Mahamrityunjaya Mantra: translation and meaning
ॐ त्र्यंबकं यजामहे सुगन्धिं पुष्टिवर्धनम्।
उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनान्मृत्योर्मुक्षीय माऽमृतात्॥
Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam
Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritat
Translation
“We worship the three-eyed one (Lord Shiva), who is fragrant and who nourishes all beings. May he liberate us from the bondage of death, like a ripe cucumber is released from its stalk, but not from immortality.”
Meaning
- “Om Tryambakam”: Refers to Lord Shiva, the “three-eyed one” (Tri = three, ambaka = eye). His third eye represents spiritual wisdom and insight.
- “Yajamahe”: Means “we worship, adore, or honor.”
- “Sugandhim”: Denotes Shiva’s fragrance, symbolizing his auspicious and divine presence.
- “Pushtivardhanam”: Refers to the sustainer and nourisher of life, who fosters well-being and health.
- “Urvarukamiva Bandhanan”: Compares the human soul’s attachment to worldly life and death to a ripe cucumber (urvaruka) being freed from its stalk. The mantra seeks liberation from the cycle of life and death.
- “Mrityor Mukshiya”: A plea to be released from the fear and suffering of death.
- “Maamritat”: Requests to not be removed from immortality (Amrit = nectar of immortality). The goal is spiritual liberation (moksha), attaining eternal existence in union with the divine.
Significance
- This mantra is also called the Rudra Mantra or the Moksha Mantra.
- It is believed to have healing powers and is often chanted to invoke protection from illnesses, accidents, and untimely death.
- It emphasizes inner transformation, liberation, and connection to the divine source of life.
- By reciting this mantra with devotion, practitioners seek spiritual strength, health, and freedom from fears.
