What is the Maha Mrityunjaya mantra?

The Maha Mrityunjaya mantra is a powerful Vedic mantra from the Yajurveda addressed to Lord Shiva, chanted for protection, healing and overcoming fear of death.

How do you pronounce the Maha Mrityunjaya mantra correctly?

Each syllable should be pronounced clearly, especially in words like Tryambakam, Sugandhim and Pushtivardhanam, keeping a steady rhythm without rushing.

How many times should I chant the Maha Mrityunjaya mantra?

Traditionally it is chanted in multiples of 108, such as 108, 324 or 1008 times, but beginners can start with 11 or 27 repetitions daily.

What is Mahamrityunjaya jaap?

Jaap (japa) is the repeated chanting of the mantra, usually counted on a 108-bead mala. Mahamrityunjaya jaap traditionally means chanting the mantra in multiples of 108, done daily or on occasions when protection and healing are sought.

Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra: Meaning, Benefits & How to Chant

Q: What does Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritat mean?

It means: as the ripe cucumber is effortlessly released from its stem, may we be liberated from death — but not from immortality. It is the second line of the Maha Mrityunjaya mantra, a prayer for effortless release from fear and mortality.

Searching for maha mrityunjaya mantra pronunciation or how to chant maha mrityunjaya mantra? This guide covers the Sanskrit text, meaning, benefits, and a practical 108-japa method for daily use. Read the full word-by-word meaning →

You can also practise this mantra inside the Mantras App, which helps you chant 108 times with a japa counter and reminders.

Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra Lyrics in Sanskrit (Full Text)

ॐ त्र्यंबकं यजामहे सुगंधिं पुष्टिवर्धनम्।
उर्वारुकमिव बंधनान् मृत्योर्मुक्षीय मामृतात्॥

A common English transliteration is:

Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam
Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritat

Meaning of the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra

In essence, the mantra is a prayer to Lord Shiva as the three-eyed one (Tryambaka), fragrant and nurturing, asking to be freed from the bondage of death and suffering, just as a ripe cucumber is effortlessly released from the vine, and to be led to immortality – a state beyond fear and limitation. It appears in the Rigveda (7.59.12) and the Yajurveda, making it one of the oldest healing prayers still in daily use.

Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam — meaning

"We worship the three-eyed one (Shiva), who is fragrant and who nourishes all beings." Tryambakam is Shiva as the three-eyed lord; yajamahe means "we worship"; sugandhim, "the fragrant one" — a presence that pervades everything like fragrance; pushtivardhanam, "the increaser of nourishment and well-being".

Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritat — meaning

"As the ripe cucumber is released from its stem, may we be liberated from death — not from immortality." Urvarukam iva means "like the cucumber"; bandhanan, "from bondage"; mrityor mukshiya, "free us from death"; ma amritat, "not from the nectar of immortality". The image is of effortless release — ripeness, not struggle. See the complete word-by-word breakdown →

How to Pronounce the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra

Break the mantra into small parts and repeat slowly: Tryam-ba-kam, Ya-ja-ma-he, Su-gan-dhim, Pushti-vardha-nam.
Avoid merging words too quickly; keep each syllable clear and steady.
Maintain a gentle, even tone instead of shouting or forcing the voice.

How to Chant Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra 108 Times

Sit with a straight spine, ideally facing east, and take a few calm breaths.
Use a mala of 108 beads or a japa counter in the Mantras App to keep track.
Chant at a steady pace; complete 108 repetitions without long breaks.
End with a short moment of silence, offering the practice for healing and protection.

Benefits of Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra

Traditionally chanted for protection from accidents, fears and difficult transitions.
Supports healing by calming the mind and nervous system.
Helps cultivate courage, surrender and trust in divine guidance.