The Mantra which we are going to learn today is the "Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra". Before going into the comprehensive details, let us quickly know some of the basic facts about this mantra. This mantra, also known as the "Tryambaka Mantra" is one of the most powerful ancient Sanskrit mantras. The deity invoked here is the three eyed "Lord Shiva" and the purpose of this mantra is to attain enlightenment by conquering death. "Mrityu" = death and "Jaya" = victory.
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| By Arun Varadarajan (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/ licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons |
Origin and Legends behind this mantra :
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| Raja Ravi Varma [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons |
Sage Markandeya is said to be the founder of this mantra. We all know that Markandeya conquered death by devoting himself to lord Shiva and became immortal. Another legend states that Lord Shiva revealed this mantra to sage Sukracharya. Hence it is sometimes known as Mrita-Sanjeevini mantra. This mantra is found in Shri Rudram Chamakam from the Yajur Veda and also in Rig Veda and Atharva Veda.
The Mantra :
"Aum Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pustivardhanam
Urvarukam-iva Bandhanan Mrtyormuksiya Maamrutaath"
Listen to the 108 chanting of the "Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra" here :
Meaning of the Mantra :
AUM - The supreme syllable in Sanathan Dharma. Click this link to know the meaning of this syllable.
Tryambakam - The three eyed Rudra
Yajamahe - Worship, praise, glorify, revere
Sugandhim - Fragrant, sweet smelling
Pustivardhanam - One who increases prosperity or welfare, nourishes, strengthens
Urvarukamiva - A kind of cucumber
Bandhanaan - connecting, captivating, binding
Mrtyormuksiya - Release, free, liberate from death
Maamrutaath - Immortality
Interpretation 1 :
"We worship the fragrant, three eyed lord Shiva who fosters and nourishes all beings. May he release us from the cycle of Samsara like how a ripened cucumber is released from its bondage, the creeper. (Like the gardener who separates the ripened cucumber, Lord Shiva, frees the souls from the bondage called samsara). May he liberate us from the fear of death and make us immortal".
"We worship the fragrant, three eyed lord Shiva who fosters and nourishes all beings. May he release us from the cycle of Samsara like how a ripened cucumber is released from its bondage, the creeper. (Like the gardener who separates the ripened cucumber, Lord Shiva, frees the souls from the bondage called samsara). We understand that immortality may not be possible, but let the Lord release us from the fear of death and grant us the boon of long life".
Benefits of chanting this mantra :
This is a very powerful mantra which is considered to guard a person from fear of death and grant longevity and immortality. Since the power of this mantra is huge and it invokes the fierce form of Lord Rudra (Shiva), great care has to be taken to chant it properly and without errors. This mantra is said to be beneficial for both physical and mental health and has a great healing force. The divine vibrations generated by chanting this mantra wards off a person against evil and negative forces and creates a powerful shield which ensures protection. Chanting this mantra regularly with faith and devotion can :
- Restore health and happiness
- Guard against any kind of fear
- Rejuvenate and heal the senses
- Protect from accidents, disasters and other misfortunes
- Provide peace and purify the soul
- Nullify the negative and evil forces
- Give substantial energy and nourishment
- Grant immense strength to overcome obstacles
- Help conquering enemies both internal and external
- Ensure overall well being and prosperity
Can Women Chant?
It is usually said that women cannot chant Veda Mantras. Since this mantra is a part from Vedas, it is better for women to hear it rather than chanting. If you still want to chant, please consult a Guru or a Sanskrit pundit and get their opinion.
Let us obtain the blessings of Lord Shiva by chanting this maha mantra. May the "Tryambaka" shower his grace on us and enrich our lives with good health, wealth and prosperity.
References :
http://www.rudraksha-ratna.com/mahamrityunjaya-mantra.html
http://www.mahashivratri.org/maha-mrityunjay-mantra.html
http://www.mahashivratri.org/maha-mrityunjay-mantra.html
Its sad that such an informative article would have such narrow views about gender dynamics. Not just sad, its quite shameful that your understanding of the 'Sanatan Dharm' is completely devoid of any dynamic understanding, precisely what the dharm is against. I hope some light is shed on your brain with this mantra.
ReplyDeleteoh so if due to some scientific reason a woman is not allowed to chant a shlok, its bad. but if in christianity and islam women aren't given any rights, its cool?
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ReplyDeleteThat women cannot chant this Mantra is old male nonsense. In this new era there is no gender discrimination. We have been performing Tryambakai yajnya for many years now,
ReplyDeleteboth men and women, as well as sunrise and sunset Agnihotra daily... both men and women.
Nice article, Thank you for sharing a wonderful blog post.
ReplyDeletePandit for Maha Mrityunjaya Homa in Bangalore
Women can chant this mantra. Parvati chanted this mantra to save her mother. That means all women can chant this mantra
ReplyDeleteVery Good Article , Thnak you For Sharing.
ReplyDeleteFor chanting mantra there is no restriction for gender/ region/ religion but what is more important is pure devotion and proper understating / meaning of that mantra. This is applicable for all the mantras for chanting or for Japa or mantra meditation.
ReplyDeleteWhen it comes to Upasana or Anustahan, certain rules are to be followed. The swaras and Matras of the Mantra to be pounced properly. Some of the swarithas and anudatta to be initiated from certain charkars (i.e from Naval). That is the reasons, for few mantra anuthan, women are not recommended. Moreover, if they are practised the mantra anuthan, it will create some hormoneal imbalances and will affect the thyroid functions. That is the reason, in sanathan dharma, for mantra anuthan, ladies are not encouraged. But they can chant or japa or meditate the mantra.