‘Mrityunjaya’ literally means ‘victory over death’, while ‘maha’ refers to ‘great’. The reference to a victory over death doesn’t mean that you can be immortal, but rather refers to overcoming the fear of death and leading a happy life. This mantra is used to get the blessings from Lord Shiva, who is also himself known as ‘Mrityunjaya’.
‘Apamrityu’ (unexpected death), comes to a person’s life 5-7 times, and is said to be the occurrence of death before the full lifetime allotted by the horoscope. There are instances where a person’s life is put at risk due to ‘karma’ effects or unfortunate interferences, and such instances may result in death (apamrityu). But, such instances are possible to be overcome with the help of optimum remedial measures, amongst which ‘mahamrityunjaya mantra’ is most essential.
The regular chanting of mahamrityunjaya mantra helps to overcome situations of ‘apamrityu’ and to ward off influences from evil entities or bad planetary positions. Mahamrityunjaya mantra can also help to recover from serious diseases and poverty.
Sugandhim pushtivardhanam
Urrvvarukamiva bandhnaal mrityurmmukshiiyamaamrithaathu
The Mahamrityunjaya mantra may be chanted 54 or 108 times daily in the morning after bathing. It is advisable to also chant 'om namah shivaya' 108 times before starting to chant the Mahamrityunjaya mantra.