Significance of Mahamrityunjaya Jaap

Posted on 26/01/2017 I by: Navneeta

Mahamrityunjaya Mantra is one of the most significant mantra in Hindu mythology. The Mantra is found in the Rigveda (Mandala 7, Hym 59). The mantra is attributed to the rishi Vashishta who was the son of Urvasi and MitraVaruna.

Origin of Mahamrityunjaya Jaap

It is believed that once sage Mrikandu and wife Marudmati decided to take a long penance in the hope of being blessed with a son. Lord Shiva was impressed with their devotion and gave them two choices; one was an intelligent son with a short life or a son with low intelligence but a long life. Mrikandu accepted the former and was blessed with Markandeya with a life span of only 16 years.

When Markandeya was about to approach the age of 16, his parents started becoming depressed. When he came to know about his fate, Markandeya started his own penance in front of Shiva ling. When Lord Yama`s messenger came to the earth to take him on his 16th birthday, they too absorbed in prayers without taking him away.

Lord Yama himself decided to take him away. Markandeya wrapped his arms around the shiva linga and surrendered himself to the mercy of Lord Shiva. Yama removed his noose but unfortunately it fell on the ling. Lord Shiva got furious, appeared out of the ling and killed Yama as punishment. Yama`s death created severe disruptions in the universe so Shiva (also called as Kalantaka - The End of Death) revived him with the condition, that the kid would remain alive forever. Hence the mantra originated.  This is the reason why Lord Shiva is also called as Kalantaka (The End of Death) at times. This Mantra is said to be a secret mantra known only to Rishi Markandeya.

Meaning of Mahamrityunjaya Mantra

Om Triyambakam yaja-mahe, sugandhim push Tivardhanam
Urvarukamiva bandhanan, mrrityormokshiya mamrritat

We concentrate on our third eye which lies behind the two eyes and this gives us the power to feel you and by this we feel happy, satisfied and peace in life. We know immortality is not possible but some extension can be given to our death by your powers Lord Shiva.

Benefits of Mahamrityunjaya Mantra

The Mantra is believed to overcome sever disease or fear of sudden death. It denotes Gayatri mantra and chanting it can revive the lost energy in the body.