The great mantra of Shiva as Mrityunjaya Bhagavan is found in the Rig Veda, where it is attributed to the sage, Vasistha. Also mentioned in Shiva Mahaa Puraan, it is one of the five mantras given by Lord Shiva at the time of creation. It is called Maha Mrityunjaya mantra, the great death conquering mantra.
It is a mantra that has many names and forms. It is called the Rudra mantra, referring to the furious aspect of Shiva; the Trayambakam mantra, alluding to Shiva’s three eyes; and it is sometimes known as the Mrita Sanjivini mantra because it is an element of a life restoring practice given to the primordial sage, Shukra, after he had completed an exhausting period of austerity.
The Maha Mrityunjaya mantra is hailed 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. Mrityunjaya means victory over death. Mrityunjaya Bhagavan is another name of Lord Shiva. This mantra seeks the protective shelter of Lord Shiva against difficulties, accidents, illnesses and death.
The mantra is divided into four lines, each containing eight syllables. Translation varies considerably. A bit of research will make it clear that no single translation can ever do justice to all its levels of meaning. The multileveled nature of Sanskrit words makes this impossible. The individual words of the mantra convey its nourishing quality and, even in English, they are life-sustaining. They fill us with the sense that a great force of goodness is at work within us, supporting our growth, lifting us up during most times of trouble and helping us recall, even in the midst of our busy lives, the higher aim of life itself. The Maha Mrityunjaya mantra attracts these forces and creates an inner environment to enhance their effectiveness. Thus, the mantra can be used whenever any restorative process is started.
Proper recitation of Mahaa Mrityunjaya mantra rejuvenates the body, bestows health, wealth, long life, peace, prosperity and contentment. The mantra can be recited when taking medications, for it prepares the body and mind to make the best use of it. Chanting of this mantra generates divine vibrations that ward off all negativities that thwart general uplift. It creates a powerful, protective armour, and shields the one who chants it from any misfortune. It has the power to cure diseases, even those diagnosed as incurable by doctors. Whenever matters of health, vitality, nurturance or freedom from fears associated with death arise, the Mahaa Mrityunjaya mantra naturally surfaces as a remedy and comfort.
It is said that those in healing professions will benefit from reciting the Maha Mrityunjaya mantra regularly. Through it, they will draw from an infinite reserve of energy and thus prevent burnout while opening an avenue of healing from which life can be nourished. The mantra can be used whenever any restorative process is started.
Whether used to enhance one’s life or to assist in the transition to death, this mantra connects individuals to their own inner divinity. It is ultimately a means of self realisation. This individual consciousness is none other than the deep, eternal consciousness of the Indweller Himself.
