Mahamrityunjaya Mantra
Tryambakam Yajamahe — text, word meanings and source
The Mahamrityunjaya Mantra is the Tryambaka verse of Rigveda 7.59.12, used in Shiva worship associated with Rudra. It worships the nourishing Tryambaka and prays for release from death’s bond without separation from immortality.
The Mantra
Meaning
Connected meaning: We worship Tryambaka, fragrant and increasing nourishment. As a ripened cucumber is released from its attachment, may I be freed from death’s bond, but not separated from immortality.
Tryambakam — the three-eyed one, used as an address to Rudra/Shiva; yajamahe — we worship; sugandhim — fragrant; pushtivardhanam — increasing nourishment.
Urvarukam — a fruit such as a cucumber; iva — like; bandhanat — from the bond; mrtyoh — from death; mukshiya — may I be released. In continuous recitation, bandhanat mrtyoh appears as bandhananmrtyoh through sandhi.
Ma — not; amrtat — from immortality. Thus mamrtat is understood as ma + amrtat, not “my nectar”. The prayer seeks release from death’s bond without separation from immortality.
Om precedes the verse in customary japa, while the Rigvedic source begins tryambakam yajamahe. This is a devotional meaning, not a claim about treating illness or guaranteeing a lifespan.
Benefits
- Devotees use it for remembrance of Shiva, steadiness and a prayer for release from the fear of death.
How to Chant
Read slowly and understand the words, especially the final ma amrtat. The customary and Roman forms shown here do not include Vedic accent marks. Learn accented recitation, homa or specialized ritual practice from a qualified teacher in your tradition.
Repetition counts and times vary across traditions; no count is presented as a universal rule. Prayer does not replace appropriate medical care for a health problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the source of the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra?
- This page gives the Tryambakam Yajamahe verse of Rigveda 7.59.12, with the customary initial Om. It is not a longer Mrityunjaya kavach or ashtakam.
- What does mamrtat mean?
- It joins ma, not, and amrtat, from immortality: may I not be separated from immortality. Reading it as “my nectar” changes the sense of the final prayer.