Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra Jaap Puja
In Trimbakeshwar
The Mahamrityunjaya Mantra, also known as the Om Tryambakam Mantra, is a powerful verse from the Rig Veda, revered as one of the most potent Shiva mantras. This sacred chant is believed to grant immortality, offer protection from disasters, and prevent untimely death. Additionally, it helps eliminate fears and supports overall healing.
Power of Mahamrityunjaya Jaap
Chanting the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra daily is said to confer immortality and alleviate all ailments. The sage Markandeya, known for his long life, highlighted the greatness of this mantra in ancient tales. A story also recounts how the sage Sanat blessed a child with a long life, only to later realize that the child was destined to live for just ten years. However, time moves at its own pace, and divine intervention through this mantra can alter fate.
Lord Shiva bestowed the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra upon Rishi Markandeya. It was famously used to save Chandra Dev (the Moon God) when he was cursed by King Daksh. This mantra, infused with the divine power of Lord Shiva, is one of the most powerful in the Vedas and is believed to have the ability to overcome any challenge. The mantra is composed of three significant words: “Maha” meaning great, “Mrityun” meaning death, and “Jaya” meaning victory, symbolizing triumph over death.
In every religion, there are certain mantras, incantations, hymns, and chants that resonate deeply with followers, enduring through time and trends to offer solace and comfort. In Hinduism, several of these sacred chants hold immense significance and are believed to bestow great blessings upon those who recite them with sincerity and devotion.
Mahamrityunjaya Mantra
The Mahamrityunjaya Mantra, revered as one of the most powerful chants dedicated to Lord Shiva, is presented here in both Hindi and Sanskrit:
“ऊँ त्र्यंबकम् यजामहे सुगंधीम् पुष्टी वर्धनम्।
उर्व्वावरूक मिवबंधनान् मृत्योर्मुक्षीय माऽमृतात्।।”
Meaning of the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra:
- ॐ (Om): Refers to Lord Shankar in the sacred sound of Omkar.
- त्र्यम्बकं (Tryambakam): The beautiful one with three eyes.
- यजामहे (Yajamahe): We worship and invoke you in our lives.
- सुगन्धिम्भ (Sugandhim): Bestow upon us the fragrance of devotion.
- पुष्टिवर्धनम् (Pushtivardhanam): Enhance our happiness and well-being.
- उर्वारुकमिव (Urvarukamiv): Just as a ripe fruit effortlessly detaches from the vine,
- बन्धनान् (Bandhanan): Free us from the bondage of worldly attachments.
- मृत्योर्मुक्षीय (Mrityormukshiya): Liberate us from the clutches of death,
- माऽमृतात् (Mamritat): And grant us the nectar of immortality.
The Mahamrityunjaya Mantra is one of Lord Shankar’s most cherished mantras, known for its ability to conquer death. It is found in Sukta 59 of the seventh mandala of the Rigveda, the oldest of the sacred texts. This powerful chant is also referred to as the Rudra Mantra.
The mantra translates to: “We worship the fragrant, three-eyed Lord Shiva who nourishes all beings. For the sake of immortality, may He save us from death, just as a cucumber is freed from its vine
The History of the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra
The Mahamrityunjaya Mantra, a powerful and sacred chant, was bestowed upon Rishi Markandeya by Lord Shiva. The story behind this mantra is both touching and profound.
Long ago, Rishi Bhrigu and his wife, Marudmati, were childless and yearned for a son. For years, they devotedly prayed to Lord Shiva, seeking his blessing. Deeply moved by their unwavering devotion, Lord Shiva appeared before them with a significant choice: they could have either an intelligent son with a short life or a son of lesser intelligence with a long life. After careful consideration, Rishi Bhrigu chose the former, and Lord Shiva blessed them with a son named Markandeya, who would live for only 12 years.
As Markandeya grew, his parents decided to keep the truth about his short lifespan from him. However, as his 12th birthday approached, they could not hide their sorrow. Noticing their distress, Markandeya insisted on knowing the reason. His parents finally revealed the entire story to him.
Determined to change his fate, young Markandeya decided to perform a rigorous penance before a Shiva Lingam, surrendering himself completely to Lord Shiva. On his 12th birthday, Yama, the God of Death, came to claim his soul. Despite his parents’ desperate prayers, they could not prevent Yama from carrying out his duty.
However, Markandeya, unwavering in his devotion, clung to the Shiva Lingam, seeking protection. As Yama attempted to take his soul, Markandeya’s devotion and the power of the Shiva Lingam created a divine shield. Lord Shiva, moved by the boy’s steadfast faith, appeared and, in his wrath, punished Yama for trying to take the life of his devoted follower.
Impressed by Markandeya’s devotion, Lord Shiva granted him the secret Mahamrityunjaya Mantra, ensuring that he would live a long and blessed life. This mantra, filled with divine power, has since been revered as a means to conquer death and attain protection from all harm.
The Significance of the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra
The Mahamrityunjaya Mantra, alongside the Gayatri Mantra, is one of the most powerful and revered mantras in Hinduism. This potent chant, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is believed to help individuals overcome their fears of death and illness. Originating from the Rig Veda and brought to humanity by Rishi Markandeya, the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra is known for its profound benefits for mental, emotional, and physical well-being. It is also regarded as a moksha mantra, capable of granting liberation from the cycle of life and death, and helping to avoid untimely demise.
The mantra consists of 32 words, and when prefixed with ‘Om,’ the total becomes 33. Due to this, the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra is also referred to as the ‘Trayashtrishashari’ mantra.
Maha Mrityunjaya Puja and Jaap
Method of Chanting the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra
The Maha Mrityunjaya Puja is a sacred ritual dedicated to Lord Shiva and is considered one of the most effective practices for addressing various health issues. This puja is performed to invoke the blessings of Lord Shiva for happiness, health, good fortune, and protection from all kinds of troubles. It is believed to safeguard individuals from untimely death. While the puja can be performed at home, it requires specific items such as Ganga Jal, cow milk, ghee, honey, sugar, white cloth, sacred thread (janeu), betel nuts, tulsi and bel leaves, datura, bhang, sandalwood paste, rice, lamps, incense, flowers, fruits, sweets, roli, and sacred red and white thread, among others.
Chanting the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra during the puja is believed to alleviate all health issues and promote longevity. The mantra should be recited 108 times, often using a Rudraksha Rosary, which contains 108 beads to help keep track of the repetitions.
The number ‘108’ holds deep significance in Hinduism. The digits ‘1’, ‘0’, and ‘8’ represent ‘oneness,’ ‘nothingness,’ and ‘infinity,’ symbolizing the ultimate reality of the universe as being one, void, and infinite simultaneously.
Interestingly, the distance between the Sun and the Earth is approximately 108 times the Sun’s diameter, and the distance between the Earth and the Moon is 108 times the Moon’s diameter. Additionally, there are 108 Upanishads in Hinduism.
Because of its powerful symbolism and connection to the cosmos, chanting the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra 108 times is recommended to envelop oneself in the divine energy of Shiva, the most potent energy in existence.
Rules for Chanting the Mahamrityunjaya Jaap
When reciting the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra, it’s important to follow specific guidelines to ensure that the practice is effective and spiritually beneficial:
- Cleanliness of Body and Mind: Before chanting, make sure your body and mind are clean. Purity is essential for receiving the full benefits of the mantra.
- Focus on Lord Shiva: While chanting, have a Shivalinga, an idol, or a picture of Lord Shankar, or a Mahamrityunjaya Yantra in front of you as a symbol of focus and devotion.
- Face East: When chanting the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra or performing any other worship, always face east. This direction is considered auspicious and conducive to spiritual practices.
- Use a Kusha Mat: The mantra should be recited while sitting on a mat made of Kusha grass. This traditional seat is believed to enhance the spiritual energy during chanting.
- Clear Pronunciation: For the mantra to be effective, it is crucial to pronounce each word clearly. Incorrect pronunciation can reduce the benefits of the chant.
- Moderate Speed: The mantra should not be chanted too slowly or too quickly. Move your lips as you chant, but do so quietly, without producing an audible sound.
- Lifestyle Restrictions: After chanting the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra, it is advised to abstain from consuming meat, alcohol, and other intoxicants to maintain spiritual purity.
- Lighting Incense and Lamps: The atmosphere during chanting should be made sacred by lighting incense and lamps. This creates a divine ambiance and enhances the spiritual experience.
- Use of Rudraksha Mala: Only a Rudraksha mala (rosary) should be used for counting the recitations of the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra. The mala enhances the spiritual power of the chant.
- Holding the Mala Properly: The Rudraksha mala should be held in the “cow face” position (Gau Mukhi) while chanting. This specific hand position is believed to increase the efficacy of the mantra.
The Origin of the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra
The Mahamrityunjaya Mantra has a deep and ancient origin, closely tied to revered sages and the divine intervention of Lord Shiva.
According to some accounts, the mantra was composed by Sage Markandeya. The legend goes that when King Daksha cursed Chandra (the Moon), the Moon found himself in grave danger. To save him, Sage Markandeya provided the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra to Sati, the daughter of Daksha.
Another version of the origin story suggests that Lord Shiva revealed the Bija mantra (the seed of the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra) to Rishi Kahola. Rishi Kahola then taught it to Rishi Dadhichi, who passed it on to King Kshuva. Through King Kshuva, the mantra eventually found its way into the Shiva Purana.
The Mahamrityunjaya Mantra is also known by several other names. It is called the Rudra Mantra, highlighting Shiva’s wrathful and fierce aspect. It is also referred to as the Tryambaka Mantra, signifying Shiva’s three eyes. Additionally, it is known as the Mrita-Sanjivini Mantra, associated with the “life-restoring” practice granted to the primordial sage Sukracharya after his intense austerity.
This powerful mantra is dedicated to Rudra, the fierce and destructive form of Shiva. It holds a prominent place in the Vedic texts, appearing three times in the Vedas: in the Rigveda (VII.59.12), Yajurveda (III.60), and Atharvaveda (XIV.1.17).
How to Perform the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra Jaap Ritual
The Mahamrityunjaya Mantra, revered for its healing powers and protection against untimely death, is performed following the Purashcharan method, which includes five key components:
- Jaap (Chanting): Reciting the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra 1.25 lakh times is believed to awaken its powerful benefits. This ritual should be done with devotion and precision, as the mantra’s potency lies in correct pronunciation and repetition.
- Havan (Fire Ritual): After completing the required number of chants, a Havan is performed using the mantra’s concluding part. The words “Om” and “Namah” are excluded, and “Swaha” is added to every tenth part of the completed chants, typically totaling 12,500.
- Tarpan (Libation): Following the Havan, Tarpan is conducted by offering libations, usually water mixed with other sacred substances, while repeating the mantra 1,250 times.
- Marjan (Sprinkling): In this step, the mantra is recited 125 times, and the sacred water is sprinkled on oneself, symbolizing purification and protection.
- Brahmin Food Offering: The ritual concludes with feeding 13 Brahmins as a form of charity and thanksgiving.
Mahamrityunjaya Jaap Procedure
- Preparation: Use a Japamala (rosary) to repeat the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra 108 times. Offer flowers and perform abhisheka (ritual bathing) of the Shiva Ling with milk, while reciting the mantra.
- Sankalp: Invoke Lord Shiva’s blessings by pouring water into a pot and making a resolve (sankalp) for the ritual.
- Offering: Present items like bel leaves, fruits, incense sticks, and light a lamp before the Shiva Ling. Perform the Havan as the final part of the ritual.
Maha Mrityunjaya Homam
This special fire ritual, as per the Rigveda, is designed to alleviate severe life challenges and ward off the threat of untimely death. When performed correctly, it instills confidence and revitalizes one’s life.
Benefits of Maha Mrityunjaya Puja on Mahashivratri
- Long Life & Protection: The puja is highly effective for ensuring a long, stable life and guarding against negative energies.
- Relief from Doshas: Those suffering from Pitru Dosh or Kaal Sarp Dosh can gain relief through this puja.
- Holistic Well-Being: The ritual brings happiness, prosperity, and shields against sudden misfortune.
Benefits of the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra
- Protects Loved Ones: Shields family members from physical, emotional, and mental harm.
- Enhances Longevity: Promotes a longer, healthier life.
- Promotes Well-Being: Helps overcome illness, ensuring a sound sleep and a life free from fear.
- Creates a Protective Aura: Builds a shield against sudden death and health issues.
Maha Mrityunjaya Puja Cost
The cost of the Maha Mrityunjaya Puja at Trimbakeshwar Temple varies based on the Havan materials and offerings. The final Dakshina (offering) is determined by the devotee’s discretion.
Best Time and Frequency for Chanting the Mantra
- Optimal Time: The early morning hours are ideal for chanting the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra. It is traditionally not chanted after noon.
- Frequency: To fulfill wishes, the mantra should be chanted 1.25 lakh times, typically over 125 days by reciting it 1,000 times daily. For immediate protection and benefits, chant the mantra at least 108 times.
Precautions During Mahamrityunjaya Mantra Jaap
Dietary Restrictions: Abstain from consuming meat and alcohol during the ritual period to maintain purity.