How The Moon Came To Adorn Shiva's Head

How The Moon Came To Adorn Shiva's Head


According to ancient scriptures, the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra has been used by many to overcome imminent death. One such story is of Chandra, the moon God, who had annoyed his father-in-law, Prajapati Daksha, who, in turn, cursed him that each day, his lustre would wane and eventually he would disappear forever. A terrified Chandra did not know what to do. Rishi Markandeya then disclosed the Mrityunjaya Stotra to Chandra and asked him to visit Shiva and chant it in his presence. When Chandra reached Shiva's abode, he found him in deep meditation. However, hearing the mantra, Shiva opened his eyes, and without speaking a word, placed Chandra on his forehead. Instantly, the moon began to wax once again, thus showing the power of the mantra as well as Shiva. 


Adding Value To Vibhuti


The Mrityunjaya Stotra is also chanted while smearing vibhuti on our forehead or body during japa or chanting and homa or havan to get desired results. Repetitive chanting of the mantra develops concentration and naturally, to a transformation in awareness, leading to healing, rejuvenation and nurturing.

Let's Revisit The Mantra


Let us understand the mantra word by word, to derive its full meaning and power: ॐ or Om is the sacred, mystical syllable त्र्यम्बकम् or tryambakam means the three-eyed one, or Shiva यजामहे or Yajamahe means we worship and adore सुगन्धिम् or Sugandhim means the fragrant पुष्टि or Puṣṭi means a well-nourished, thriving, prosperous and complete way of living, वर्धनम् or Vardhanam means the one who nourishes and strengthens, the one who gladdens, exhilarates and restores health; in other words, a good gardener उर्वारुकमिव or urvarukamiva is a conjunction of urva or huge and arukam or disease. बन्धनान् or bandhanan means release from captivity मृत्योर्मुक्षीय or mṛtyormukṣiya means liberation from death मामृतात or mamṛtat means a request for the gift of immortality.

Mahadev


No, wonder, Shiva is not merely a God, but the third in the Holy Trinity, comprising the Super-Gods. No wonder, he is also known by the name Mahadev...