Maha Mrityunjaya mantra is a very powerful mantra

It helps people overcome accidental and premature deaths

It was revealed to sage Markandeya who was destined a short life

March 8 is Mahashivaratri. Lord Shiva is worshipped by his devotees in a religious manner. 

On this day, let us understand the meaning of the Maha Mrityunjaya. 

Here is the mantra: 

Om Tryambakam Yajamahe
Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam
Urvarukamiva Bandhanan
Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritat

The meaning: 

As per the mantra, the one who chants it ‘meditates on the one who is three-eyed (Lord Shiva) and also the one who is fragrant and nourishes all.’ 

The mantra also uses the example of a fruit that falls off the stem as it ripens, praying to the deity to grant immortality, leading from ignorance to knowledge. 

History 

Sage Markandeya was the son of Rishi Bhrigu and Marudmati. They begot him after a lot of penance. However, he was shortlived. When this was made known to Markandeya on his 12th birthday, he prayed to Lord Shiva. When Yaman, the lord of death approached him, Lord Shiva himself appeared before them and forbade Yama from taking him away. It is here that the mantra becomes so powerful. It is also a gentle reminder of Shiva’s compassion.  

Since then, the mantra has garnered a lot of importance. It helps people escape accidental and premature deaths.