Lyrics (Devanagari)
ॐ त्र्यम्बकं यजामहे सुगन्धिं पुष्टिवर्धनम्। उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनान् मृत्योर्मुक्षीय माऽमृतात्॥
Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam, Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya Ma'mritat.
Meaning
We worship the three-eyed Lord Shiva who is fragrant and nourishes all beings; may he liberate us from death, like a ripe cucumber freed from its bondage to the vine, but not from immortality (i.e., liberate us into immortality, not away from it). From the Rigveda (7.59.12) and also found in the Yajurveda, this mantra is dedicated to Shiva as Tryambaka ("three-eyed one").
When & Why It Is Recited
Chanted for healing, longevity and overcoming fear of death — traditionally recited for the seriously ill, and as a protective chant 108 times daily, particularly powerful during Maha Shivaratri and Mondays.