Shiva for liberation, courage and the well-being of those we love.

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Mahamrityunjay Mantra in Hindi script

ॐ त्र्यम्बकं यजामहे

Om. We worship the three-eyed Lord.

सुगन्धिं पुष्टिवर्धनम् ।

The fragrant one, who nourishes and sustains.

उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनान्

As a ripe cucumber is freed from its vine,

मृत्योर्मुक्षीय मामृतात् ॥

may I be freed from death, but not from immortality.

अर्थ

हम तीन नेत्रों वाले भगवान शिव की पूजा करते हैं, जो सुगंधित हैं और सबका पोषण करने वाले हैं। जैसे पका हुआ खरबूज़ा बेल से अपने आप अलग हो जाता है, वैसे ही हमें मृत्यु के बंधन से मुक्त करें और अमृत (मोक्ष) से दूर न करें।

Oṃ tryambakaṃ yajāmahe

Om. We worship the three-eyed Lord.

Sugandhiṃ puṣṭivardhanam

The fragrant one, who nourishes and sustains.

Urvārukam iva bandhanān

As a ripe cucumber is freed from its vine,

Mṛtyor mukṣīya māmṛtāt

may I be freed from death, but not from immortality.

Meaning

We worship the three-eyed Lord Shiva, who is fragrant and nourishes all beings. Like a ripe cucumber freed from its vine, may he liberate us from the bondage of death and not from immortality.

Om tryambakam yajaamahe

Om. We worship the three-eyed Lord.

Sugandhim pushti-vardhanam

The fragrant one, who nourishes and sustains.

Urvaarukam iva bandhanaan

As a ripe cucumber is freed from its vine,

Mrityor muksheeya maamritaat

may I be freed from death, but not from immortality.

Meaning (Hinglish)

Hum teen netron wale Bhagwan Shiv ki pooja karte hain, jo sugandhit hain aur sabka poshan karne wale hain. Jaise pakka hua kharbooja bel se apne aap alag ho jaata hai, waise hi hamein mrityu ke bandhan se mukt karein aur amrit (moksha) se door na karein.

Rigveda 7.59.12, with the customary opening Om. Mā amṛtāt means “not from immortality”. Shown without Vedic accent marks. View source.

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About the Mahamrityunjay Mantra

The Mahamrityunjay Mantra, also called the Tryambakam Mantra or Rudra Mantra, is a powerful prayer to Lord Shiva found in the Rigveda (7.59.12) and the Yajurveda. Devotees chant it for protection, good health, peace of mind and freedom from fear, and for loved ones who are unwell.

Best time to chant: Brahma Muhurta (early morning), Mondays, and evenings. Also on Maha Shivaratri.

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Mahamrityunjay Mantra meaning in Hindi

The verse is Sanskrit, displayed in Devanagari, the script also used for Hindi. The Hindi explanation below helps you understand the prayer; the Transliteration and Hinglish tabs offer Roman reading aids.

हम तीन नेत्रों वाले भगवान शिव की पूजा करते हैं, जो सुगंधित हैं और सबका पोषण करने वाले हैं। जैसे पका हुआ खरबूज़ा बेल से अपने आप अलग हो जाता है, वैसे ही हमें मृत्यु के बंधन से मुक्त करें और अमृत (मोक्ष) से दूर न करें।

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Benefits of the Mahamrityunjay Mantra

  • Chanted for strength, courage and freedom from fear in difficult times.
  • A traditional prayer for the health and well-being of family and loved ones.
  • Believed to bring protection and a deep sense of calm.
  • Often chanted on Mondays and during Maha Shivaratri and the month of Shravan.
  • Supports a meditative, steady mind. The slow rhythm is soothing to chant.

How to chant the Mahamrityunjay Mantra

  1. Sit in a quiet place. Lighting a diya or incense is optional.
  2. Close your eyes and picture Lord Shiva in deep meditation.
  3. Chant slowly with focus. Use the tab that is easiest for you to read.
  4. Chant 108 times with a rudraksha mala, or use the mala counter below.
  5. End with a silent prayer for the well-being of all.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Mahamrityunjay Mantra?

It is a Vedic mantra to Lord Shiva, found in the Rigveda and Yajurveda. It is also known as the Tryambakam Mantra and prays for protection and liberation from the fear of death.

What are the benefits of the Mahamrityunjay Mantra?

Devotees believe it brings protection, calm, courage and well-being. It is chanted for the health of loved ones. It is a spiritual practice and not a substitute for medical care.

How many times should I chant the Mahamrityunjay Mantra?

The traditional count is 108 times (one mala). Some devotees chant 11 or 21 times daily, or 1,25,000 times for special vows.

Which day is best for the Mahamrityunjay Mantra?

Monday is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is a favourite day. Maha Shivaratri and the month of Shravan are especially auspicious. You can also chant it daily.