What is the Significance of Sri Rudram?

veda meka gunam japatva tadahnaiva vishudhyati

rudraika dasinim japatva tatkshana deva shudhyati 

(By reciting Veda once, one becomes pure on that day. But by reciting, Sri Rudram one becomes pure, the very next moment.)

Sri Rudram, also known as Sri Rudraprasnah or Shatarudriya, is one of the most powerful and revered hymns found in the Yajurved. Dedicated to Sri Rudra, the fierce but benevolent form of Lord Shiv, Sri Rudram is structured into two parts: Namakam and Chamakam.

Beautiful Visualisation with Namakam

In Vedic tradition, there is emphasis on Naam Jap (chanting the glorious names of the divine.) Namakam offers salutations to Lord Rudra with his many names and attributes. For example, in the second Anuvaka we come across the following names: Triyambakaya (the one with three eyes), Tripurantakaya (the one who burnt ‘Tripura’, the three Asura cities. Tripura also refers to the states of existence—waking, dreaming, sleeping), Kalagni Rudraya (Rudra, who is the fire of time that devours everything) and Neelkanthaya (The one whose neck is blue from drinking poison or Halahal.) These names help the devotee visualise Sri Rudra and establish a deeper connection with him.

Beyond the Binaries 

Sri Rudram is a unique hymn that shows that Supreme Brahman is associated with the ideas of pleasant and auspicious and also dread and destruction. The divine, present everywhere and in everything, is beyond the notions of good and bad. 

Creation is not possible without dissolution. Lord Shiv as Sri Rudra is both the destroyer and the creator. The powerful chant of Sri Rudram invokes his blessings for protection, purification, and prosperity.

Sri Rudram encourages us to approach life's realities with grace, while also giving us the courage to shape our own path.

A Chant for Healing and Protection

In the Rig Ved, Lord Rudra is seen as a divine ‘vaidya’ or healer. In many Rig Vedic mantras, he is welcomed in homes to cure sicknesses of families. This aspect of healing has earned Sri Rudra the name of ‘Vaidyanatha’ in the later Vedic texts. He is seen as a hunter with bows and arrows. With these weapons he drives away enemies and ailments. Sri Rudram (Namakam) begins with  

                 “Namaste astu dhanvane bahubhyamuta te namah” (Mantra 1)

(Salutations to your bow and also to both the hands—that wield the bow and arrow)

The rhythmic chanting of Sri Rudram has a profound impact on both physical and mental health of the ones chanting as well as the listeners. It reduces stress, anxiety, and negativity, and helps maintain mental clarity and emotional balance. 

The vibrations of Sri Rudram recitation stimulate the body's energy channels, promoting overall health and vitality. 

Rudra is Shiv (Agni swarupa). Scriptures mention that people desiring auspicious things should worship Agni swarupa Rudra through various rituals.

On the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivratri (Feb. 15,2026), invoke the blessings of Sri Rudra by performing Abhishekam (with Sri Rudram chant) with Om swami. The abhishekam will be streamed Live from Sri Badrika Ashram. Sign up on the Sadhana app today!

Har Har Mahadev!