We sing mantra’s all over the world in different places, nature, strange buildings, old caves, beaches, whatever. Also on streets in India, but that is a whole different story. Here we sing the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra (Victor and me) at our geometric dome at our meditation centre in the Algarve.

The Mahamrityunjaya Mantra, also known as the Tryambakam Mantra, is one of the most revered and potent mantras from the ancient Vedic tradition. Found in the Rigveda (7.59.12) and the Yajurveda, it is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the cosmic force of transformation and liberation. The mantra is a profound invocation for healing, longevity, and transcendence, often referred to as the “death-conquering mantra” because of its power to overcome the fear of death and cycles of birth and rebirth.

Here is the mantra in its traditional Sanskrit form:

“Tryambakam yajamahe sugandhim pushtivardhanam,
Urvarukamiva bandhanan mrityor mukshiya maamritat.”

Translation and Meaning

• Tryambakam: Refers to the “three-eyed one,” symbolizing Lord Shiva’s divine vision, encompassing past, present, and future. The third eye represents spiritual insight and higher consciousness.
• Yajamahe: We revere, honor, and worship.
• Sugandhim: Fragrant, symbolizing the divine essence that permeates all existence.
• Pushtivardhanam: Bestower of nourishment and vitality.
• Urvarukamiva: Like a ripe cucumber (metaphorically, the soul’s detachment from the body).
• Bandhanan: From bondage or attachment.
• Mrityor Mukshiya: Free us from the cycle of death.
• Maamritat: Grant us immortality or the nectar of liberation.

The Essence of the Mantra

This mantra calls upon Shiva as the “three-eyed one” and the sustainer of life, imploring him to liberate us from the bonds of death and attachment, just as a ripe fruit detaches effortlessly from its stem. It signifies the soul’s transcendence from the limitations of the physical world, merging into eternal consciousness.

Spiritual and Practical Significance

The Mahamrityunjaya Mantra is often chanted during times of crisis, illness, or transition. It is believed to:

1. Heal and Protect: Chanting the mantra generates vibrations that resonate with the body, mind, and spirit, fostering physical and emotional healing.
2. Grant Strength and Courage: The mantra instills inner resilience to face challenges and overcome fears, including the fear of death.
3. Elevate Consciousness: It aligns the practitioner with universal energies, guiding them toward spiritual awakening and liberation.

How to Chant the Mantra

The Mahamrityunjaya Mantra can be chanted in solitude or as part of a group practice. It is traditionally repeated 108 times, a sacred number in Vedic traditions. The ideal setting for its recitation is a calm and sacred space, accompanied by a deep focus on the sound and meaning of the words. Shunyam Adhibhu