The Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra, also known as the Tryambakam Mantra, is a powerful prayer dedicated to Lord Shiva, believed to conquer death and grant healing and longevity.
It was first chanted by Sage Markandeya, whose devotion and recitation of this mantra saved him from death itself.
Chanting “Om Tryambakam Yajamahe…” brings protection, peace, and spiritual strength.

Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra

Om Tryambakam yajaamahe sugandhim pushtivardhanam |
Urvaarukamiva bandhanaan-mrityormuksheeya maamritaat ||

Meaning of Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra

We worship the three-eyed Lord Shiva,
who is fragrant and who nourishes all beings.
May He liberate us from the bondage of death,
just as a ripe cucumber is easily separated from its stalk —
but may He never separate us from the nectar of immortality.

The Story Behind the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra

Once, there lived a great sage named Mrikandu Rishi and his wife Marudvati. They were childless and prayed to Lord Shiva for a blessing. Shiva appeared and offered them a choice —
a foolish son who would live long or a wise son who would live only for sixteen years.

They chose the wise son, and thus Markandeya was born. From childhood, he was deeply devoted to Lord Shiva. As his sixteenth birthday approached, Markandeya learned that his life would soon end. Instead of being afraid, he began to meditate and chant the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra with complete faith and love for Shiva.

When Yama, the god of death, came to take his soul, Markandeya embraced the Shiva Lingam and continued chanting the mantra. Yama cast his noose — it fell around both Markandeya and the Lingam.

At that moment, Lord Shiva appeared from the Lingam, struck Yama, and saved His devotee. Shiva then granted Markandeya immortality, blessing him to remain sixteen forever.

Since that day, this mantra has been known as the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra — the chant that protects from untimely death, brings healing, and grants spiritual strength.