How Rishi Markandeya Created Mahamrityunjaya Mantra?

Mahamrityunjaya Mantra

Om Trayambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam,

Urvarukmiv Bandhanan mrityormukshiyamamritat.

Maha Mahamrityunjaya Mantra

(According to Maha Shiv Puran)

Om Tatsaviturvarenyam Trayambakam Yajamahe,

Bhargodevasya Dhimahi Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam,

Dhiyo Yo Nah Prachodayat,

Urvarukmiv Bandhanan mrityormukshiyamamritat.

(According to Brahm Karm Samucchya)

Om Hom Jum Sah, Om Bhoorbhuvah Swaha,

Om Trayambakam Hom Om Swaha Bhuvah Bhooh,

Om Sah Jum Hom Om.

Birth of Markandeya Rishi

Rishi Markandu was in deep sorrow because he had no child. So he did an austerity of Shiva. When Shiva appeared, he asked a child as a boon.

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Shiva informed him that according to his destiny there was no sign of children. So He could only grant him a son with either unparalleled mind but small life span or a foolish mind but longer life span.

Markandu chose son with unparalleled mind. Shiva told him that the life of his son was only 12 years.

Markandu named his baby, Markandeya. He was very intelligent and learned everything in his first 11 years of life.

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Story of Mahamrityunjaya Mantra

Rishi Markandu was worried because only one year was left in the life of Markandeya. He informed his son about the boon and that his life is of one more year.

Markandeya wasn’t distracted at all by the news of his death in next one year. Although he was worried about his parents and wanted to live to take care of them in their old age.

He created a mantra and started worshiping Shiva. He prayed by enunciating his created mantra.

After one year Yama dev appeared and asked Markandeya to come with him. Markandeya refused then Yama tried to force him but Shiva appeared and stopped him.

Delighted with the prayer and enunciation of mantra, Shiva blessed Markandeya with a long life and granted his mantra as the divine power for the prevention of unnatural death. This mantra got famous as Mahamrityunjaya Mantra.