2-ॐ त्र्यम्बकं यजामहे सुगन्धिं पुष्टिवर्धनम्। उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनान्मृत्योर्मुक्षीय मामृतात्॥ We worship the three-eyed One, who is fragrant and nourishes all beings. May He liberate us from the bondage of death, like a ripe cucumber separates from the vine.

3-This is the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra, one of the most powerful mantras in the Vedas. Also known as the Rudra Mantra or Tryambakam Mantra, it is found in the Rigveda and Yajurveda.

4-The mantra was first revealed to Maharshi Markandeya by Lord Shiva Himself. It granted him protection from untimely death and the gift of immortality. Markandeya is the only known Rishi to have defeated death with devotion.

5-The second tradition links this mantra to Shukracharya, the guru of the Asuras. Lord Shiva taught him the mantra as part of Sanjeevani Vidya-the secret of reviving the dead. This made Shukracharya a master of resurrection.