Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra

The Rudra Mantra or Mahamrityunjaya Mantra (Sanskrit: mahāmṛtyuṃjaya mantra or mahāmṛtyuñjaya mantra, lit. "Great Death-conquering Mantra"), also known as the Tryambakam Mantra, is a verse (sūkta) of the Rigveda (RV 7.59.12). The sūkta is addressed to Tryambaka, "The Three-eyed One", an epithet of Rudra. It is identified with Shiva in Shaivism. The verse also recurs in the Yajurveda.
According to a legend, Markandeya was the only one on the earth who knew this mantra. The Moon was once in trouble, when cursed by King Daksha. Markandeya gave the Mahamritryunjaya Mantra to Sati, Daksha's daughter, for the Moon. According to another version this is the Bija mantra as revealed to Rishi Kahola that was given by Lord Shiva to sage Sukracharya, who taught it to Rishi Dadhichi, who gave it to King Kshuva, through whom it reached the Shiva Purana.[6]
This mantra is also called the Rudra mantra, referring to the furious aspect of Shiva; the Tryambakam mantra, alluding to Shiva's three eyes; and it is sometimes known as the Mrita-Sanjivini mantra (lit., "Reviver of the dead") because it is a component of the "life-restoring" practice given to the primordial sage Sukracharya after he had completed an exhausting period of austerity.. Its Devata (patron deity) is Rudra, i.e., Shiva in his fiercest and most destructive roopa or aspect. In the Vedas it finds its place in three texts - (a) the Rig veda VII.59.12, (b) the Yajur Veda III.60, and (c) the Atharva Veda XIV.1.17.
It is said to be beneficial for mental, emotional and physical health and to be a moksha mantra which bestows longevity and immortality.
According to some puranas, the Maha mrityunjaya Mantra has been used by many rishis as well as Sati during the time when Chandra suffered from the curse of Prajapati Daksha. By reciting this mantra, the effect of the curse of Daksha, which could make him die, slowed, and Shiva then took Chandra and placed it upon his head.
This mantra is addressed to Shiva for warding off untimely death. It is also chanted while smearing Vibhuti over various parts of the Body and utilised in Japa or Homa (havan) to get desired results. While its energy protects and guides the initiates a mantra re-links consciousness to its deeper and more abiding nature and repetition of the mantra constitutes Japa, the practice of which develops concentration that leads to a transformation of awareness. Whereas the Gayatri Mantra is meant for purification and spiritual guidance, the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra is meant for healing rejuvenation and nurturance.