The auspicious period of Maha Shiv Raatri will be observed with Maha Mrityunjai Mantra Jaap led by Paramacharya of Swaha, Pundit Hardeo Persad on March 3, 2019.
The practice of mantra jaap with havan is one of the navadhaa bhakti or nine types of devotion explained by Shri Raam in Shri Raamcharitramaanas. This fifth type of devotion brings numerous benefits, including developing vairaagya or spiritual dispassion, protecting one from danger and even warding off death. One of the many names of Bhagavan Shiva is Mrityunjai and the Maha Mrityunjai Mantra is dedicated to Him. The Shiva Maha Puraana states that it is one of the five mantras given by Lord Shiva at the time of creation. It is also found in the Rig Veda where it is attributed to Sage Vasistha.
The Maha Mrityunjai Mantra is also known as the Rudra Mantra, referring to the furious aspect of Shiva; the Trayambakam Mantra, alluding to Shiva’s three eyes (the third spiritual eye located at the Ajna Chakra on the forehead between the brows); and the Mrita Sanjivani Mantra because of its life-restoring qualities. The Maha Mrityunjai Mantra is considered by the sages as the heart of the Vedas. Along with the Gayatri Mantra, it holds the highest place among the many mantras for contemplation and meditation.
It is regarded as a death-conquering mantra that provides the devotee with Divine armour. As the name suggests, mrityu means ‘death’ while jai means ‘victory’. Thus, Mrityunjai means ‘victory over death’. It seeks the protective help of Lord Shiva against all difficulties, accidents, illnesses and untimely death and is revered for its healing, restorative and protective powers. The Maha Mrityunjai Mantra can be chanted at any time in a pure environment. Shiva Maha Puraana recounts incidents in the lives of many devotees who overcame serious challenges and even death by the simple but sincere recitation of this mantra.
Whenever matters of health, vitality or freedom from fears associated with death arise, this mantra naturally surfaces as a remedy. Proper recitation of the Maha Mrityunjai Mantra is believed to rejuvenate the body, bestow health, wealth, long life, peace, prosperity and contentment. The mantra can be recited when taking medications, as it prepares the body and mind to make the best use of the medicine. It is believed that it has the power of bestow longevity and cure disease, even those diagnosed as incurable by doctors. This mantra can be used whenever any restorative process is undertaken. It is also said that those in the healing professions benefit from reciting this mantra regularly. Through it, they can draw from an infinite reserve of energy and prevent fatigue while opening a channel of healing within themselves from which life can be nourished.
When chanted, the Maha Mrityunjai Mantra generates divine vibrations that ward off all negativities and creates a powerful, protective armour that shields the devotee from misfortune. It can remove distress and fulfil one’s legitimate desires. Difficult situations can be transcended by regular recitation of this mantra. If chanted a minimum of 11 times before going to sleep, it ensures restful sleep and positive dreams. On the spiritual level, constant meditation on the Maha Mrityunjai Mantra enhances one’s spiritual development, connecting people to their own inner divinity. Whether used to enhance one’s life or to prevent illness and the fear of death, this mantra is ultimately a means of self realisation. The consciousness it awakens is none other than the deep, infinite Consciousness of the Indweller Himself.
MAHAA MRITYUNJAI MANTRA
Om Trayambakam Yajaamahay
Sugandhim Pushti Vardhanam
Uravaarukam Iva Bandhanaan
Mrityor Moksheeya Maamritaat.
Om Namah Shivaya.
Translation:
I humbly bow to the Three-Eyed Lord of Auspiciousness, whose sweet fragrance is ever-present and who sustains the world. O Lord, please protect me from untimely death and release me from the bondage of this never-ending cycle of birth and death. I bow to you, O Lord Shiva.
During this auspicious celebration of Maha Shiv Raatri, which will be observed on March 4, 2019, everyone should practice the sacrifice of worship through this powerful mantra.
