This mantra is so called because, when chanted sincerely with reflection on its meaning, it can convey realisation of our Essential Nature which is beyond birth and death. Just as the ripe cucumber is automatically released from its attachment to the creeper, may we be liberated from (total identification with) death (our mortal body and personality) and be granted (realisation of )our immortality nature''
"Let us worship Shiva (the three eyed), who is sacred (fragrant) and who nourishes all beings. In the Vedas it finds its place in three texts - (a) the Rig veda VII.59.12, (b) the Yajur Veda III.60, and (c) the Atharva Veda XIV.1.17. Its Devata is Rudra or Lord Shiva in his fiercest and most destructive roopa or aspect. It is also called the Rudra mantra, referring to the furious aspect of Lord Shiva the Tryambakam mantra, alluding to Shiva's three eyes and it is sometimes known as the Mrita-Sanjivini mantra because it is a component of the "life-restoring" practice given to the primordial sage Sukracharya after he had completed an exhausting period of austerity. This is how this mantra became known which according to another version is the Bija mantra as revealed to Rishi Kahola that was given by Lord Shiva to sage Sukracharya who taught it to Rishi Dadicha who gave it to King Kshuva through whom it reached the Shiva Purana.
Rishi Markandeya gave the Mahamritryunjaya Mantra to Sati, Daksha's daughter, for the Moon. The Moon was once in trouble, cursed by King Daksha. It was a secret mantra, and Rishi Markandeya was the only one in the world who knew this mantra. The Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra was found by Rishi Markandeya.