Mahamrityunjaya Mantra
Verse and mantra of the Ṛgveda
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The mantra
The mantra, as it appears in the Ṛgveda, reads:
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Origin
In the Ṛgveda, the verse is found in sūkta (hymn) LIX of maṇḍala (book) VII, a composite hymn attributed to Vasiṣṭha Maitrāvaruṇi. The final four verses of the hymn, which include the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra, are late additions to the text. These verses relate to the sākamedha, the final ritual of the cāturmāsya (four-monthly) sacrifices. The sākamedha concludes with an oblation to Rudra Tryambaka, providing the liturgical context for the verse.
Significance
Within Hindu traditions, the mantra is recited for longevity and immortality, and mental, emotional, and physical health. It is categorized as a mokṣamantra (mantra for liberation), and is chanted during the application of vibhūti (sacred ash), during japa (meditative repetition), or within homa (votive rituals).