Mrityunjaya Homa is meant to appease Lord Shiva and is performed to attain victory over mrityu (death). Twenty-one mantras are chanted during this homa. The main offerings in the homa are Durva grass (famous for purifying blood) and an herb called Amrita (medicine for diseases like cancer). Materials used for the homa are chamatha twigs, peraal twigs, sesame, karuka leaves, cow’s milk, and palpayasam. Kadaladi chamatha with cooked rice is offered to cure fever. Koovala chamatha with cooked raw rice is offered for prosperity. Kaduku (mustard) is offered for the elimination of rivalry.

The homa is performed on birthdays for long and healthy life. It is also performed to cure chronic illness. The homa also helps to overcome the evil effects of enemies (Sathru Dosha Nivarana).