What is Sri Rudram?

In this blog post, you will learn about Sri Rudram, a highly revered hymn from the Vedas.

‘Namah Shivaya’. This mantra is known to even those not very well versed in mantra sadhana. But, did you know that this potent five-lettered (Panchakshari) mantra of Lord Shiva is derived from a Vedic chant called Sri Rudram?

Sri Rudram chanting is part of daily prayers at many homes and Shiva temples across the country. It removes negativity and invokes Lord Shiva’s presence for well-being and prosperity. 

Ancient Vedic Stotram

Sri Rudram, Shatrudriya, or Sri Rudraprasnah, is a stotram offered to the all-pervading Brahman (Rudra-Shiva). He assumes the fierce form (Rudra) at the time of the dissolution of the cosmos. 

Sri Rudram occurs in the Taittiriya Samhita of the Kṛishna Yajurveda and consists of two hymns: Namakam and Chamakam. Let’s learn more about them.

Namakam

It appears in the 4th kanda (chapter), 5th prasna (topic) in 11 anuvakas (sections) of the Taittriya Samhita. 

The first anuvaka (section) of Namakam is a prayer to Lord Rudra, to seek his kindness. From the second to ninth anuvakas, He is offered salutations as Sarvatma (all forms constituting the world), Sarvantaryami (inner order sustaining everything) and Sarveshvara (the Lord of everything).

The 10th anuvaka consists of prayers, while in the 11th, Sri Rudra is prayed to in the form of many devatas that sustain different spheres.

In the first nine sections or anuvakas, the word ‘namah’ occurs around 300 times. Therefore, this section of Sri Rudram is called ‘Namakam.’ 

Chamakam

This is the second hymn of Sri Rudram, which appears in the Taittriya Samhita of Yajur Veda after Namakam. Chamakam is also recited after Namakam chanting. The 11 anuvakas of Chamakam are found in the 4th kanda (chapter) and 7th prasna (topic). The syllables ‘cha’ ‘me’ (meaning ‘with me’ or ‘to me’ are repeated at the end of every verse); therefore, this hymn is called ‘Chamakam.’

In other words, the devotee requests Lord Rudra for the fulfillment of various material and spiritual desires. Interestingly, Chamakam lists over 300 blessings or benedictions to be granted to the devotees who chant or listen to Sri Rudram. 

Different Rudram Recitations

Sri Rudram can be chanted with different count combinations of Namakam and Chamakam.

Ishwar Gita (an ancient philosophical text from Kurma Purana) considers Sri Rudram an Upanishad which reveals the truth of Jiva (the individual), Jagat (the world), and Ishvara (the Lord). The names of the Lord serve as Upanishad, giving profound knowledge to the devotees.  

This year, experience the potent chanting of Sri Rudram by performing Rudrabhishekam (live) at 6.30 p.m.(IST) with Om Swami on Maha Shivratri (Feb. 26, 2025).