Significance of Sri Rudram

What is Rudram?

Sri Rudram is a Vedic prayer devoted to Lord Shiva in one of his several forms, which is Rudra form. Divinity manifests itself in millions and millions of forms, and in the ultimate view, the entire Creation is considered to be a manifestation of Divinity (known as Vishwa Roopa Eashwara). These millions and millions of forms are condensed into 33 main Devathas, of which 11 Rudras are an important constellation.

The Eleven Rudras

There are different lists of the names for these eleven Rudras: In the Hari Vamsha, these are listed as Hara, Bahiroopa, Thryambaka, Aparaajitha, Vrushaakapi, Shambhu, Kapardhee, Raiwatha, Mrughvyaadha, Sharva & Kapaalee. The Shambhu is also known as Shankara. The Vishnu Puraana gives a different list that consists of Manyu, Manu, Mahmasa, Mahan, Siva, Rtudhvaja, Ugraretas, Bhava, Kama, Vamadeva and Dhrtavrata.

The Brhadaaranyaka Upanishad further tells that these eleven Rudras are symbolic of the ten sense organs and the mind (the ten sense organs consisting of the five organs of perception – Gnyaanendriya – consisting of the eyes, nose, ears, tongue and the organ of touch (skin) and the five organs of action consisting of the hands, legs, speech, organ of excretion and the organ of reproduction)

Rudram and Vishwa Roopa Eashwara

However, the Sri Rudram (also known as Namakam) itself describes Shiva in terms of everything seen and experienced in this creation and is therefore considered a description of the Vishwa Roopa Eashwara, wherein, the One Divinity expresses itself as EVERYTHING in this Creation, thereby teaching us to view this entire world as Sacred.

Namakam and Chamakam

The Sri Rudram consists of eleven Anuvaakas or Sections and is traditionally chanted in different formats. At the simplest level, Sri Rudram is chanted once and then is followed by Chamakam, which is another Vedic Prayer that seeks blessings and boons from Lord Rudra, who is none other than Lord Shiva.

Rudram Chanting and Different Forms of Rudram Path

Starting from this simplest format, the next higher formats expand as follows: Sri Rudram is chanted eleven times and then is followed by a one-time chanting of Chamakam – known as Rudra Ekaadashini; Sri Rudram is chanted one hundred and twenty one times (121) and then is followed by a eleven times chanting of Chamakam – known as Athi Rudram; Sri Rudram is chanted one thousand three hundred and thirty one times (1331) and then is followed by one hundred and twenty one times (121) chanting of Chamakam – known as Mahaa Rudram.

When is Rudram Chanted?

It is customary to chant Sri Rudram during Pradosham Times and also during Mahaa Shivarathri. There are people who observe Shivarathri Vratham on a monthly basis (the night that falls before the new moon day), and Sri Rudram chantings on those monthly Shiva Raathris is also seen. In temples, particularly in Shiva temples, Sri Rudram is chanted during the Abhishekam performed for the Lord Shiva.

Traditional and orthodox Devotees who worship Lord Shiva in their homes, in the form of Saaligrama or Shiva Linga also chant Sri Rudram during their daily prayers.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rudram

What is Rudram?

Sri Rudram is a Vedic prayer devoted to Rudra, a form of Lord Shiva. It is also known as Namakam and consists of eleven Anuvākas. It is found in the Taittirīya Saṃhitā of the Kṛṣṇa Yajurveda and is traditionally recited along with Chamakam.

What is the significance of Rudram?

Sri Rudram describes Rudra through the many forms and aspects of Creation. In the understanding presented in this article, it points towards Vishwa Roopa Eashwara, the One Divinity expressing itself through everything in Creation. This perspective encourages us to see the world as Sacred rather than separating the Divine from everyday existence.

How does Sri Rudram relate to the idea of Vishwa Roopa Eashwara?

Sri Rudram invokes Rudra through an extensive range of forms, beings, places and aspects of existence. The article understands this as pointing to Vishwa Roopa Eashwara—the One Divinity manifesting as everything in Creation. Such an understanding can broaden our perspective by encouraging us to recognise the Sacred throughout Creation.

What do the eleven Rudras represent?

The Bṛhadāraṇyaka Upaniṣad identifies the eleven Rudras with the ten organs and the mind. It explains that when these depart from the body, they cause those left behind to grieve, and therefore they are called Rudras. This provides a connection between the understanding of Rudra and the human experience of the body, senses and mind.

How can the understanding of Sri Rudram influence the way we see the world?

Sri Rudram’s presentation of Rudra through the many forms of Creation can encourage a broader way of seeing the world. As the article explains, the One Divinity expresses itself as everything in Creation, thereby teaching us to view the entire world as Sacred. This perspective can encourage greater awareness of our relationship with the world around us.

Primary References

• Taittirīya Saṃhitā, Kṛṣṇa Yajurveda, 4.5 — Śrī Rudram / Namakam
  Taittirīya Saṃhitā — Sanskrit text
• Bṛhadāraṇyaka Upaniṣad, 3.9.4 — Eleven Rudras
  Bṛhadāraṇyaka Upaniṣad — Sanskrit text
• Bhagavad Gītā, Chapter 11 — Viśvarūpa Darśana
  Bhagavad Gītā — Sanskrit text