Chanting
Mahamrityunjaya Mantra
Mahāmṛtyuñjaya Mantraमहामृत्युंजय मंत्र· mah-hah-mrit-yoon-JAH-yah MUN-trahthe 'great victory over death' mantra
The Mahamrityunjaya Mantra is a revered healing and protective mantra addressed to Shiva. Chanting it — 'Om tryambakam yajamahe…' — is traditionally practised for wellbeing, courage and a sense of protection, and for calm in difficult times.
Step by step
- 1
Sit and centre
Sit calmly and take a few slow breaths.
- 2
Learn the verse
The mantra is: 'Om tryambakaṃ yajāmahe sugandhiṃ puṣṭi-vardhanam, urvārukam iva bandhanān mṛtyor mukṣīya māmṛtāt.'
- 3
Chant steadily
Chant slowly and clearly, feeling the steady, grounding rhythm.
- 4
Repeat and rest
Repeat for several rounds, then sit quietly, resting in the calm it brings.
Benefits
- Traditionally a healing and protective mantra
- Cultivates courage, calm and resilience
- Grounding and steadying in difficult times
- A meaningful contemplative practice
About this practice
Traditionally chanted for healing, courage and steadiness, it is often repeated in rounds of 9, 27 or 108 counted on a mala. Let the rhythm settle the mind rather than rushing the words, and keep the pitch low and comfortable so the breath stays easy throughout.
Related practices
Frequently asked questions
- What is the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra for?
- It's a revered healing and protective mantra to Shiva, traditionally chanted for wellbeing, courage and a sense of protection, and to bring calm and resilience in difficult times.
- What does the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra mean?
- It praises Tryambaka (Shiva) and asks for nourishment and healing, and — like a ripe cucumber freed from its stem — for liberation from suffering and fear, not from life itself.
References
- Classical textRig Veda 7.59.12 — the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra— The original Vedic source of the mantra.