Mahamrityunjaya Mantra is a death conquering sacred Hindu Mantra dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Mantra finds its oldest reference in Rigveda (Mandala 7, Hymn 59). This Mantra is believed to remove the fear of death from those who chant this Mantra with full devotion. There is a very interesting story behind Mahamrityunjaya Mantra.
Mahamrityunjaya Mantra Story:
Once upon a time, a sage Mrikandu and his wife Marudmati took a long penance to beget the blessings of Lord Shiva for having a son. Lord Shiva was very impressed by the penance and he granted the boon but on one condition. Lord Shiva offered them to choose between an intelligent son but with short life or a foolish son with a long life. Sage Mrikandu accepted the offer of an intelligent son with a short life. They had a son born shortly whom they named as Markandeya. When the 16th birthday of young Markandeya was about to come, his parents started to sadden day by day. Markandeya could sense there was something wrong with the situation so he insisted his parents to tell what’s the matter. Markandeya’s parents finally told the whole story to him. Markandeya began his penance in front of a Shivling and he started chanting Mahamrityunjaya Mantra. On the 16th birthday of Markandeya, lord Yamaraj came to take the young boy with him. Markandeya was absorbed in his penance and he wrapped his arms around the Shivling and not willing to let go. Lord Yamraj determined of taking Markandeya away threw the noose to catch Markandeya but accidentally it got hold of the Shivling and in an instant lord Shiva got angry. Lord Shiva appeared and in an instant, he killed Lord Yamraj.
Death of Yamraj had led to the havoc across the whole universe hence on the request of all the other Devtas, lord Shiva again revived lord Yamraj but on one condition that the boy will remain untouched and live forever. Markandeya later on became a great sage on whom a complete Purana is dedicated with the name Markandeya Purana. Markandeya is still believed to be alive as per the scriptures.
Meaning of Mahamrityunjaya Mantra:
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We Meditate on the Three-eyed reality
Which permeates and nourishes all like a fragrance.
May we be liberated from death for the sake of immortality,
Even as the cucumber is severed from bondage to the creeper.
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