Home | Astrology | Remedies | Mantra

Back to Mantra

Just as the Gaayatri Mantra pays obeisance to the Sun, the Mahaa Mrityunjaya seeks Shiv's blessings to achieve immortality. There are many Mantra for warding off evils like death and other suffering given in the sacred literature of the Hindu's. These Mantra are of various types but the Mrityunjaya Mantra has been extolled in sacred literature as being the best. This Mantra is addressed to Lord Shiv and is taught in the Rig Ved (7 Mandal 59 Chapter) as well as the Yajur Ved (3-60) showing that it is a Shruti having been received by Maharshi Vashisth.

Anybody can recite this Mantra and attain good health, release from bondage and other problems. This is the greatest panacea for all evils and can be recited at any time like any other Mahaa-mantra. The preparatory rites should be learnt from any book on Karm-kaand (Poojaa method). However we give the simplest method of reciting this Mantra to overcome the greatest of evils. Nyaas is the method of protecting the self by placing the parts of the Mantra on five body parts. These body parts are the crucial centers for the spiritual energy.

(1) Rishi (Guru/teacher of the Mantra) - Shir (head). In this case the Rishi is Maharshi Vashisth.
(2) Chhand (meter, which is technically very specific for each Mantra) - Mukh (mouth). This Vaidik Mantra is in Anusthup Chhand. This is a meter having four Pad (feet) of 8 phonemes each making the entire Anushtup meter as composed of 32 (8 x 4 = 32) syllables. It maybe noted that any change in the meter shall cause a distortion in the Chhand and the Mantra vibration shall be ruined.
(3) Devataa (the deity of the Mantra) - Hridaya (heart). In this case the Devataa is Lord Shiv addressed as "Shree Mrityunjaya Tryambakeshwar Devataa", the Jyotirling.
(4) Beej (the seed syllable that created the Mantra and contains the Mantra within itself, like the seed that creates the tree) - Ling (sexual organ). There are some opinions on this, but the most appropriate one is given by Kahola Rishi as "hraum".
(5) Shakti (the physical power of the Mantra like the mother) - Pad (feet). It is the giver of Gati or direction. In this case the Shakti is Devee Amriteshwaree, addressed as 'hreem'.

Shiv's Mantra
The Mahaa Mrityunjaya Mantra was taught by Lord Shiv to Shukraachaarya the preceptor of the demons after he succeeded in the impossible test of hanging upside down from a tree for twenty years (Vinshottaree Dashaa period) with smoke blowing into him from a fire lit beneath. Even Brihaspati was shocked at the prospect of such a terrible penance and calmly settled to observe Shukraachaarya accept the challenge of Indra and succeed.

Since Shukraachaarya (Venus in astrology) passed the penance he was glorified as the Tapaswee Raaj (the king of the spiritual discipline and penance). The definition of Tapaswee Yog comes from this penance as Saturn (punishment, hard toil), Ketu (smoke blown into the nose and other forms of self inflicted torture) and Venus (desire and its renunciation) must come together to define the personal ability of the Tapaswee.

! ~yambakma yajaamaho saugaMiQama puiYT vaQa-nama\ . ]vaa-rukimava banQanaana\ maR%yaaomau-xaIya maamaRtat

The Meaning of the Mantra
After the penance Lord Shiv taught the Mahaamrityunjaya Mantra to Shukraachaarya, who under very compelling circumstances had to teach this to the son of Brihaspati and that is how the Devas also got the Mantra. This Mantra was given (Shruti) to Vashishth Rishi for the welfare of this world. The Mantra and explanation given by Shukraachaarya to Rishi Dadheechi when the latter's body was cut and thrown by Raajaa Kshuva is recorded in the Shiv Puraan. Shukraachaarya said "O Dadheechi, I pray to Lord Shiv and give you the Upadesh (advise/ wisdom/ teaching) of the highest Mahaa Mrityunjaya Mantra." The Mantra is in Anushtup Chhand and accordingly, is divided into four Pad composed of eight syllables each.

Shukraachaarya said "The first Pad (Tryamabakam yajaamahe) means - we worship or sing the praise of Lord Tryambak. Tryambak is the name of Lord Shiv as the father of the three worlds - Bhoo, Bhuva and Swarg Lok. He is the father and Lord of the three Mandal's - Soorya, Som and Agni Mandal. He is Maheshwar, the Lord of the three Gun's - Sattwa, Rajas and Tamas. He is the Sadaashiv, the teacher of the three Tattwas - Aatm Tattwa, Vidyaa Tattwa and Shiv Tattwa. He is the father (cause and source) of the three energies (Agni) - Aavaahaneeya, Gaarhapatya and Dakshinaagni. He is the father of all physical creation through the three Moorti Bhoot - Prithvi (solid), Jal (liquid) and Tejas or Agni (energy). He is the Lord of the three Heavens created by the dominance of the three Gun - Rajas (Brahma), Sattwa (Vishnu) and Tamas (Shiva). Know him to be the Niraakaar (formless) Sadaashiv as he is above this physical mode and is their Maheshwar. This is the first foot of the Mantra (composed of eight syllables)."

"The second Pad of the Mantra," continued Shukraachaarya, "is "Sugandhim" refers to the fragrance of the flower that spreads in all directions, and in a similar way Shiv is present in the entire creation, both animate and inanimate. In all the Bhoot (modes of existence), in the three Gun (nature of creation as being Sattwa, Rajas or Tamas), in the 10 Indriyaas (five Gyaan-Indriyaan or senses and five Karm-Indriyaan or organs of action), in all the Devas (33 Devtaa are the source of all illumination and enlightenment) and the Gan (hosts of demi-gods), Shiv exists and pervades as the illumine Aatmaa (soul) and is their essence. "Pushtivardhanam" is now being explained. That inward dwelling spirit (Aatman), the Purush Shiv is the real sustainer of Prakriti (and not vice-versa as all people perceive). Starting with the Mahaa-Tattwa (primordial state of matter/energy) to the individual parts of creation, the entire sustenance of the physically created beings (both animate and inanimate) is done by the imperishable Purush. You, I, Brahma, Vishnu, the Munis and even Indra and Devtaa are maintained/ sustained (by the Aatmaa and that is Him). Since the Purush (Aatmaa - Shiva) is the granter of sustenance to Prakriti (body/ nature), he is 'Pushti-vardhan'."

Having explained the first two Pad of the Mantra, Shukraachaarya continued to explain the remaining two Pad. He said - "the next two Pad (consisting of sixteen syllables - Urvaarukmiv Bandhanaan Mrityormuksheeya Maamritaat) means - Prabhu! just as the ripe cucumber is severed from the bondage of the creeper, in the same manner may we be delivered from death for the sake of immortality (Moksh). Rudra Dev is like Amrit (nectar of immortality). Those who worship him with good Karm, penance and repentance, meditation, contemplation, prayer or praise, will surely renew life and vigor. The strength of truth force (in this Mantra) is such that Lord Shiv shall definitely free the worshipper from the bondage of death because Shiv alone is the giver of bondage and Moksh.

This is the Mrit-Sanjeevanee Mantra and has the power to give back life and rescue from death and great evils. You should adore Lord Shiv and recite this Mantra. Water sanctified with this Mantra should be drunk all the time.
[Author's note: It is well known that the Rudraaksh bead is placed in a glass of water after being held in the palm during the recitation of the Mantra, this water is drunk during the day.]

Dhyaan With This Mantra
Now I shall teach the Dhyaan for the Mantra." Saying so, Shukraachaarya Jee started reciting the Shlokas for meditating on Lord Shiv. The Dhyaan taught by Shukraachaarya (Shiv Puraan) is given below. There are other Dhyaan given in other texts and these are being quoted to the extent necessary for education.

Translation: We praise (meditate/ remember) on the eight armed, three eyed (Sun, Moon & Agni as the right, left and third eye respectively) Lord Mrityunjaya. He sits cross legged on a lotus (Padmaasan). He holds two Kumbh (water vessels) with two lower arms and uses two upper arms to sprinkle water on his own head. Two other lower arms hold the auspicious Kalash (pot containing water from five rivers etc) on the center of the legs. The remaining two hands are with Rudraaksh and Mrig Mudraa (Yogik postures). The Amrit (nectar) dripping from the crescent moon on his head has made his whole body wet. The daughter of the mountain king (Himavat or Himaalaya) sits next to Him.

After lighting a lamp and sitting in any Yogik posture (preferably Padmaasan which is the picture of Lord Shiv in the picture) while facing east. Recite the Mahaa-Mantra 108 times (one rosary) or its multiples in each sitting. This is the greatest work of Maharshi Vashishth. Before commencing the Mahaamrityunjaya Mantra recite the Mantra to the everlasting spirit of the Maharshi Vashishth for his blessings and guidance. Thereafter, perform Rudra-abhishek (Ritual offering of the Panch-Amrit or the five forms of nectar as Honey, Ghee, Curd, Milk and Water) on the Shiv Ling.

Understanding the Mahaa Mrityunjaya Mantra
• It is important to understand the meaning of the words as this makes the repetition meaningful and brings forth the results.
• OM is not spelt out in the Rig Ved, but has to be added to the beginning of all Mantras as given in an earlier Mantra of the Rig Ved addressed to Ganapati. This Mantra is given in the prayer Book "Maharshi Jaimini's Upadesh Sootra"
• TRYAMBAKAM refers to the Three eyes of Lord Shiv. 'Trya' means 'Three' and 'Ambakam' means eyes. These three eyes or sources of enlightenment are the Trimoorti or three primary deities, namely Brahma, Vishnu and Shiv and the three 'AMBAA' (also meaning Mother or Shakti' are Saraswatee, Lakshmee and Gauree. Thus in this word, we are referring to God as Omniscient (Brahma), Omnipresent (Vishnu) and Omnipotent (Shiva). This is the wisdom of Brihaspati and is referred to as Shree Dattaatreya having three heads of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva.
• YAJAAMAHE means, "We sing Thy praise".
• SUGANDHIM refers to His fragrance (of knowledge, presence and strength i.e. three aspects) as being the best and always spreading around. Fragrance refers to the joy that we get on knowing, seeing or feeling his virtuous deeds.
• PUSHTIVARDHANAM: Poshan refers to him as the sustainer of this world and in this manner, He is the Father (Pater) of all. Pooshan is also the inner impeller of all knowledge and is thus Savitar or the Sun and also symbolizes Brahmaa the Omniscient Creator. In this manner He is also the Father (Genitor) of all.
• URVAARUKAMEV: 'URVAA' means "VISHAAL" or big and powerful or deadly. 'AAROOKAM' means 'Disease'. Thus URVAROOKA means deadly and overpowering diseases. (The Cucumber interpretation given in various places is also correct for the word URVAROOKAM). The diseases are also of three kinds caused by the influence (in the negative) of the three Gun's and are ignorance (A-Vidyaa etc), falsehood (Asat etc as even though Vishnu is everywhere, we fail to perceive Him and are guided by our sight and other senses) and weaknesses (Shadripu etc a constraint of this physical body and Shiv is all powerful).
• BANDHANAAN means bound down. Thus read with URVAROOKAMEVA, it means 'I am bound down by deadly and overpowering diseases'.
• MRITYORMOOKSHEEYA means to deliver us from death (both premature death in this Physical world and from the never-ending cycle of deaths due to re-birth) for the sake of Moksh (Nirvaan or final emancipation from re-birth).
• MAAMRITAAT means 'please give me some Amritam (life rejuvenating nectar). Read with the previous word, it means that we are praying for some 'Amrit' to get out of the death inflicting diseases as well as the cycle of re-birth.

May all recite this Mantra and get the blessings of lord.

How to Recite Mantra
If one cannot recite this Mantra, one can recite this short Mantra
"Om Joom Sah (Mam) Paalaya Paalaya Saha Joom Om"

If you are reciting this Mantra for somebody else replace "Mam" with his name. It should be chanted facing East or North. Recite it with a Rudraaksh Malaa. Keep a copper vessel full of water in front of you. When you finish reciting this Mantra 108 times, drink that water. Start this practice on Monday. Sprinkle some water around you, this will stop negative energy coming to you.

This will cure your ailments internally. It shows greater power if chanted on Mahaa Mrityunjaya Yantra. Keep the Yantra in front of you, light the incense in front of it, and then practice the Mantra.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Why I am telling to recite just one Som Beej of Mahaa-mrityuanjaya Mantra which one of our friend pointed in this discussion. Look Beej is complete in itself and no Pranav, Prayog or Prasaad Beej is needed with Som Beej. There is a Nishedh of reciting 4-letter Mantra. The 3-letters Mahaa-mrituanjaya Mantra which includes Pranav, can be recited only if you have been initiated in Anulom Vilom or Sanhaar Srishti Praanaayaam as it needs some Yaugik Kriyaa. The complete Beej Mantra of Mahaa-mrityuanjaya Mantra but reciting 4-letter have Nishedh but can be done by those who have done Gaayatree initiation and Purashcharan.

3-letter Mantra - Om Joom Sah   |     4-letter Mantra  -  Om Hraum Joom Sah

Please note it needs the Samput of Sadaachaaree Gaayatree Jaap too ........................
But why to get in too much complication just do at least 11,000 Jaap of Som Beej with Akhand Deep and Brahamcharya and see the results. If you can arrange for Bhoj Patra and Anaar Kee Kalam, also known as Daadim, I can tell you a simple Prayog of Som Beej of Mahaa-Mrityunjaya to make a Yantra and Taabeez for yourself.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Before starting to chant, You should do a Sankalp or pray to Lord Shiv to give the benefit to Your Family. Also after You finish chanting don't forget to offer the Phal or the fruit of the effort to Lord Shiv. You can do this mentally by saying " Ye tat phalam Sri Parameshwara Arpanam Astu" or You can mentally offer the fruit of effort to Lord Shiv.

I am aware that there are some books which have published this and other Mantra with scant regard for secrecy that should be observed as per Shaastra. I have come across more variations but all these Mantra are to be used for specific purposes strictly with proper initiation and only when necessary.

It is very heartening to note that you have some good experiences with the Mantra. You are blessed. However, all Mantra *will not* suit everybody. A learned person gave me a Mantra focused on a Jyotirling and the end result was it affected my health. Only later it dawned on me and another learned person advised me and taught me the reasons why it did not suit me. Of course, I can understand why the Mantra gave you such vibrations at Tryambakeshwar.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Mantra you gave is actually the Mrityunajaya Mantra. The Mahaa Mrityunjaya Mantra consists of 6 OMs. it is given below:
Om Haum Joom Saha   Om Bhoo Bhuvah Swah
Om Tryambakam Yajaamahe Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam Urvaaruk Miv Bandhanaan Mrityormuksheeya Maamritaat
Om Swah Bhuvah Bhoo    Om Saha Joom Haum Om

This is known as the Mahaa Mrityunjaya Mantra. If you recite it in front of a phallic emblem of Shiv in a Shiv temple then you generate tremendous positive energy........  specially in front of a Jyotirling with real Rudraaksh beads. I recited it in Tryambakeshwar with my Rudraaksh Maalaa the source of the Godaavaree..... and I felt a surge of vibrations and energy.... that is the power of this Mantra and Rudraaksh.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
not essentially........ it is given in the Rudra-Yaamal that the Mahaa Mrityunjaya Mantra does not require any purity........ Any one can chant it. It is a gift by god to mankind .......... it need not be initiated by a Guru........ You read the first chapter of the Rudra-yaamal, Uttar Khand.... and you will come to know about it..... Yes the Gaayatree Mantra needs purity and takes a Jap of 10,000 times to get the Siddhi. If you believe in Rudra.....  Then read the Rudra-Yaamal which is about Mantra and Tantra.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Let me have my last word on the confusion regarding these Mantra. Any Mantra invoking God can be recited even without a Guru's Upadesh. However receiving or hearing the Mantra from an elderly or learnt person (Guru) is beneficial for the native as he/ she listens and assimilate the correct pronunciation.

There are some Vasheekaran, Mohan, Aakarshan, Stambh, Vidweshan, Uchhaatan, Maaran Mantras which shall not be used at all as they have negative boomeranging effect. Even a Guru has no right to give these Mantras to his Shishya unless those help the society at large or root out the evil. They are generally given/ used only by the king (lord of the land) to protect the people in their kingdom. These days so many books went public with publishing all these secret Mantras which is bad.

The above Mantras give Siddhi after recital of them continuously as follows:
1.  100,000 times
2. 400,000 times
3. 125,000 times

Such an extended practice with Mahaa Mrityunjaya Mantra can have a tremendous effect in stabilizing the mind in preparation for advancing in meditation. Such a practice simply must be done personally to understand the benefits. It does take quite a commitment to do this practice every day for such a long period, but it is well worth the effort.

In choosing the level of practice per day, it is important to have stability from one day to the next, and to not skip any days. It is best to choose the level that works for you consistently, rather than changing the number from day to day. For example, if two rounds per day is a good number (34 minutes), then it's better to stay with that amount each and every day, not to do none on one day, but four on the next day. By running your own experiment for 40 days, you can decide for yourself whether or not the practice is beneficial.

However, some learnt elders (Gurus) say that due to Dharm running on one pillar in Kali Yug compared to four in Sat Yug, the number of Mantra recital should be three times more than what is prescribed above.

Besides the above, the biggest Mrityunjaya Mantra christened as Mrit Sanjeevanee Vidyaa is there but is forbidden to pass this to public. Using this Mantra sage Shukraachaarya (Guru of Raakshasas) brought back to life several dead Raakshasas. If a person is on the death bed or suffering from chronic disease and doctors have declared no chance, then if we do Abhishekam with buttermilk (chhaachh) while reciting this Mantra, the person would regain his lost health soonest. I have done this for the benefit of few people in Delhi where I live. However, immediately after this, the Shiv Ling shall be cleaned with water and then with pure Gangaa Jal and then proper Rudraabhishek with cow milk shall also be done.
[by Pt Arjun]
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mrityunjaya Mantra
Om Tryambakam Yajaamahe Sugandhim Pushti Vardhanam
Urvaaruk Miv Bandhanaan Mrityormuksheeya Maamritaat

! ~yambakma\ yajaamaho saugainQama\ puiYTvaQa-nama\ ]va-a rukimava banQanaana maR%yaaoma-uxaIya maamaRtat\

Mahaa Mrityunjaya Mantra
Om Haum Joom Sah Om Bhoo Bhuvah Swah
Om Tryambakam Yajaamahe Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam
Urvaaruk Miv Bandhanaan Mrityormuksheeya Maamritaat
Om Swah Bhuvah Bhoo Om Sah Joom Haum Om

How to Practice this Mantra
Sit north or east faced. Keep a bowl of water in front of you. Recite the Mantra, then drink the water. Better start this practice on Monday. You shouldn't eat egg when you are doing the Mantra. It doesn't have any negative effects on you, it can only do good good.

 

Home | Astrology | Remedies | Mantra

Back to Mantra