When to perform a Mrityunjaya japa homa (havan) ?

The Background :

Every living being is, in essence, eternal. From the moment a child is born until the body bends with old age, the physical body undergoes a continuous process of wear and decay. Eventually, a time comes when the body is no longer capable of sustaining life. At that moment, the soul discards the body and continues its journey. This is the natural order of existence and cannot be prevented.

The Mahamrityunjaya Mantra is not meant to stop this final, destined departure. When death occurs according to one's karmic blueprint and at the appointed time, it is known as Kāla Maraṇa which is death that arrives as ordained by destiny. Such a death is the fulfilment of one's karmic script and cannot be altered by any mantra or spiritual remedy.

However, Vedic Astrology also recognises another form of death known as Akāla Maraṇa, which means an untimely or premature death. This type of death is not part of the original karmic script. An easy way to understand this is to imagine an actor in a film. The actor is expected to remain in the story until the final scene. But if the actor unexpectedly quits the production halfway through, the director is forced to rewrite the script to accommodate the sudden absence. Likewise, Akāla Maraṇa represents a premature interruption in the natural course of life.

The Mahamrityunjaya Mantra is prescribed specifically to ward off such untimely death. Maharishi Parāśara has clearly indicated in the Brihat Parāśara Horā Śāstra the planetary combinations and periods during which such dangers may arise. Akāla Maraṇa is not an inevitable event; rather, it is a possibility that may manifest if left unchecked. Through sincere chanting of the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra, accompanied by unwavering faith and the grace of Lord Shiva, this danger may be overcome, allowing the individual to continue the journey of life.

Importance of Human Life

Human life is regarded as sacred and invaluable because each of us is born with a unique purpose to fulfill. We are not meant to abandon life's journey before our allotted work is complete. This is why the Garuda Purana strongly condemns suicide, describing it as one of the gravest actions a person can commit. The ideal expressed in the Vedic tradition is to live a full life of one hundred years, enabling us to accomplish the purpose for which we have taken birth.

It is for this very reason that we seek protection from Akāla Maraṇa—an untimely or premature death. The Mahamrityunjaya Mantra occupies a place of profound importance in the Hindu tradition because it is believed to protect against such premature endings when destiny permits intervention. Owing to its spiritual power and significance, it is revered as second only to the Gayatri Mantra.

Students of Vedic astrology should refer to Volume 2 of the Brihat Parāśara Horā Śāstra and study the chapter dealing with their current Antardaśā, the sub-period operating within a Mahādaśā. If Maharishi Parāśara recommends the performance of Mrityunjaya Japa, Mrityunjaya Homa (Havan), or the chanting of the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra during a particular planetary period, those instructions should be followed with sincerity. Whenever possible, the Homa should be performed on the weekday ruled by the planet involved. For example, if Saturn is the relevant planet, the Homa should ideally be conducted on a Saturday.

Once Vedic astrological analysis indicates the possibility of an untimely death, practical wisdom must accompany spiritual remedies. While one should place faith in God and perform the prescribed mantras and rituals, one must also exercise greater caution in everyday life. Avoid reckless driving, especially on highways, stay away from places known for accidents, and temporarily give up dangerous activities such as high-speed racing or extreme sports that carry a greater risk of fatal injury. Avoid any activity that may increase the possibility of danger to life like intoxicating substances.

During such Maraka periods, it is also advisable to avoid non-vegetarian food. If you are praying for the extension of your own life, it is spiritually inconsistent to seek the taking of another creature's life. The important principle is that you should not become the cause of an animal's death by ordering or desiring its slaughter. If food is served to you without your request and no suitable alternative is available, you may consume it without guilt. This might happen if you are monk who begs for food. This idea was promoted by The Buddha. However, consciously cultivating the desire for non-vegetarian food should be avoided during these sensitive periods.

Instead, perform acts that protect and preserve life. Release birds, fish, or animals kept in captivity whenever possible. Avoid keeping birds in cages or fish confined in small aquariums merely for entertainment. Rescue an animal that is about to be slaughtered if circumstances permit. Donate a farm animal to a learned Brahmin priest or to a genuinely pious and saintly person who will care for it with compassion. Once you understand the spiritual principle behind these remedies, you may adapt them according to the society and environment in which you live.

Let live, and you shall live

People often say, "Live and let live." I would go one step further and say, "Let live, and you shall live." By becoming a protector of life, you create positive karmic vibrations around yourself. Compassion attracts divine grace, and the subtle cosmic forces generated through selfless acts of kindness become a source of protection.

The final, destined departure from this world cannot be prevented. Kāla Maraṇa is part of the soul's karmic journey. However, Akāla Maraṇa—death that comes before its destined time—can often be averted through righteous living, sincere spiritual practice, the grace of Lord Shiva, and the appropriate remedies prescribed in Vedic astrology. When destiny allows room for intervention, right action becomes the bridge between danger and continued life.

The most important mantras in the Hindu tradition are Gayatri Mantra and Mrityunjaya Mantra. In Bhagavad Gita Sri Krishna says the most powerful mantra is Gayatri. Strangely Maharishi Parasara in his book Brihat Parasara Hora Sastra never mentioned Gayatri Mantra as a remedy for the well being of a person or to save a person from the effects of a bad period as per Karma. However Maharishi Parasara has mentioned Mrityunjaya Mantra countless time as a remedy in Volume 2 in connection to Maraka or Marakesh period. In this article we will be discussing this.

The Mahamrityunjaya Mantra also referred as Mrityunjaya Mantra is dedicated to Lord Shiva (specifically His form as Tryambaka). That's the reason why the Mantra start with the word "Trayambakam". Mahamrityunjaya Mantra is also known as the Rudra Mantra or Tryambakam Mantra. The literal meaning of the word "Mrityunjaya" translates to "conquering of death". The mantra is a powerful prayer for healing, protection, fear of death, and eventually liberation from the cycle of rebirth.

Before the actual fire ritual starts, the temple priests along with the person who needs the Homa (Havan) does the chanting of the Mantra several times may be a 108 times or a prescribed number according to the Astrologer or an expert. It is then the fire ritual starts. The fire seems to bind the Mantra and carry it to the divine plane. Fire is always considered sacred and has the nature of God. Sun is a God for us as it represents the Fire energy.

The entire fire ritual revolves around the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra from the Rigveda.

ॐ त्र्यम्बकं यजामहे सुगन्धिं पुष्टिवर्धनम्।

उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनान्मृत्योर्मुक्षीय मामृतात्॥

Oṃ tryambakaṃ yajāmahe sugandhiṃ puṣṭi-vardhanam |

urvārukam iva bandhanān mṛtyor mukṣīya māmṛtāt ||

“Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushti-Vardhanam Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritat”. This translates to a prayer asking the three-eyed Lord Shiva to liberate the devotee from the cycle of death and decay, just as a ripe cucumber effortlessly detaches from its vine. The term Tryambakam may have several meanings, the Trident of Lord Shiva for example. The 3 represents the Trinity, Brahma, Shiva and Vishnu". The 3 represents the Past, Present and the Future. May also represent your father, yourself and your son (child). The 3 relates to Jupiter or Shiva.

For the sick and unhealthy person approaching the final stages this Mantra is the last resort when Doctors give up. The following 2 words in the Mantra is self revealing. It is a prayer to Lord Shiva make the human body come back to its youthful stage when vitality and good health is restored.

Sugandhim : The fragrant one; sweet-smelling

Pushti-vardhanam : The bestower of nourishment and vitality.

It is a prayer to Lord Shiva to give "me back my health, give me back my vitality, give me back the fragrance of good health".

The Astrology connection with Mrityunjaya Japa Homa and Mantra.

Maharishi Parasara in his book Brihat Parasara Hora Sastra (BPHS) says that whenever the Dasha of the lord of the 2nd house or the 7th house begins there is the need for performing a Mrityunjaya Japa Homa (Havan). Similarly whenever the sub period also known as Antar-Dasha or Bhukti of the lord of the 2nd house or the 7th house begins the same remedy is recommended throughout this foundation book of Vedic Astrology.

This life saving powerful homa (havan) is to do be done on the weekday that is associated with the planet that is causing the dosha. For example if the Astrologer finds out that one is going through a Saturn Dasha or Antardasha and if Saturn is the lord of 2nd house or 7th house then the following is always to be expected as per prarabdha karma.

Stress level may reach the peak.
the possibility of serious health problems including freak accidents and injury.
death like suffering or a you feel life is not worth living.
the suffering is experienced all through the day and starts as soon as you wake up.
the possibility of Apamrityu (BPHS).

Apamrityu translates to untimely, premature, or unnatural death, it refers specifically to death caused by sudden accidents, violence, or catastrophes, an unexpected heart attack that takes away life, the onset of cancer and all terminal diseases rather than passing away naturally from old age or illness. Human beings will have to die one day or the other. This is normal. The word Apamrityu refers to abnormal or untimely death.

During the dasha or antar-dasha of such a planet there is always the possibility of very high stress in life, sometimes risk to life, accidents and surgery etc. A doctor should help reduce the stress using safe medicines. During such times, a religious and spiritual lifestyle should be adopted. In face change your lifestyle is the best solution in times like this. It is better to give up enjoyments and go in for philanthropic activities, help people, take care of old age people, take care of aging parents, join a spiritual ashram and practice meditation and higher level of medication. Mrityunjaya Homa and Mantra protects the person from the expected harm from becoming a reality.

Exceptions to the rule :

Please note that while the 2nd house and the 7th house lords are always considered Maraka Grahas (Markesh) there are other conditions for determining which planet may become a Maraka for the person. There are special instruction found in BPHS Volume 1.

Another method is whenever the stress level is extremely high, whenever the person is sick, unhealthy, is in danger, there is a risk in losing life this Homa or Havan can be done without the above conditions being fulfilled.

What is your Ascendant (in your horoscope)?

If Aries (Mesha) then Venus is a maraka graha because Venus is the lord of the 2nd house or the 7th house. Sometimes Saturn also.

If Taurus (Vrishaba) then Mars and Jupiter, Mercury may be Maraka in case some conditions are satisfied.

If Gemini (Mithuna) then Moon and Jupiter.

If Cancer (Karakataka) then Sun and Saturn are Markesh, Saturn is a more powerful Maraka Graha.

If Leo (Simha) then Saturn and Mercury by definition are Marakesh. Moon is a special Maraka Graha (BPHS)

if Virgo (Kanya) then Venus and Jupiter by definition are Marakesh. Sun may also be a Marakesh.

if Libra (Thula) then Mars is the 2nd lord and the 7th house therefore is a Maraka Graha. BPHS says Jupiter also appears to be a Markesh. (Marakalakshanam)

if Scorpio (Vrischika) then Venus is a Maraka. Jupiter though owning the 2nd house is not a maraka graha because he a functional malefic.

if Sagittarius (Dhanus) then Saturn and Venus are Maraka Grahas.

if Capricorn (Makara) then Mars and Saturn are Maraka Grahas.

if Aquarius (Kumbha) then Jupiter, Sun are Maraka Grahas. BPHS includes Mars as a Maraka graha.

if Pisces (Meena) then Saturn and Mercury are Maraka Grahas. Mercury is lord of 7th.

Special rules for Rahu and Ketu as Maraka Grahas.

If you are born in Makara Lagna, Rahu is a qualified Maraka graha.

If you are born in Simha Lagna, Rahu is a Maraka Graha.

If you are born in Thula Lagna, Ketu is a Maraka Graha.

If you are born in Vrishabha Lagna, then Ketu is a Maraka Graha.

How to select the weekday to perform Mriyunjaya Japa Homa?

If Sun is the Markesh then perform the Homa on a Sunday. If Moon then Monday, If Mars, then Tuesday, Mercury then Wednesday, if the Maraka graha is Jupiter do it on Thursday, if Venus then Friday, if Saturn then Saturday. For Rahu the best day is Saturday and for Ketu the best day is Tuesday.

Sometimes your favourite temple priests may choose a better day based on some other important criteria like Tara Bala, Chandra Bala etc. Doing the Havan is important more than anything else. However there must be some logic for selecting the date of the Homa.

We all know that effort is supreme. You need to take some effort to fight with your bad karma from past lives. Prayer is an effort, Homa is an effort, donation is an effort, your hard work is an effort. Click on the following link to know to about the role of effort.

https://www.astrologyekdk.com/blog/karma-and-effort

YouTube video on this topic:

I have done a YouTube Video that answers many questions regarding Mrityunjaya Japa Homa. Please share this youtube video to all those who may benefit from such information. Make sure you go through the comments beneath the YouTube video. You may learn a lot from the comments.

On a Saturday after doing Mrityunjaya Homa in "Sri Ayyappa Prarthana Mandir" in Egmore, Chennai, India, I came back to my office without wiping off the black tilak from the havan I did the following video sitting in my consultation room (where I meet all my clients who books an in-person consultation with me) and immediately uploaded it to YouTube. I wanted to share this knowledge that I received from Maharishi Parasara with others who may be going through a Maraka Dasha or Maraka Antardasha. If you find any person going through one please forward this YouTube without fail.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/9uSzVua4s6Jpjdy16?g_st=ic click here to know where the Sri Ayyappa Prarthana Mandir, Egmore, Chennai is.

Guruji E K Dhilip Kumar

Email : ekdhilipkumar@gmail.com

When to perform a Mrityunjaya japa homa (havan) ?