7/28/2019 Rudra the Epithet of Lord Shiva- An Introduction

1/2

Rudra, The epithet of Lord Shiva: an IntroductionRudra, (), is associated as the Rig Vedic storm god, known for his benevolence and

endowment of knowledge. The name loosely translated comes as the Howler, the Roarer. The

name in actuality has 4 root meanings, (1) Dreadful or terrific, (2) Great or Large (3) Drive

away evil (4) Worthy of praise. Another meaning is that the root word "Ru" is usually consideredto teach and "dra" is considered as flow. Thus we get flow of knowledge. As a result, Rudra isconsidered the deity who teaches knowledge to all those who seek it. He is seen as thedestructive force of nature as well. Unlike classical theology, Shaiva Siddanta views god a beingpresent in everything. Shiva is not merely just a creator who looks after the universe, but ispresent in every animate/inanimate good/bad beautiful/ugly entity. The unique aspect of hisworship is that the devotee worships all his cosmic forms.

Rudra: The Fierce one

However, despite this, one must not confuse oneself with the thought that Rudra is a destructiveforce, who punishes and destroys. Quite the contrary, Rudra is a benevolent deity who confersprosperity, offspring and cattle. Not only is he known for bringer of prosperity but also ofknowledge. The verse RV 6.49.10 calls Rudra as " The Father of the Universe"

(bhuvanasya pitara)

bhuvanasya pitara ghrbhirbhrudra div vardhay rudramaktaubhantavamajara suumnadhagh ghuvema kavineitsa (RV 6 :49:10)Translation:

Rudra by day, Rudra at night we honour with these our songs, the Universe'sFather. Him great and lofty, blissful, undecaying let us call specially as the Sageimpels us ( RV 6.49.10)*The Rig Veda, trans. Ralph T.H. Griffith [1896]

http://srishaivam.blogspot.com/2012/02/rudra-epithet-of-lord-shiva.htmlhttp://4.bp.blogspot.com/--ayTHYKAVr4/Ty_CbcHiUUI/AAAAAAAABg0/76O5si_Qyjg/s1600/shiva.jpghttp://srishaivam.blogspot.com/2012/02/rudra-epithet-of-lord-shiva.html

7/28/2019 Rudra the Epithet of Lord Shiva- An Introduction

2/2

The Sage Rudra

The verseRV 2.33.9 calls Rudra as "The Lord or Sovereign of the Universe"(ndasya bhuvanasya)

sthirebhiraghai pururpa ughro babhruukrebhipipiehirayaindasya bhuvanasya bhrerna v u yoadrudrdasuryam (Rig veda 2:33:9 )

Translation

With firm limbs, multiform, the strong, the tawny adorns himself with bright golddecorations: The strength of Godhead never departs from Rudra, him who isSovereign of this world, the mighty. The Rig Veda, trans. Ralph T.H. Griffith [1896]

He is pleased by chanting the legendary Rudram which occurs in the Krishna Yajur Veda of theVedas. Rudram is also known as Shatarudriya, Rudraprashna or Rudradhyaya. The Jabalaupanishad, from the vedas claim that he who chants the Shatarudriya obtains immortality. Thetext Shri Rudram is also famous for its mention of its Shaivite Panchakshari Mantra (NAMASHIVAAYA) which is considered as the holiest of all mantras within the Yajur Veda. ThePanchakshari mantra occurs in the middle of Sri Rudram and hence considered the mostimportant within the Shatarudriya. The chanting of Shatarudriyam is considered of utmost benefitwhich has the capacity to burn sins and confer wealth and prosperity to the chanter.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m_nKRvhl4tw/Ty_Cj81K-DI/AAAAAAAABg8/dJ81qMOEVW0/s1600/lord-shiva-30a.jpghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RV_2http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RV_2http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RV_2http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m_nKRvhl4tw/Ty_Cj81K-DI/AAAAAAAABg8/dJ81qMOEVW0/s1600/lord-shiva-30a.jpghttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RV_2