Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra
The Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra (Tryambakam Yajamahe) from Rigveda 7.59.12 — the great death-conquering mantra of Lord Shiva for health, longevity, and protection from untimely death. Chant 108 times on Monday; pair with [Saturn transit guidance](/en/blog/saturn-transit-effects) during difficult periods.
Chaupai 1
ॐ त्र्यम्बकं यजामहे सुगन्धिं पुष्टिवर्धनम्। उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनान्मृत्योर्मुक्षीय मामृतात्॥
Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam | Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritat ||
We worship the three-eyed Lord (Tryambaka), fragrant and nourisher of all. As a cucumber is freed from its stem, may I be liberated from death — not from immortality.
About Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra
Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra is one of the most revered devotional hymns in the Hindu tradition, dedicated to Lord Shiva as Tryambaka (Mrityunjaya). Recited by millions of devotees, it invokes divine grace, mental steadiness, and protection from negative influences.
Benefits of Recitation
- The most powerful Vedic mantra for health recovery, longevity, and fear of death
- Traditionally prescribed during serious illness, accidents, and Apamrityu (untimely death) yoga
- Neutralises negative karma and grants protection during Shani and Rahu-Ketu afflictions
- Revealed to Sage Vashishtha; found in Rigveda 7.59.12, Yajurveda, and Rudra Prashna
Best Time and Method
Chant 108 times daily on Monday, Maha Shivaratri, or during Shravan Somvar. Face north or east. Use rudraksha mala. Offer bilva leaves, milk, and water to Shiva linga before japa. For acute health crises, 1,008 repetitions over 41 days is traditional.
Astrological Significance
Regular recitation aligns the mind with dharmic discipline — the foundation of all Vedic remedies. Pair this practice with honest conduct, seva (selfless service), and consistency rather than fear-based ritual alone.
This single-verse Vedic mantra differs from the longer Markandeya Mahamrityunjaya Stotram — use the mantra for counted japa and the stotram for continuous hymn recitation. During Saturn transits affecting health, combine with Shani Remedies. Read What is Shani Dhaiya? for 8th-from-Moon Saturn periods.