Who is Sri Rudra?
This blog post will help you understand ‘Rudra’, the fierce but benign aspect of Lord Shiv.
The Fierce God
prachandam, prakrashtam pragalbham paresham
akhandam ajam bhanukoti prakasham |
trayah shoolnirmulanam shoolapanim
bhaje’ham bhavanipatim bhavagamyam | |
(Salutations to Sri Rudra, who is fierce, famous, and extremely strong. The highest Lord, who is eternal and whole, the one with the radiance of a million suns.
The one bearing a trident whose spikes uproot the bondage from the three Gunas: sattva, rajas, and tamas. I chant the name of Bhavani’s spouse—Shankara. To Him, I pray.)
The above verse from Rudra Ashtakam adores Sri Rudra, the fierce and powerful aspect of Lord Shiv. Rudra is also the earliest name with which Lord Shiv is referred to in the Vedas.
The Origin of the Word ‘Rudra’
Derived from the Sanskrit root word ‘rud’ meaning ‘to cry, howl or roar,’ Rudra is associated with roaring storms and fierce aspect (raudra roop), the one with fiery red eyes. In the Rig Ved (2.33), Rudra is described as the ‘father of the Maruts’ (a group of storm Gods).
The term ‘Rudra’ is also closely associated with ‘Rudra Tandav’ (the dance of destruction) performed by Lord Shiv. It is only through destruction that renewal is possible.
The Brahmana text, which interprets the Rudram, states, ‘Rudra is verily this fire. He has two forms: one fierce, the other auspicious. If a person makes sacrificial offerings to him by chanting the Sri Rudram, that man (person) pacifies the fierce form.
These two forms, Ghora (intense and terrible) and Shiv or Aghora (the peaceful and auspicious), are two sides of the same coin, two aspects of the same entity.
Thus, Rudra and Shiv are not two, but one.
Seeking the Grace of Sri Rudra
Rudra Ashtakam sings the glories of Lord Rudra as,
Kalateet kalpant kalyankari
Sada sajjanaand data purari |
(Verse 6.1-6.2)
(Salutations to Sri Rudra, whose auspicious nature is beyond the elements of the material world; the one who brings Kalpa–the cosmic cycle—to an end. He is the source of perpetual delight to people of pure hearts.)
Wish to experience the grace and divine protection of Sri Rudra? Join the rare Maharudra Sadhana on Sadhana App today!Perform this powerful sadhana with Mantra Jap, and Yagna (with Om swami ji) on the app. The yagna will be telecast Live at 5:00 AM (IST) everyday till 26 Feb.Note: There's still time. You can join even now. Download the Sadhana App and join today!
Learn about the significance of Sri Rudram on our blog What is Sri Rudram.
Om Namah Shivay!
Read More: What is the Significance of Sri Rudram?
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स्वामी के आशीर्वाद से रुद्र साधना लाइव करने का सौभाग्य मिला लगता है मनुष्य जीवन सफल होगया.साधना के मध्य ही मुझे मेरे प्रश्नो के उत्तर मिले बहुत से संशय मिट गये साक्षात भगवान श्रीकृष्ण ही हमारे लिये पुनः अवतार लेकर आए है इस कलयुग में हमारे उद्धार के लिये सारे यज्ञ पुजा अनुष्ठान साधना एप पर निःशुल्क देकर स्वामी जी ने हम जैसे लोग जो चहाते हुए भी अर्थिक मजबूरी वश पुजा अनुष्ठान नही कर सकते थे मेरे आदरणीय गुरुदेव ने साधना एप के साथ संम्भव कर दिया श्री ओम स्वामी जी के चरणकमलों में कोटि कोटि नमन
It’s a wonderful sadhna. I have never seen this side of Shivji. I am experiencing the dance of Shiva whenever I sit in yagya performed by Swamiji.
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