In Hinduism, Lord Shiva is considered the God of destruction and transformation, presiding over life and death. He guides souls to liberation (moksha) and is worshipped as the protector of departed souls. Offering prayers to Shiva for the deceased is a significant part of Hindu funeral and post-funeral rituals. One of the most important Shiva mantras for the dead is the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra, which is believed to free the soul from the cycle of rebirth and help attain liberation.
Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra
The Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra is a powerful Shiva mantra chanted for the dead. It is also known as the "Death Conquering Mantra" and is believed to protect against the fear of death and ensure spiritual liberation.
Here is the mantra:
ॐ त्र्यम्बकं यजामहे सुगन्धिं पुष्टिवर्धनम् |
उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनान्मृत्योर्मुक्षीय मामृतात् ||
Transliteration:
Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam,
Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritat.
Translation:
We Meditate on the Three-Eyed One (Shiva),
Who permeates and nourishes all like a fragrant essence,
May He free us from the bondage of worldly attachments and the fear of death,
And lead us to immortality.
Number of Times to Chant the Mantra
Traditionally, the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra is chanted:
- 108 times for regular prayers.
- 1,008 times during special rites or rituals for the dead.
However, during funeral rites or prayers for a deceased person, chanting it at least 11 or 21 times is considered auspicious.
How to Chant the Mantra
- Purify yourself: Take a bath and wear clean clothes.
- Choose a sacred space: Sit in a clean and peaceful place, preferably in front of a Shiva Lingam or a picture of Lord Shiva.
- Use a Rudraksha mala: Chant the mantra using a mala of 108 Rudraksha beads (Rudraksha is sacred to Shiva).
- Chant with devotion: The mantra should be chanted with full faith, sincerity, and mental concentration. Recite it slowly, focusing on each word and its meaning.
- Visualize Lord Shiva: While chanting, try to focus on the form of Lord Shiva and mentally offer prayers for the deceased person, asking for their soul's liberation.
Special Offerings to Shiva for the Dead
- Water (Abhishekam): Pouring water over a Shiva Lingam is symbolic of purifying and freeing the soul. Offer pure water, milk, and honey in Abhishekam.
- Bel Patra (Bilva leaves): Offering Bilva leaves to Lord Shiva is considered highly auspicious. It is believed to calm Shiva and help the soul find peace.
- White flowers: Offering white flowers symbolizes peace and purity, aiding the soul's journey to liberation.
- Lamp (Deepam): Light an oil lamp (preferably sesame oil) and place it near the Shiva Lingam or the image of Shiva.
- Dhoop and incense: Offering incense to create a pure, divine atmosphere.
- Simple Food Offering: You can offer simple food, like fruits, milk, or rice, as prasad.
Simple Puja for the Dead
Here is a simple puja (ritual) for offering prayers to Lord Shiva for the dead:
- Clean the area where the puja will be performed.
- Place a Shiva Lingam or a picture of Lord Shiva on a clean cloth or altar.
- Light a lamp and incense in front of the deity.
- Offer water or milk as Abhishekam on the Shiva Lingam (if available).
- Place Bilva leaves on the Lingam or in front of the image of Shiva.
- Chant the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra 11 or 21 times while meditating on the deceased person’s peaceful journey to the afterlife.
- After chanting, offer fruits or simple prasad to Lord Shiva.
- Pray for the liberation of the soul of the deceased person, asking for peace and moksha (spiritual liberation).
Benefits of Chanting Shiva Prayers for the Dead
- Soul’s Peace and Liberation: The Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra is known for helping the soul of the deceased find peace and attain moksha, releasing them from the cycle of rebirth.
- Overcoming Fear of Death: It helps those praying overcome their own fear of death and helps them accept the transition of life and death as part of the cosmic cycle.
- Healing: Chanting this mantra can heal emotional pain associated with the loss of a loved one and bring mental peace to the grieving family.
- Spiritual Growth: The mantra deepens the practitioner’s connection with Shiva and promotes spiritual growth.
Other Deities to Worship for the Dead
While Lord Shiva is the primary deity worshipped in relation to death and moksha, several other deities are also invoked in Hindu funeral rites:
- Yama – The God of Death: Prayers to Yama are offered to guide the soul safely to the afterlife.
- Vishnu – The Preserver: Worshipping Vishnu, especially in his form as Satyanarayana or Narayana, is common, as he is believed to help the soul attain moksha.
- Ganga – The River Goddess: Immersing the ashes of the deceased in the sacred Ganga River or praying to Goddess Ganga is said to purify the soul and lead to liberation.
- Gayatri – The Mother of the Vedas: Chanting the Gayatri mantra is also considered powerful for the peaceful transition of the soul.
Prayers to Lord Shiva, especially the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra, play a vital role in helping the deceased attain peace and moksha. Through sincere chanting, offerings, and simple puja, we can ease the soul’s journey in the afterlife and promote our spiritual growth. Invoking Shiva’s blessings brings solace to the family and peace to the departed, while worshipping associated deities like Vishnu, Yama, and Ganga further supports the soul's liberation.