A jaap is a long, careful recitation, and most families are not sure how to plan it: how many pandits, how many days, what to arrange. A Vedic Rituals pandit team leads the ritual and the count, so you can sit with your family and take part.
Why it is done
The Maha Mritunjaya mantra is a well-known Vedic prayer to Shiva, and a jaap is its repeated recitation, often with pooja and havan. Families choose it at times such as an illness in the family, a milestone birthday or when they want a Shiva-focused observance. It is a prayer and observance, not a medical treatment or a promised outcome.
Who it is for
Families who want to do a mantra jaap for a family member's wellbeing; people observing a milestone birthday or Shravan; households who follow Shiva as their ishta devata.
When to do it
Many families choose a Monday, Shravan, Maha Shivratri or a date from the panchang or their astrologer. Your pandit can suggest muhurat options for your date and city. If your family has its own custom, that takes priority.
Choose your ceremony
About 2 hours for the standard ceremony; the extended format is a long, multi-pandit ritual of about 35 hours of recitation, usually spread over several days.
- Standard: The standard ceremony with 19 steps led by one pandit: invocations, pooja, a set of mantra recitations, havan and closing prayers. A good fit for a shorter jaap at home.
- Extended: The extended format with 26 steps, led by a team of 7 pandits over about 35 hours in total: the standard sequence with a much longer recitation. Suits a family that wants a large-format jaap, and the schedule is agreed in advance.
If you want a prayer in a single sitting, choose the standard. If your family or astrologer has asked for a large, multi-day recitation, choose the extended and confirm the schedule with us.
Choose 'With samagri' and the pandit brings the ritual items. Choose 'Own samagri' if you already have them or prefer to buy them yourself. The extended format needs a larger set of items, so confirm the list with your pandit.
Video option
A live video version may be possible for Maha Mritunjaya Jaap, but because the format is long or large it needs confirming with us before you book. If it goes ahead, the family arranges the samagri and a helper at home makes things easier.
The sequence
- Purification and lamp lighting to begin
- Punyahavachan and auspicious invocations
- Sankalp with your family's details
- Ganesh and Gauri pooja
- Kalash pooja
- Shiva pooja, sometimes with abhishek
- Mantra recitation by the pandit or pandits
- Havan, if your family's tradition includes it
- Aarti, pushpanjali and prasad
How to prepare
- Agree with your pandit the schedule and mantra count that suits your family
- Keep a clean, quiet space where the pandits can sit for a long time
- Keep a Shivling or Shiva picture, bilva leaves, flowers and the items for abhishek, as your family uses them
- Keep a fire-safe spot ready if there is a havan, with ventilation and water nearby
- Plan food, water and rest for the pandits in the extended format
- Decide in advance whether you will use pandit-supplied samagri or arrange items yourself
Who should attend
The person or family the jaap is performed for, with the head of the household. Others can sit in for parts of the recitation and for the aarti; families decide this for themselves.
Your tradition
The mantra count, the format of the recitation and the accompanying rituals differ across traditions. Many families do a count such as 108 or in sets of thousands. Tell us your tradition and any astrologer's instructions when booking.
Safety
Havan involves an open flame. Use a stable heat-safe surface, keep the space ventilated, keep water nearby, and keep flames away from curtains, children and pets. In the long format, plan rest and water for those sitting.
Questions
How long should I plan for? About 2 hours for the standard ceremony. The extended format is about 35 hours of recitation in total and is usually spread over several days; the schedule is agreed when you book.
Is the jaap a medical remedy? No. It is a prayer and observance. For health matters, please consult a doctor.
How many times is the mantra recited? It depends on the format and your family's custom. Share your preferred count when you book and the pandit will confirm what is possible.
Can we do the extended format on video? It may be possible but needs confirming with us before booking.
What if our family follows a different custom? Your family's custom takes priority. Share it when you book.