ॐ त्र्यम्बकं यजामहे सुगन्धिं पुष्टिवर्धनम् ।
उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनान् मृत्योर्मुक्षीय माऽमृतात् ॥
"We worship the three-eyed one (Shiva), who is fragrant and nourishes all. May he liberate me from the bondage of death, like a cucumber freed from its vine — but not from immortality."
Origin: The Rigveda's Most Powerful Mantra
The Maha Mrutyunjaya Mantra appears in the Rigveda (7.59.12) and is attributed to the sage Vashishtha. It is addressed to Lord Shiva in his form as Tryambaka — the three-eyed deity who perceives past, present, and future.
This mantra is also called:
- Rudra Mantra — for its connection to Rudra (the fierce form of Shiva)
- Trayambaka Mantra — meaning "three-eyed"
- Mritasanjivani Mantra — the mantra that revives the dead
The Symbolism Within the Mantra
Each word of this mantra carries profound meaning:
- Tryambakam — Three-eyed, perceiving all realms
- Sugandhim — Fragrant, spiritually pure
- Pushti-vardhanam — Nourisher and sustainer of all life
- Urvarukam-iva bandhanan — Like a cucumber separating naturally from the vine (peaceful death, not violent)
- Mrityor mukshiya — May I be liberated from death
- Ma amritat — Not from immortality (seeking immortality, not just avoidance of death)
Proven Benefits of Regular Chanting
- Physical healing — The vibrational frequency of this mantra has documented effects on reducing stress, lowering cortisol, and supporting recovery from illness
- Mental clarity — Regular chanting reduces anxiety, fear, and depression
- Planetary remedy — Highly effective for Saturn (Shani) doshas, Kaal Sarp Dosha, and Mrityu-related planetary periods
- Protection — Chanting before travel, surgery, or any risky undertaking provides divine protection
- Moksha — For advanced practitioners, regular chanting leads toward liberation from the cycle of birth and death
When to Perform Maha Mrutyunjaya Japa & Homa
The full 1,08,000 Japa with Homa is recommended:
- During serious illness in the family
- After a near-death experience or accident
- When Ashtama Shani or Sadesati period is active
- During Kaal Sarp Dosha
- As a proactive ritual during one's 60th year (Shastiabdapoorthi)
GoPuja's Maha Mrutyunjaya Homa in Bangalore
Our team of 8–12 trained pandits conducts the full 1,08,000 Japa in a single day ceremony, followed by the Homa. We serve all of Bangalore and can also arrange this at select Shiva temples for those who prefer a temple setting.