📜 Significance:
Mahamrityunjay Jaap/Havan is one of the most potent spiritual practices dedicated to Lord Shiva, invoking his powerful mantra — the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra — known as the “Death Conquering” chant. This ritual is performed to seek protection from untimely death, serious illnesses, and to promote healing, longevity, and spiritual upliftment. In Maharashtra, it is widely conducted during times of health crises, life transitions, or on auspicious occasions to invoke Shiva’s blessings for overall well-being and liberation from fear and suffering.

🗓️ When It’s Performed:

  • On Maha Shivaratri, Pradosh Vrat, or Shiva-related festivals
  • During personal or family health challenges or after recovery
  • On auspicious days recommended by the family Panditji or astrologer
  • Can be performed any time for protection and healing

🛐 Who Can Perform:

  • Individuals or families seeking health, protection, and spiritual strength
  • Performed by a learned Panditji with family participation
  • Can be performed at home or in temples with proper setup

📦 Puja Samagri (Items Required):

  • Kalash with holy water, mango leaves, and coconut
  • Samagri for havan: ghee, dried wood sticks (samidha), herbs, sesame seeds, camphor
  • Haldi (turmeric), kumkum, sandalwood paste
  • Flowers and garlands
  • Diya (oil lamp), agarbatti (incense sticks)
  • Fruits, sweets, betel leaves, and nuts for offerings
  • Cow dung cakes for the havan fire
  • Sacred thread (yajnopavita) if applicable

🕯️ Main Rituals:

  1. Sankalpa (formal vow) to perform the ritual for health and protection
  2. Kalash sthapana and invocation of Lord Shiva with mantras
  3. Lighting the sacred fire (havan) and offering samidha with chanting of the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra
  4. Continuous chanting (jaap) of the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra, often 108 or 1008 times
  5. Offering of ghee, herbs, and other samagri into the fire while chanting
  6. Concluding with aarti and distribution of prasadam

⏳ Duration:
Typically 2 to 3 hours depending on the number of mantra repetitions and havan details

🎁 Benefits of Mahamrityunjay Jaap/Havan:

  • Provides protection from accidents, untimely death, and serious illnesses
  • Promotes physical and mental healing and longevity
  • Removes fears, negative energies, and karmic obstacles
  • Enhances spiritual growth and inner strength
  • Brings peace, calmness, and divine blessings of Lord Shiva