Complete Guide to Shiva Mrityunjaya Stotram
Introduction to Shiva Mrityunjaya Stotram
Shiva Mrityunjaya Stotram is a supremely powerful hymn dedicated to Lord Shiva in his form as Mrityunjaya — the conqueror of death (Mrityu = death, Jaya = victory). Based on the potent Mahamrityunjaya Mantra from the Rigveda, this stotram expands upon the life-giving, healing, and protective aspects of Lord Shiva, making it one of the most recited prayers for health and longevity.
Spiritual Significance of Shiva Mrityunjaya Stotram
The Mrityunjaya form of Shiva embodies the supreme power over death and disease. This stotram is recited during illness, on birthdays, and in times of danger to invoke Shiva's protection. Ancient tradition holds that sincere recitation can avert untimely death, cure diseases, and bestow spiritual immortality through liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
Shiva Mrityunjaya Stotram Lyrics
॥ शिव मृत्युञ्जय स्तोत्रम् ॥
रत्नसानुशरासनं रजताद्रिशृङ्गनिकेतनं
शिञ्जिनीकृतपन्नगेश्वरमच्युतानलसायकम्।
क्षिप्रदग्धपुरत्रयं त्रिदशालयैरभिवन्दितं
चन्द्रशेखरमाश्रये मम किं करिष्यति वै यमः॥1॥
पञ्चपादपपुष्पगन्धिपदाम्बुजद्वयशोभितं
भाललोचनजातपावकदग्धमन्मथविग्रहम्।
भस्मदिग्धकलेवरं भवनाशिनं भवमव्ययं
चन्द्रशेखरमाश्रये मम किं करिष्यति वै यमः॥2॥
मत्तवारणमुख्यचर्मकृतोत्तरीयमनोहरं
पङ्कजासनपद्मलोचनपूजिताङ्घ्रिसरोरुहम्।
देवसिद्धतरङ्गिणी करसिक्तशीतजटाधरं
चन्द्रशेखरमाश्रये मम किं करिष्यति वै यमः॥3॥
कुण्डलीकृतकुण्डलीश्वरकुण्डलं वृषवाहनं
नारदादिमुनीश्वरस्तुतवैभवं भुवनेश्वरम्।
अन्धकान्तकमाश्रितामरपादपं शमनान्तकं
चन्द्रशेखरमाश्रये मम किं करिष्यति वै यमः॥4॥
यक्षराजसखं भगाक्षिहरं भुजङ्गविभूषणं
शैलराजसुतापरिष्कृतचारुवामकलेवरम्।
क्ष्वेडनीलगलं परश्वधधारिणं मृगधारिणं
चन्द्रशेखरमाश्रये मम किं करिष्यति वै यमः॥5॥
भेषजं भवरोगिणामखिलापदामपहारिणं
दक्षयज्ञविनाशिनं त्रिगुणात्मकं त्रिविलोचनम्।
भुक्तिमुक्तिफलप्रदं निखिलाघसङ्घनिबर्हणं
चन्द्रशेखरमाश्रये मम किं करिष्यति वै यमः॥6॥
भक्तवत्सलमर्चतां निधिमक्षयं हरिदम्बरं
सर्वभूतपतिं परात्परमप्रमेयमनूपमम्।
भूमिवारिनभोहुताशनसोमपालितस्वाकृतिं
चन्द्रशेखरमाश्रये मम किं करिष्यति वै यमः॥7॥
विश्वसृष्टिविधायिनं पुनरेव पालनतत्परं
संहरन्तमथ प्रपञ्चमशेषलोकनिवासिनम्।
क्रीडयन्तमहर्निशं गणनाथयूथसमाव्रतं
चन्द्रशेखरमाश्रये मम किं करिष्यति वै यमः॥8॥
रुद्रं पशुपतिं स्थाणुं नीलकण्ठमुमापतिम्।
नमामि शिरसा देवं किं नो मृत्युः करिष्यति॥9॥
कालकण्ठं कलामूर्तिं कालाग्निं कालनाशनम्।
नमामि शिरसा देवं किं नो मृत्युः करिष्यति॥10॥
नीलकण्ठं विरुपाक्षं निर्मलं निरूपद्रवम्।
नमामि शिरसा देवं किं नो मृत्युः करिष्यति॥11॥
वामदेवं महादेवं लोकनाथं जगद्गुरुम्।
नमामि शिरसा देवं किं नो मृत्युः करिष्यति॥12॥
देवदेवं जगन्नाथं देवेशमृषभध्वजम्।
नमामि शिरसा देवं किं नो मृत्युः करिष्यति॥13॥
अनन्तमव्ययं शान्तमक्षमालाधरं हरम्।
नमामि शिरसा देवं किं नो मृत्युः करिष्यति॥14॥
आनन्दं परमं नित्यं कैवल्यपदकारणम्।
नमामि शिरसा देवं किं नो मृत्युः करिष्यति॥15॥
स्वर्गापवर्गदातारं सृष्टिस्थित्यन्तकारिणम्।
नमामि शिरसा देवं किं नो मृत्युः करिष्यति॥16॥
॥ इति श्रीपद्मपुराणान्तर्गत उत्तरखण्डे श्रीमृत्युञ्जयस्तोत्रं सम्पूर्णम्। ॥
॥ Shiva Mrityunjaya Stotram ॥
Ratnasanusharasanam Rajatadrishringaniketanam
Shinjinikritapannageshvaram-achyutanalasayakam।
Kshipradagdhapuratrayam Tridashalayairabhivanditam
Chandrashekharamashraye Mama Kim Karishyati Vai Yamah॥1॥
Panchapadapapushpagandhipadambuja-dvayashobhitam
Bhalalochanajatapavaka-dagdhamanmathavigraham।
Bhasmadigdhakalevaram Bhavanashinam Bhavamavyayam
Chandrashekharamashraye Mama Kim Karishyati Vai Yamah॥2॥
Mattavaranamukhyacharmakritottariyamanoharam
Pankajasanapadmalochanapujitanghrisaroruham।
Devasiddhatarangini Karasiktashitajatadharam
Chandrashekharamashraye Mama Kim Karishyati Vai Yamah॥3॥
Kundalikritakundalishvarakundalam Vrishavahanam
Naradadimunishvarastutavaibhavam Bhuvaneshvaram।
Andhakantakamashritamarapadapam Shamanantakam
Chandrashekharamashraye Mama Kim Karishyati Vai Yamah॥4॥
Yaksharajasakham Bhagakshiharam Bhujangavibhushanam
Shailarajasutaparishkrita-charuvamakalevaram।
Kshvedanilagalam Parashvadhadharinam Mrigadharinam
Chandrashekharamashraye Mama Kim Karishyati Vai Yamah॥5॥
Bheshajam Bhavaroginamakhilapadamapaharinam
Dakshayajnavinashinam Trigunatmakam Trivilochanam।
Bhuktimuktiphalapradam Nikhilaghasanghanibarhanam
Chandrashekharamashraye Mama Kim Karishyati Vai Yamah॥6॥
Bhaktavatsalamarchatam Nidhimakshayam Haridambaram
Sarvabhutapatim Paratparamaprameyamanupamam।
Bhumivarinabhohutashana-somapalitasvakritim
Chandrashekharamashraye Mama Kim Karishyati Vai Yamah॥7॥
Vishvasrishtividhayinam Punareva Palanatatparam
Samharantamatha Prapanchamasheshalokanivasinam।
Kridayantamaharnisham Gananathayuthasamavratam
Chandrashekharamashraye Mama Kim Karishyati Vai Yamah॥8॥
Rudram Pashupatim Sthanum Nilakanthamumapatim।
Namami Shirasa Devam Kim No Mrityuh Karishyati॥9॥
Kalakantham Kalamurtim Kalagnim Kalanashanam।
Namami Shirasa Devam Kim No Mrityuh Karishyati॥10॥
Nilakantham Virupaksham Nirmalam Nirupadravam।
Namami Shirasa Devam Kim No Mrityuh Karishyati॥11॥
Vamadevam Mahadevam Lokanatham Jagadgurum।
Namami Shirasa Devam Kim No Mrityuh Karishyati॥12॥
Devadevam Jagannatham Deveshamrishabhadhvajam।
Namami Shirasa Devam Kim No Mrityuh Karishyati॥13॥
Anantamavyayam Shantamakshamaladharam Haram।
Namami Shirasa Devam Kim No Mrityuh Karishyati॥14॥
Anandam Paramam Nityam Kaivalyapadakaranam।
Namami Shirasa Devam Kim No Mrityuh Karishyati॥15॥
Svargapavargadataram Srishtisthityantakarinam।
Namami Shirasa Devam Kim No Mrityuh Karishyati॥16॥
॥ Iti Shripadmapuranantargata Uttarakhande Shrimrityunjayastotram Sampurnam। ॥
Verse-by-Verse Meaning of Shiva Mrityunjaya Stotram
1 First Verse
रत्नसानुशरासनं रजताद्रिशृङ्गनिकेतनं
शिञ्जिनीकृतपन्नगेश्वरमच्युतानलसायकम्।
क्षिप्रदग्धपुरत्रयं त्रिदशालयैरभिवन्दितं
चन्द्रशेखरमाश्रये मम किं करिष्यति वै यमः॥
शिञ्जिनीकृतपन्नगेश्वरमच्युतानलसायकम्।
क्षिप्रदग्धपुरत्रयं त्रिदशालयैरभिवन्दितं
चन्द्रशेखरमाश्रये मम किं करिष्यति वै यमः॥
Word Meanings: रत्नसानुशरासनम् (Ratnasanusharasanam) = whose bow is Mount Meru studded with gems; रजताद्रिशृङ्गनिकेतनम् (Rajatadrishringaniketanam) = whose abode is the peak of the silver mountain (Kailash); शिञ्जिनीकृतपन्नगेश्वरम् (Shinjinikritapannageshvaram) = who made the king of serpents into a bowstring; अच्युतानलसायकम् (Achyutanalasayakam) = whose arrows are Vishnu and Agni; क्षिप्रदग्धपुरत्रयम् (Kshipradagdhapuratrayam) = who quickly burned the three cities; त्रिदशालयैरभिवन्दितम् (Tridashalayairabhivanditam) = saluted by the abodes of the thirty gods; चन्द्रशेखरम् (Chandrashekaram) = Chandrashekara (moon-crested); आश्रये (Ashraye) = I take refuge in; मम किं करिष्यति वै यमः (Mama kim karishyati vai Yamah) = what can Yama (death) do to me
Translation: I take refuge in Chandrashekara (Shiva), whose bow is the gem-studded Mount Meru, who dwells on the peak of silver Mount Kailash, who made Vasuki the bowstring, whose arrows were Vishnu and fire, who swiftly burned the three cities (Tripura), and who is saluted by all the gods — what indeed can Yama (death) do to me?
2 Second Verse
पञ्चपादपपुष्पगन्धिपदाम्बुजद्वयशोभितं
भाललोचनजातपावकदग्धमन्मथविग्रहम्।
भस्मदिग्धकलेवरं भवनाशिनं भवमव्ययं
चन्द्रशेखरमाश्रये मम किं करिष्यति वै यमः॥
भाललोचनजातपावकदग्धमन्मथविग्रहम्।
भस्मदिग्धकलेवरं भवनाशिनं भवमव्ययं
चन्द्रशेखरमाश्रये मम किं करिष्यति वै यमः॥
Word Meanings: पञ्चपादपपुष्पगन्धि (Panchapadapapushpagandhi) = fragrant with the flowers of five sacred trees; पदाम्बुजद्वयशोभितम् (Padambujadvayashobhitam) = adorned with two lotus feet; भाललोचनजातपावक (Bhalalochanajatapavaka) = fire born from the forehead eye; दग्धमन्मथविग्रहम् (Dagdhamanmathavigraham) = who burned the body of Kamadeva; भस्मदिग्धकलेवरम् (Bhasmadigdhakalevaram) = whose body is smeared with sacred ash; भवनाशिनम् (Bhavanashinam) = destroyer of worldly existence; भवम् (Bhavam) = existence itself; अव्ययम् (Avyayam) = imperishable
Translation: I take refuge in Chandrashekara, whose two lotus feet are fragrant with the flowers of five sacred trees, who burned Kamadeva with the fire from His forehead eye, whose body is smeared with sacred ash, who is the destroyer of worldly bondage yet is Himself imperishable — what can Yama do to me?
3 Third Verse
मत्तवारणमुख्यचर्मकृतोत्तरीयमनोहरं
पङ्कजासनपद्मलोचनपूजिताङ्घ्रिसरोरुहम्।
देवसिद्धतरङ्गिणी करसिक्तशीतजटाधरं
चन्द्रशेखरमाश्रये मम किं करिष्यति वै यमः॥
पङ्कजासनपद्मलोचनपूजिताङ्घ्रिसरोरुहम्।
देवसिद्धतरङ्गिणी करसिक्तशीतजटाधरं
चन्द्रशेखरमाश्रये मम किं करिष्यति वै यमः॥
Word Meanings: मत्तवारणमुख्यचर्म (Mattavaranamukhyacharma) = the skin of a great maddened elephant; कृतोत्तरीयम् (Kritottariyam) = made into an upper garment; मनोहरम् (Manoharam) = enchanting; पङ्कजासन (Pankajasana) = Brahma (seated on lotus); पद्मलोचन (Padmalochana) = Vishnu (lotus-eyed); पूजिताङ्घ्रिसरोरुहम् (Pujitanghrisaroruham) = whose lotus feet are worshipped; देवसिद्धतरङ्गिणी (Devasiddhatarangini) = the celestial river Ganga; करसिक्तशीतजटाधरम् (Karasiktashitajatadharam) = whose cool matted locks are sprinkled by that river's stream
Translation: I take refuge in Chandrashekara, who wears the enchanting skin of a great elephant as His upper garment, whose lotus feet are worshipped by Brahma and Vishnu, whose cool matted locks are sprinkled by the celestial river Ganga — what can Yama do to me?
4 Fourth Verse
कुण्डलीकृतकुण्डलीश्वरकुण्डलं वृषवाहनं
नारदादिमुनीश्वरस्तुतवैभवं भुवनेश्वरम्।
अन्धकान्तकमाश्रितामरपादपं शमनान्तकं
चन्द्रशेखरमाश्रये मम किं करिष्यति वै यमः॥
नारदादिमुनीश्वरस्तुतवैभवं भुवनेश्वरम्।
अन्धकान्तकमाश्रितामरपादपं शमनान्तकं
चन्द्रशेखरमाश्रये मम किं करिष्यति वै यमः॥
Word Meanings: कुण्डलीकृतकुण्डलीश्वरकुण्डलम् (Kundalikritakundalishvarakundalam) = who has made the coiled lord of serpents (Vasuki) into earrings; वृषवाहनम् (Vrishavahanam) = whose vehicle is the bull; नारदादि (Naradadi) = Narada and others; मुनीश्वरस्तुतवैभवम् (Munishvarastutavaibhavam) = whose glories are praised by great sages; भुवनेश्वरम् (Bhuvaneshvaram) = the Lord of the universe; अन्धकान्तकम् (Andhakantakam) = the slayer of the demon Andhaka; आश्रितामरपादपम् (Ashritamarapadapam) = the wish-fulfilling tree for those who seek refuge; शमनान्तकम् (Shamanantakam) = the destroyer of Yama (death)
Translation: I take refuge in Chandrashekara, who wears the coiled king of serpents as earrings, whose vehicle is the bull, whose glories are praised by Narada and other great sages, who is the Lord of the universe, the slayer of demon Andhaka, the wish-fulfilling tree for devotees, and the destroyer of Yama himself — what can Yama do to me?
5 Fifth Verse
यक्षराजसखं भगाक्षिहरं भुजङ्गविभूषणं
शैलराजसुतापरिष्कृतचारुवामकलेवरम्।
क्ष्वेडनीलगलं परश्वधधारिणं मृगधारिणं
चन्द्रशेखरमाश्रये मम किं करिष्यति वै यमः॥
शैलराजसुतापरिष्कृतचारुवामकलेवरम्।
क्ष्वेडनीलगलं परश्वधधारिणं मृगधारिणं
चन्द्रशेखरमाश्रये मम किं करिष्यति वै यमः॥
Word Meanings: यक्षराजसखम् (Yaksharajasakham) = friend of Kubera (king of Yakshas); भगाक्षिहरम् (Bhagakshiharam) = destroyer of Bhaga's eyes; भुजङ्गविभूषणम् (Bhujangavibhushanam) = adorned with serpents; शैलराजसुतापरिष्कृत (Shailarajasutaparishkrita) = adorned/beautified by the daughter of the mountain king (Parvati); चारुवामकलेवरम् (Charuvamakalevaram) = whose beautiful left body (is that of Parvati); क्ष्वेडनीलगलम् (Kshvedanilagalam) = whose throat is blue from the poison; परश्वधधारिणम् (Parashvadadharinam) = wielder of the battle-axe; मृगधारिणम् (Mrigadharinam) = holder of the deer
Translation: I take refuge in Chandrashekara, the friend of Kubera, the destroyer of Bhaga's eyes, adorned with serpents, whose beautiful left half is adorned by Parvati (the mountain king's daughter), whose throat is blue from swallowing poison, who wields the battle-axe and holds a deer — what can Yama do to me?
6 Sixth Verse
भेषजं भवरोगिणामखिलापदामपहारिणं
दक्षयज्ञविनाशिनं त्रिगुणात्मकं त्रिविलोचनम्।
भुक्तिमुक्तिफलप्रदं निखिलाघसङ्घनिबर्हणं
चन्द्रशेखरमाश्रये मम किं करिष्यति वै यमः॥
दक्षयज्ञविनाशिनं त्रिगुणात्मकं त्रिविलोचनम्।
भुक्तिमुक्तिफलप्रदं निखिलाघसङ्घनिबर्हणं
चन्द्रशेखरमाश्रये मम किं करिष्यति वै यमः॥
Word Meanings: भेषजम् (Bheshajam) = the medicine/remedy; भवरोगिणाम् (Bhavaroginam) = for those afflicted with the disease of worldly existence; अखिलापदाम् (Akhilapadam) = of all calamities; अपहारिणम् (Apaharinam) = the remover; दक्षयज्ञविनाशिनम् (Dakshayajnavinashinam) = the destroyer of Daksha's sacrifice; त्रिगुणात्मकम् (Trigun-atmakam) = embodiment of the three gunas; त्रिविलोचनम् (Trivilochanam) = the three-eyed one; भुक्तिमुक्तिफलप्रदम् (Bhuktimuktiphalapradam) = bestower of the fruits of enjoyment and liberation; निखिलाघसङ्घनिबर्हणम् (Nikhilaghasanghanibbarhanam) = destroyer of all groups of sins
Translation: I take refuge in Chandrashekara, the medicine for those suffering from the disease of worldly existence, the remover of all calamities, the destroyer of Daksha's sacrifice, the embodiment of three gunas, the three-eyed one, the bestower of both worldly enjoyment and liberation, the destroyer of all sins — what can Yama do to me?
7 Seventh Verse
भक्तवत्सलमर्चतां निधिमक्षयं हरिदम्बरं
सर्वभूतपतिं परात्परमप्रमेयमनूपमम्।
भूमिवारिनभोहुताशनसोमपालितस्वाकृतिं
चन्द्रशेखरमाश्रये मम किं करिष्यति वै यमः॥
सर्वभूतपतिं परात्परमप्रमेयमनूपमम्।
भूमिवारिनभोहुताशनसोमपालितस्वाकृतिं
चन्द्रशेखरमाश्रये मम किं करिष्यति वै यमः॥
Word Meanings: भक्तवत्सलम् (Bhaktavatsalam) = affectionate to devotees; अर्चताम् (Archatam) = of worshippers; निधिम् (Nidhim) = treasure; अक्षयम् (Akshayam) = inexhaustible; हरिदम्बरम् (Haridambaram) = sky-clad; सर्वभूतपतिम् (Sarvabhutapatim) = lord of all beings; परात्परम् (Paratparam) = supreme beyond the supreme; अप्रमेयम् (Aprameyam) = immeasurable; अनूपमम् (Anupamam) = incomparable; भूमिवारिनभोहुताशनसोम (Bhumivarinabohu-tashanasoma) = earth, water, sky, fire and moon; पालितस्वाकृतिम् (Palitasvakritim) = whose form protects/governs all these
Translation: I take refuge in Chandrashekara, who is affectionate toward devotees, the inexhaustible treasure for worshippers, who is sky-clad, the lord of all beings, supreme beyond the supreme, immeasurable, incomparable, whose form embodies and governs earth, water, sky, fire, and moon — what can Yama do to me?
8 Eighth Verse
विश्वसृष्टिविधायिनं पुनरेव पालनतत्परं
संहरन्तमथ प्रपञ्चमशेषलोकनिवासिनम्।
क्रीडयन्तमहर्निशं गणनाथयूथसमाव्रतं
चन्द्रशेखरमाश्रये मम किं करिष्यति वै यमः॥
संहरन्तमथ प्रपञ्चमशेषलोकनिवासिनम्।
क्रीडयन्तमहर्निशं गणनाथयूथसमाव्रतं
चन्द्रशेखरमाश्रये मम किं करिष्यति वै यमः॥
Word Meanings: विश्वसृष्टिविधायिनम् (Vishvasrishtividhayinam) = the architect of universal creation; पुनरेव (Punareva) = also again; पालनतत्परम् (Palanatatparam) = devoted to preservation; संहरन्तम् (Samharantam) = the one who dissolves; प्रपञ्चम् (Prapancham) = the manifest universe; अशेषलोकनिवासिनम् (Asheshalokanivasi-nam) = dwelling in all worlds without exception; क्रीडयन्तम् (Kridayantam) = playing/sporting; अहर्निशम् (Aharnisham) = day and night; गणनाथयूथसमाव्रतम् (Gananathayuthasamavritam) = surrounded by hosts of Gananatha (Ganesha) and the ganas
Translation: I take refuge in Chandrashekara, who creates the universe, who is also devoted to its preservation, who dissolves the entire manifest world, who dwells in all worlds, who sports day and night surrounded by hosts of ganas led by Gananatha — what can Yama do to me?
9 Ninth Verse
रुद्रं पशुपतिं स्थाणुं नीलकण्ठमुमापतिम्।
नमामि शिरसा देवं किं नो मृत्युः करिष्यति॥
नमामि शिरसा देवं किं नो मृत्युः करिष्यति॥
Word Meanings: रुद्रम् (Rudram) = the Howler/one who drives away misery; पशुपतिम् (Pashupatim) = Lord of all creatures; स्थाणुम् (Sthanum) = the immovable/steadfast one; नीलकण्ठम् (Nilakantham) = the blue-throated one; उमापतिम् (Umapatim) = the consort of Uma; नमामि (Namami) = I bow; शिरसा (Shirasa) = with my head; देवम् (Devam) = to the God; किं नो मृत्युः करिष्यति (Kim no mrityuh karishyati) = what can death do to us
Translation: I bow my head to Lord Rudra, the Lord of all creatures, the steadfast one, the blue-throated one, the consort of Uma — what can death do to us?
10 Tenth Verse
कालकण्ठं कलामूर्तिं कालाग्निं कालनाशनम्।
नमामि शिरसा देवं किं नो मृत्युः करिष्यति॥
नमामि शिरसा देवं किं नो मृत्युः करिष्यति॥
Word Meanings: कालकण्ठम् (Kalakantham) = the one with a dark/death-like throat; कलामूर्तिम् (Kalamurtim) = the embodiment of all arts/phases; कालाग्निम् (Kalagnim) = the fire of time/death; कालनाशनम् (Kalanashanam) = the destroyer of time/death itself; नमामि (Namami) = I bow; शिरसा (Shirasa) = with my head; देवम् (Devam) = to the God
Translation: I bow my head to the God who has a dark throat, who is the embodiment of all arts, who is the fire of time and the destroyer of time (death) itself — what can death do to us?
11 Eleventh Verse
नीलकण्ठं विरुपाक्षं निर्मलं निरूपद्रवम्।
नमामि शिरसा देवं किं नो मृत्युः करिष्यति॥
नमामि शिरसा देवं किं नो मृत्युः करिष्यति॥
Word Meanings: नीलकण्ठम् (Nilakantham) = the blue-throated one; विरुपाक्षम् (Virupaksham) = the odd-eyed one (having a third eye); निर्मलम् (Nirmalam) = the pure/spotless one; निरूपद्रवम् (Nirupadravam) = free from affliction; नमामि (Namami) = I bow; शिरसा (Shirasa) = with my head; देवम् (Devam) = to the God
Translation: I bow my head to the God who is blue-throated, who has an unusual (third) eye, who is perfectly pure, who is free from all afflictions — what can death do to us?
12 Twelfth Verse
वामदेवं महादेवं लोकनाथं जगद्गुरुम्।
नमामि शिरसा देवं किं नो मृत्युः करिष्यति॥
नमामि शिरसा देवं किं नो मृत्युः करिष्यति॥
Word Meanings: वामदेवम् (Vamadevam) = the benevolent deity/Vamadeva aspect of Shiva; महादेवम् (Mahadevam) = the great God; लोकनाथम् (Lokanatham) = the lord of all worlds; जगद्गुरुम् (Jagadgurum) = the guru (teacher) of the universe; नमामि (Namami) = I bow; शिरसा (Shirasa) = with my head; देवम् (Devam) = to the God
Translation: I bow my head to the God who is Vamadeva (the gracious one), who is the great God, the Lord of all worlds, the Guru of the entire universe — what can death do to us?
13 Thirteenth Verse
देवदेवं जगन्नाथं देवेशमृषभध्वजम्।
नमामि शिरसा देवं किं नो मृत्युः करिष्यति॥
नमामि शिरसा देवं किं नो मृत्युः करिष्यति॥
Word Meanings: देवदेवम् (Devadevam) = the God of gods; जगन्नाथम् (Jagannatham) = the Lord of the universe; देवेशम् (Devesham) = the Lord of the gods; ऋषभध्वजम् (Rishabhadhvajam) = the one whose banner bears the bull; नमामि (Namami) = I bow; शिरसा (Shirasa) = with my head; देवम् (Devam) = to the God
Translation: I bow my head to the God who is the God of gods, the Lord of the universe, the Lord of all devas, whose flag bears the bull — what can death do to us?
14 Fourteenth Verse
अनन्तमव्ययं शान्तमक्षमालाधरं हरम्।
नमामि शिरसा देवं किं नो मृत्युः करिष्यति॥
नमामि शिरसा देवं किं नो मृत्युः करिष्यति॥
Word Meanings: अनन्तम् (Anantam) = the infinite; अव्ययम् (Avyayam) = the imperishable; शान्तम् (Shantam) = the peaceful one; अक्षमालाधरम् (Akshamaladharam) = the one holding a rosary of beads; हरम् (Haram) = Hara (the remover of sins); नमामि (Namami) = I bow; शिरसा (Shirasa) = with my head; देवम् (Devam) = to the God
Translation: I bow my head to the God who is infinite, imperishable, peaceful, who holds a rosary of beads, who is Hara (the destroyer of sins) — what can death do to us?
15 Fifteenth Verse
आनन्दं परमं नित्यं कैवल्यपदकारणम्।
नमामि शिरसा देवं किं नो मृत्युः करिष्यति॥
नमामि शिरसा देवं किं नो मृत्युः करिष्यति॥
Word Meanings: आनन्दम् (Anandam) = bliss itself; परमम् (Paramam) = the supreme; नित्यम् (Nityam) = the eternal; कैवल्यपदकारणम् (Kaivalyapadakaranam) = the cause of the state of absolute liberation (Kaivalya); नमामि (Namami) = I bow; शिरसा (Shirasa) = with my head; देवम् (Devam) = to the God
Translation: I bow my head to the God who is bliss itself, who is supreme, who is eternal, who is the very cause of the state of absolute liberation (Kaivalya) — what can death do to us?
✦ Phala Shruti (Verse 16)
स्वर्गापवर्गदातारं सृष्टिस्थित्यन्तकारिणम्।
नमामि शिरसा देवं किं नो मृत्युः करिष्यति॥
नमामि शिरसा देवं किं नो मृत्युः करिष्यति॥
Word Meanings: स्वर्गापवर्गदातारम् (Svargapavargadataram) = the bestower of heaven and final liberation; सृष्टिस्थित्यन्तकारिणम् (Srishtisthityantakarinam) = the one who performs creation, preservation, and dissolution; नमामि (Namami) = I bow; शिरसा (Shirasa) = with my head; देवम् (Devam) = to the God; किं नो मृत्युः करिष्यति (Kim no mrityuh karishyati) = what can death do to us
Translation: I bow my head to the God who bestows both heaven and final liberation, who is the performer of creation, preservation, and dissolution — what can death do to us?
Spiritual Benefits of Reciting Shiva Mrityunjaya Stotram
Spiritual Growth
- Divine Grace: Attracts the special blessings and protection of Lord Shiva
- Inner Peace: Brings tranquility and contentment to the mind
- Positive Energy: Develops an attitude of gratitude and spiritual awareness
- Spiritual Progress: Enhances devotion and deepens spiritual understanding
Material and Worldly Benefits
- Obstacle Removal: Clears impediments from the path of progress
- Success: Enhances success in academic, professional, and personal endeavors
- Protection: Provides divine protection from negative forces and energies
- Family Harmony: Promotes peace and understanding among family members
Health and Well-being
- Mental Clarity: Enhances focus, concentration, and decision-making
- Stress Relief: Reduces anxiety and promotes emotional balance
- Physical Vitality: Supports overall health and well-being
- Karmic Purification: Helps dissolve accumulated negative karma
How to Chant Shiva Mrityunjaya Stotram: Complete Guide
Preparation for Chanting
- Personal Cleanliness: Take a bath and wear clean clothes
- Sacred Space: Sit in a clean, quiet place facing east or north
- Deity Image: Place an image or idol of Lord Shiva before you
- Light a Lamp: Light a ghee or sesame oil lamp for auspiciousness
- Mental Preparation: Calm the mind with a few minutes of deep breathing
Step-by-Step Chanting Process
- Invocation: Begin with a brief prayer to Lord Shiva
- Sankalpa: State your intention (spiritual growth, protection, or specific purpose)
- Recitation: Chant the stotram with clear pronunciation and devotional feeling
- Meditation: After chanting, sit quietly and meditate on the deity's form
- Prayer: Offer your heartfelt prayers and express gratitude
Important Guidelines
- Maintain regularity — daily practice yields the best results
- Chant with genuine devotion rather than mere mechanical repetition
- Try to understand the meaning of the verses for deeper spiritual impact
- Maintain a vegetarian diet on days of special devotion
- Share the merit of your practice by praying for the welfare of all beings
Best Times to Recite Shiva Mrityunjaya Stotram
Daily Practice
- Early Morning: Brahma Muhurta (4:00 - 6:00 AM) for maximum spiritual benefit
- Evening: During sunset (Sandhya Kaal) for divine blessings
- Before Sleep: For peaceful rest and divine protection through the night
Special Occasions
- Festival Days: During festivals associated with Lord Shiva
- Ekadashi: Auspicious for spiritual practices and vrat observances
- Purnima (Full Moon): Enhanced spiritual energy for meditation and chanting
- Amavasya (New Moon): For removal of negative influences and karmic cleansing
Frequently Asked Questions about Mrityunjaya Stotram
What is the Mrityunjaya Stotram?
The Mrityunjaya Stotram (मृत्युञ्जय स्तोत्रम्) is a powerful hymn dedicated to Lord Shiva as Mrityunjaya — the Conqueror of Death. Composed by Sage Markandeya, this 16-verse stotram invokes Shiva's grace for protection from untimely death, severe illness, and all forms of danger. It is one of the most potent healing and life-protecting hymns in the Hindu tradition.
Who composed the Mrityunjaya Stotram and what is its story?
The Mrityunjaya Stotram is attributed to Sage Markandeya, the legendary devotee of Lord Shiva who was destined to die at age 16. When Yama (the god of death) came for him, young Markandeya clung to the Shiva Linga in devotion. Lord Shiva appeared and defeated Yama, granting Markandeya eternal youth. This stotram emerged from Markandeya's profound experience of Shiva as the Conqueror of Death.
When is the best time to chant the Mrityunjaya Stotram?
It is most effective during Brahma Muhurta, on Mondays, during Maha Shivaratri, and on the Trayodashi Tithi (associated with Mrityunjaya worship). It is especially recommended during illness, health crises, or when facing dangers. Chanting it during eclipses and on Markandeya Jayanti is considered extremely auspicious. The stotram can also be part of Mrityunjaya Japa with a Rudraksha mala.
What are the healing benefits of the Mrityunjaya Stotram?
The Mrityunjaya Stotram is revered for its powerful healing vibrations. It is believed to protect from untimely death, cure severe illnesses, ward off negative energies, and bestow longevity. Beyond physical healing, it removes fear of death, grants mental peace, purifies karma, and invokes Shiva's compassionate protection. Many practitioners chant it during Ayurvedic treatments for enhanced healing.
How is the Mrityunjaya Stotram different from the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra?
The Mahamrityunjaya Mantra is a single Vedic verse (Rigveda 7.59.12) — 'Om Tryambakam Yajamahe...' — while the Mrityunjaya Stotram is a longer 16-verse hymn that elaborates extensively on Shiva's Mrityunjaya (death-conquering) aspect. The mantra is for concentrated japa, while the stotram provides a fuller devotional experience. Both invoke Shiva's protection from death, but the stotram offers more detailed meditation on His various forms and attributes.