Mahamrityunjaya Mantra: Meaning, Benefits, and How to Chant It
The word-by-word meaning of the Rig Vedic Mahamrityunjaya Mantra, its benefits for health and the mind, and how to chant it correctly.
The Mahamrityunjaya Mantra is an ancient and powerful mantra from the Rig Veda, dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is also known as the "Tryambakam Mantra" or the "mantra that revives the dying."
🕉️ The Mantra
Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam। Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritat॥
📖 Word-by-Word Meaning
Tryambakam (the three-eyed one, Shiva) yajamahe (we worship) sugandhim (the fragrant, all-pervading one) pushtivardhanam (nourisher and giver of prosperity). Urvarukamiva (as a ripe cucumber falls naturally from its vine) bandhanan mrityoh (from the bondage of death) mukshiya (may we be liberated) maamritat (toward immortality, not merely away from death).
In simple terms: "O three-eyed Shiva, who nourishes all beings, free us from the bondage of death as effortlessly as a ripe fruit separates from its vine — not by fleeing death, but by resting in the awareness of immortality."
🌿 Benefits
• Provides mental strength during serious illness or fear • Reduces fear of death and brings inner peace • Traditionally chanted for longevity and health • Builds concentration and inner steadiness
📿 How to Chant
Chant 11, 21, or 108 times with a calm mind, ideally at sunrise or dusk. Correct pronunciation matters — if possible, learn it from someone experienced before chanting alone. It is especially chanted during illness, throughout the month of Shravan, and on Maha Shivratri.