Mahamrtyunjaya Mantram to Conquer Death

Kala Bhairava, the god of Death

Kala Bhairava, the god of Death

Guidelines for pronunciation are in the footnotes

Death has a great significance in Hinduism. It is considered one of the highest manifestations of Brahman himself. The lord of the mortal word is Death. Everything is food for him. In the Vedas Lord Shiva (Rudra) is personified as the god of Death and destruction. The idea of liberation in Hinduism arises from the belief that beings in the mortal world are caught in the cycle of births and deaths and suffer until they find an escape. None can escape from death. However, one can avoid it or delay it with divine help. Hence, the same Vedas which describe Shiva as the god of destruction also extol him as healer and protector. The following mantra is uttered by many to ward off evil, accidents, sickness, physical harm and death, and to prolong life.

A Prayer to Conquer Death and Sickness and Prolong Life

Aum, thrayambakam yajaamahe sugandhim pushtivardhanam
urvaaruka miva bandhanan mrutyo ruksheeya maamruthaath

Suggestions for Further Reading

Guidelines to pronunciation: Sanskrit is essentially a language of sounds and sound vibrations. The efficacy of Sanskrit prayers depends upon the vibrations that are produced during chanting. It is difficult to transliterate Sanskrit words into English with full justification to the original sounds. In the above stated transliteration we followed a simple approach to make it easier even for those who are not familiar with English or Sanskrit. Wherever you find repeat vowels (aa, uu, ee) please stretch the vowel sound (for ex., aa as in vast or path, uu as in cool or root, ee as in eel or feel). Similarly, "ai" should be pronounced as in gait, fight, or tight. Th should be pronounced as in think or thick, but when t alone is used, it should be pronounced as in two, top or tip.

Translate the Page