Sri Rudram

Shiva is Supreme. The concept of Shiva cannot be explained in a nut shell and it needs a through and detailed study. Rudra, Shiva, Mahadeva, Sadhashiva, and Bhairava are the popular names of Shiva. There are various interpretations for Shiva. We will discuss all these aspects and try to understand Shiva, the Supreme. 

Brahma the creator did penance with a desire to create. But nothing materialized for Brahma. He got angry and started crying. From his tears appeared deadly snakes. Brahma got upset on seeing these snakes and lost his senses and ultimately died. From the body of Brahma appeared 11 Rudras. They are called eka dasa (eleven) Rudras. The name Rudra is formed out of ru and dru. Ru means cry and dru means move. Therefore Rudra means roaming around crying. This explanation is given in puranas. But Upanishads give different interpretation. The eleven Rudras represent ten sensory organs in the human body and eleventh Rudra is mind says Brhadaranyaka Upanishad. This explanation seems to be logical. There is yet another explanation for Rudra which says he is the remover of misery. Dru also means dissolve or melt and ru also means fear. This meaning also appears to be appropriate. Rudran removes all miseries of men. This is the reason for performing eka dasa rudram. Eka dasa Rudram names 11 Rudras. They are –

1. Shivan, 2.Rudran, 3.Shankaran, 4. Neelalohithan 5. Ishanan, 6.Vijayan, 7.Bhiman, 8.Devadevan, 9.Bavothbhavan, 10.Adhityamaka Rudran and 11. Sambha Parameshwaran.

In Krishna Yajur Veda kanda (chapter) IV, chapter 5 anuvakas 1 to 11 praise Lord Rudra and this IV.5 is called Rudram. The recitation of Rudram 11 times is called eka dasa rudra parayana. This chapter is also called namakam, because the word nama is used several times in Sri Rudram. The recitation of Rudram is very popular in India. Chanting of Rudram is supposed to prevent untimely death. In the middle of kanda IV, chapter 5 the mantra of Lord Shiva is placed. This mantra is called panchaksharam i.e pancha (five) + aksharam (letters) or five lettered mantra. Na + ma +shi + va +ya = namashivaya is the mantra.

Rudra is said to supply force for the creation of Brahma. Brahma is the lord of creation, Vishnu the sustainer and Shiva the destroyer. Destroyer is not the apt word to describe Rudra. Rudra does not like anybody acting against rules and regulations. If somebody does, Rudra does not hesitate to destroy them. It is wrong to say that He kills a person who unknowingly commits mistakes. He only destroys the thought and energy for committing mistakes. If he is the killer, nobody will recite Rudram, whereas it has become a ritual to chant eka dasa Rudram during birthdays of elderly persons. The chanting of Sri Rudram removes all evil energies. It is firmly believed that when chanted, the energy generated out of the words of Sri Rudram drives away the lord of death Yama. The exact interpretation for this is that a person may not have a premature death like accidents or injury. However, every one of us has to ultimately die. There is one verse called mritunja mantram (mrityu means death) in Sri Rudram beginning with tryambagam.

Sri Rudram has 11 anuvakas. Anuvakas can be called as stanzas. There is no relevance between the names of 11 Rudras and the 11 anuvakas. Let us briefly look into the interpretation of Sri Rudram.

It begins with salutation to Rudra's arrow and his bow. It is said that these arms of Rudra are auspicious and give happiness and blessings. Shivam amongst other things means blessings. He dwells in a mountain called Kailash or Maha Kailash (Maha Kailasa nilaya – Lalitha Sahasranamam 578). Maha Kailasam means top head chakra or sahasrara. He guides one's speech. His neck is blue in color due to the swallowing of poison. On seeing Him swallowing poison, His consort held Her hand in His throat to prevent the poison entering His system (humanity). Here the poison means the worldly attachments. Rudra in his prakasha form prevents the poison of material attachments percolating into the humanity. Obeisance is paid to Him to give right frame of mind and for protection against diseases. Here disease means disease of our mind and action. He is also prayed for wealth and knowledge. He is called satvanam, the lord for people with satvic (one of the three gunas) qualities.

He is called the killer of enemies. Enemies mean our inner qualities such as greed, anger etc. He is prayed to destroy such undesirable qualities. He is called a thief as He steals the hearts of His devotees. He is in the heart of everybody, irrespective of a person being a thief. He is in the form of Atman and exists everywhere and thieves cannot be an exception. Taskaraanaam means thieves. Then, permeating qualities of Rudra is expressed. The attendants of Rudra are praised. Rudra is called Bhava meaning exists everywhere. Bhairava originated from the word Bhava. Rudra is saluted as the lord who destroys sins. Rudra is addressed as vamana an incarnation of lord Vishnu. In another verse he is praised by saying that he is old in age whose glory is enhanced. This epithet is a clear indication that we gain knowledge as we grow old. He is called prathamaya meaning the first, possibly first created. As a matter of fact nobody has created him. He has created himself. In Sanskrit He is called aathi and anaathi. Vimarsha form of Shiva created the prakasha form of Shakthi. Rudra is also called as the controller of Yama, the lord of death. He is present in all the mantras. It can be recalled here that all the tantra sastra are in the form of teachings by Shiva to Shakthi. To substantiate this theory Rudra is called bilma meaning illumination. He is praised as the one in the form of shrutha. Shruthi means Vedas.

His trishul (trident), drum, bow and arrow are considered auspicious and rich tributes are paid to them. He is also worshiped as the lord of rain. When there is drought, Rudra is invoked and Sri Rudram chanted for getting rain. Kanda IV, chapter 5, auvaka 8, verse 11 says nama shivaya cha shivataraya cha. This is the panchakshari mantra. In this mantra Shiva is invoked as auspicious form of Paramatman or the Absolute. The Absolute is the combination of prakasha and vimarsha forms. In the whole of Sri Rudram, Shiva is invoked in every form beginning with grass to the form of the Absolute. As a matter of fact, he is worshiped even in dust. Rudra gives two aspects of life; one is materialistic pleasures and another jnana or knowledge. Here knowledge means self realization or the knowledge of the Brahman within. Rudra is also worshiped to protect our parents. Pitaram mota mataram says Sri Rudram. Rudra is said to be vital force for any living being and the cause for evolution. He makes everyone to progress. He makes everyone to think about this moment and the life after death. He does not encourage people to think about the past and the future. Rudra wants cleanliness of both body and mind. Sri Rudram ends by worshipping Him in all the directions and with a plea to destroy enemies. Enemies should not be taken in literal sense. Enemies are the materialistic pleasures and attachments that go against the path of Self-realization.

Sri Rudram - Namakam 1ST ANUVAKA (1st Chapter)


OM Namo Bhagavathe Rudraya

Prostations to Lord rudra(who is the Destroyer of sin and sorrow)

OM Namasthe Rudhra manyava Uthotha Ishave Namah
Namsthosthu Dhanvane Bahubyam Uthathe Namah

Oh! Rudra Deva! My salutations to your anger and also to your arrows. My salutations to your bow and to the pair of your hands.

Yatha ishu siva thamaa shivam babuva the dhanu,
Shivaa sharavyaa yaa thava thaya no rudhra mrudaya

Oh! Destroyer! By that arrow of yours, that bow of yours and that quiver of yours which have become the most peaceful, make us happy.

Yaa the shivaa thanu raghoraa papakasini,
Thaya nasthanuva shantha maya gireesam thaabhi chakashihi

Lord Rudra, by that supremely peaceful form of yours which destroys sin, and which is auspicious and blissful, give us the knowledge Supreme.O! Resident of Kailas and Giver of all good.

Yaa mishum giri shantha hasthe Bhibarshya sthave,
Shivaam girithra thaam kuru maa himsi purusham jagat

O! Resident of the Mountains and Giver of all good! O! Protector! Make the arrow you hold in your hand peaceful; do not destroy people or the material world.

Shivena vachasaa twaa gireesaacchha vadaamasi,
Yadhaa na sarva mi jjagadhaa yashmamsumanaa asath

O! Resident of Mountains! In order that our world of relations and cattle may be prosperous, wholly free from disease and of good mind, we propitiate you with auspicious words.

Adhyavoo chadhadhi vakthaa pradhamo daiwyo bhishak,
Ahimscha sarvaan jambayanth sarvaschaa yathu dhaanya

Let Him intercede on my behalf and speak in my favor, even Rudra, that foremost one, held high in honor by the gods, the physician. Let him annihilate the enemies of mine like scorpions, snakes, and tigers, and the unseen enemies like the Rakshasas, spirits and demons.

Aasau yasthamro aruna utha bhaabroo sumangala,
Yeh chemam rudra abhitho dikshu,
Sritha Sahastraso avaishaam heda eemahe

This Sun who is copper‐red when he arises, then golden‐yellow, this highly auspicious and beneficent one is truly Rudra. These other Rudras who are quartered round about in all directions of this earth, may I ward off their anger by my praise.

Asou yo avasarpathi neela greevo vilohitha,
Uthainam gopaa adrusannath drushan udhaharya,
Uthainam viswaa bhoothani sa drushto mrudayathi na

Let the blue‐necked one render us happy, the one who rises in crimson splendour, whom the cowherds, the water‐maidens and all the creatures in the world can see. Let Him grant Happiness to us.

Namo asthu neela greevaya sahasrakshaya meedushe,
Adho ye asya sathvannoham thebhyo karannama

Let my salutations be to the blue‐throated one, who has a thousand eyes. I also bow to his followers.

Pramuncha dhanvana sthava mubhayo rarthaniyorjyam,
Yascha the hastha ishawa paraa thaa bhagavo vapa

Bhagavan Rudra, loosen the string from both ends of your bow and put into your quiver the arrows in your hands.
(The Possesion of the following six completely is called Bhaga‐power, valour, fame, wealth, knowledge, and renunciation. Rudra has go all of them and hence He is addressed as bhagawan).

Avathasys dhanusthvam sahasraksha sathe shudhe,
Niseerya salyanaam mukha shivo na sumana bhava

You having a thousand eyes, and bearing a hundred quivers, after loosening your bow, kindly blunt the edges of your shafts. Assume your peaceful and auspicious Siva form and become well‐intentioned towards us.

Vijyam dhanu kapardhino visalyo bhanavaam utha,
Anesannasyeshwa aabhurasya nishamgadhi

Let the bow of Kapardin, Rudra of the matted locks, be without its string. Let there be no arrows in His quiver. Let His arrows lose their capacity to strike and pierce. Let the sheath of his sword be not removed.

Yaa the hethir meedushtama hasthe bhabhoova the dhanu,
Thayaa asman viswathasthava mayakshamya paribbuja

O! Supreme lord who showers mercy! Protect us from all wordly troubles with the weapons and bow in your hands, which are not for hurting us.

Namasthe asthvayudhaa yanaathathathaya dhrushnave,
Ubhabhyamutha the namo bahubhyam thava dhanvane

Salutations to your sturdy and potent weapons, and also to both your hands and your bow.

Pari the dhanvano hethi rasmaan vrunakthu viswatha,
Adho ya ishudhisthavare asmannidhehi tham

Let the arrow of Your bow spare us in all ways. And place your quiver of arrows far away from us.

Namaste astu bhagavanh vishveshvaraya mahadevaya tryambakaya tripurantakaya trikagni kalaya kalagnirudraya nilakanthaya mrutyunjayaya sarveshvaraya sadashivaya shrimanmahadevaya namah

Let my salutations be to that great God who is the Lord of the universe; the great God the three eyed one, the destroyer of Tripura, the extinguisher of the trika fire and the fire of death, the blue‐necked one, the victor over death, the lord of all, the ever peaceful one, the glorious God of gods.

This first Anuvaka is chanted to destroy all sins, obtain leadership and divine benevolence, protection from famine, freedom from fear, obtain food, and protect cows, for absence from untimely fear of death, of tigers, thieves, from monsters, devils, demons. It is also chanted as a shield (kavaca) for virulent fever, to cure diseases, fetal disorders, absolution from evils stars and bad karma, for the fulfilment of ones desires, sumptuous rainfall, family protection, blessings with good children, fulfillment of all material desires and the destruction of enemies.

Sri Rudram - Namakam 2nd ANUVAKA (2nd Chapter)

Namo hiranyabahave senanye dishan cha pataye namo

Salutations to Lord Rudra with the golden arms, commander of forces, to the Lord of all quarters, salutations.

namo vrikshebhyo harikeshebhyah pashunam pataye namo

Salutations to the trees tufted with green leaves; salutations to the Lord of the cattle.

namah saspijncharaya tvishhimate pathinam pataye namo

Salutations to Him who is light yellow, red tinged and radiant; to the Lord of the pathways, salutations.

namo babhlushaya vivyadhineannanam pataye namo

Salutations to Him who rides on the bull, to him who has the power to pierce all things, to the Lord of food, salutations.

namo harikeshayopavitine pushhtanam pataye namo

Salutations to Him who is always black‐haired, who wears the yajnopavita (sacred thread); to him the Lord of the healthy and strong, salutations.

namo bhavasya hetyai jagatam pataye namo

Salutations to the Lord of universe, the shield against the phenomenal world.

namo rudrayatatavine kshetranam pataye namo

Salutations to Him who protects the world by the might of His drawn bow, to Rudra the destroyer of all miseries; to the Lord of the fields and sacred places, salutations.

namah sutayahantyaya vananam pataye namo namah

Salutations to the charioteer, the indestructible one and the Lord of forests.

Namo rohitaya sthapataye vrikshanam pataye namo

Salutations to the red One, to the Lord of trees, salutations.

namo mantrine vaanijaya kakshanam pataye namo

Salutations to the counselor of assemblies, the chief of traders, to the Lord of dense impenetrable clumps and clusters of thickets, salutations.

namo bhuvantaye varivaskritayaushhadhinam pataye namo

Salutations to the creator of earth and Lord of medicines who is ever present in His devotees.

nama uchchairghoshhayakrandayate pattinam pataye namo

Salutations to Him who is Lord of infantry, the thundering one, who makes the enemies shriek.

namah kritsnavitaya dhavate satvanam pataye namah

Salutations to Him who surrounds His enemies completely; to the omnipresent One, who protects saintly devotees (those who seek refuge) by rushing to their help.

In the second Anuvaka, Rudra is prayed to as one who pervades the earth and as the green foliage and heritage of medicinal herbs. He is asked to loosen the bonds of samsara (illusion). This Anuvaka is chanted for the destruction of enemies, possession of wealth, getting kingdom (getting Job) and possession of intelligence.

Sri Rudram - Namakam 3rd ANUVAKA (3rd Chapter)

Namah sahamanaya nivyadhina avyadhininam pataye namo

Salutations to Him who cannot only withstand the shock of the onset of His enemies, but overpower them. He who can effortlessly pierce His enemies; the Lord of those who can fight on all sides, salutations to Him.

namah kakubhaya nishhangine stenanam pataye namo

Salutations to Him who stands prominent, the wielder of the sword; to the chief of thieves, salutations.

namo nishhangina ishhudhimate taskaraanaam pataye namo

Salutations to the robber chief, armed with quiver and arrows.

namo vajnchate parivajnchate stayunam pataye namo

Salutations to the deceiving, elusive chief of marauders.

namo nicherave paricharayaranyanam pataye namo

Salutations to the wandering, ever evasive chief of forest‐theives!

namah srikavibhyo jighasadbhyo mushhnatam pataye namo

Salutations to the chief of thieves, ever alert in defense and eager to strike.

namo asimadbhyo naktam charadhbhyah prakrintanam pataye namo

Salutations to the chief of dacoits, who are on the move by night, carrying swords.

nama ushhnishhine giricharaya kulujnchanam pataye namo namah

Salutations to Him who wears a turban, who wanders about the mountains; to the leader of the landlords, salutations.

Namo ishhumadhbhyo dhanvavibhyashcha vo namo

Salutations to you who bear darts, who carry bows; to you salutations

nama atanvanebhyah pratidadhanebhyashcha vo namo

Salutations to you who strings the bow and releases the arrows.

nama ayachchhadhbhyo visrijadbhyashcha vo namo

Salutations to you who stretches the bow and sends the arrows again.

namo asyadbhyo vidhdhyadbhyashcha vo namo

Salutations to you who makes the arrows reach the targets.

nama asinebhyah shayanebhyashcha vo namo

Salutations to you Rudras who are seated and who are reclining, salutations.

namah svapadbhyo jagradbhyashcha vo namo

To you Rudras who are in the form of those who are asleep and awake, salutations.

nam stishthadhbhyo dhavadbhyashcha vo namo

To you Rudras who are in the form of those who stand and those who run, salutations.

namah sabhabhyah sabhapatibhyashcha vo namo

To you Rudras who are in the form of those who sit as members of assemblies and those who preside over them, salutations.

namo ashvebhyoashvapatibhyashcha vo namah

To you Rudras who are in the form of horses and those who command them, salutations.

It is chanted as a shield (kavaca) for virulent fever, to cure diseases, fetal disorders, absolution from evils stars and bad karma, for the fulfilment of ones desires, sumptuous rainfall, family protection, blessings with good children, fulfillment of all material desires and the destruction of enemies.
In the second Anuvaka, Rudra is prayed to as one who pervades the earth and as the green foliage and heritage of medicinal herbs. He is asked to loosen the bonds of samsara (illusion). This Anuvaka is chanted for the destruction of enemies, possession of wealth, getting kingdom (getting Job) and possession of intelligence.

Sri Rudram - Namakam 4th ANUVAKA (4th Chapter)

Nama aavyadhini eebhyo vividhyantibhyashcha vo namo

Salutations to you who can hit and pierce from all sides, and you who can pierce in diverse and manifold ways.

nama uganabhyastra gum hatibhyashcha vo namo

Salutations to you who manifests as hosts of shaktis, gentle and violent.

namo gritsebhyo gritsapatibhyashcha vo namo

Salutations to you the covetous and greedy, and the leaders of such.

namo vrateebhyo vratapatibhyashcha vo namo

Salutations to you who are present in diverse crowds and races, and the leaders of such.

namo ganebhyo ganapatibhyashcha vo namo

Salutations to you who are in the form of attendants of gods and their chiefs.

namo virupebhyo vishvarupebhyashcha vo namo

Salutations to you who are formless and yet manifest in universal forms.

namo mahadbhyah kshullakebhyashcha vo namo

Salutations to you who are in the forms of the great ones and the small ones.

namo rathibhyoarathebhyashcha vo namo

Salutations to you who are in the forms of those who ride chariots and those who do not.

namo ratheebhyoh rathapatibhyashcha vo namo

Salutations to you who are in the form of chariots and those who own them.

namah senabhyah senanibhyashcha vo namo

Salutations to you in the form of armies and the leaders of such armies

namah kshattribhyah sangrahitribhyashcha vo namo

Salutations to you who are in the form of trained charioteers and those who learn chariot driving.

namas takshabhyo rathakarebhyashcha vo namo

Salutations to you who are in the form of carpenters and chariot makers.

namah kulalebhyah karmarebhyashcha vo namo

Salutations to you who are in the form of those who mold clay and make mud vessels, and artisans working in the metals.

namah pujnjishhtebhyo nishhadebhyashcha vo namo

Salutations to you who are in the form of fowlers and fishermen.

nama ishhukridbhyo dhanvakridhbhyashcha vo namo

Salutations to you who are in the form of those artisans who make arrows and bows.

namo mrugayubhyah shvanibhyashcha vo namo

Salutations to you who are in the form of hunters and huntsmen.

namah shvabhyah shvapatibhyashcha vo namah

Salutations to the you who are in the form of hounds and their keepers.

Sri Rudram - Namakam 5th ANUVAKA (5th Chapter)

Namo bhavaya cha rudraya cha

Salutations to the creator and the destroyer.

namah sharvaya cha pashupataye cha

Salutations to the destroyer and to the protector of all beings in bondage.

namo nilagrivaya cha shitikanthaya cha

Salutations to Him whose throat is blue and whose throat is also white.

namah kapardine cha vyuptakeshaya cha

Salutations to Him who has matted hair, and to Him who is clean‐shaven.

namah sahasrakshaya cha shatadhanvane cha

Salutations to Him who has a Thousand eyes and a holder of hundred bows.

namo girishaya cha shipivishhtaya cha

Salutations to Him who dwells on the mountains and who is present in all beings.

namo midhushhtamaya cheshhumate cha

Salutations to Him who showers blessings very much and who bears arrows.

namo O hrasvaya cha vamanaya cha

Salutations to Him who assumes a small size, and to Him who is in the form of a dwarf.

namo brihate cha varshhiyase cha

Salutations to the great and majestic one, to Him who is full of excellence.

namo vriddhaya cha samvridhdhvane cha

Salutations to the old venerable one, who grows in and by prayers.

Namo agriyaya cha prathamaya cha

Salutations to Him who was before all things and who is foremost.

nama ashave chajiraya cha

Salutations to Him who pervades all and moves swiftly.

namh shighriyaya cha shibhyaya cha

Salutations to Him who is in fast moving things and in headlong cascades.

nam urmyayacha vasvanyaya cha

Salutations to Him who is in great waves and in the still waters.

namah strotasyaya cha dvipyaya cha

Salutations to Him who is in the floods and in the islands

Sri Rudram - Namakam 6th ANUVAKA (6th Chapter)

Namo jyeshhthaya cha kanishhthaya cha

Salutations to Him who is the eldest and the youngest.

namah purvajaya chaparajaya cha

Salutations to Him who is the primordial cause and subsequent effect.

namo madhyamaya chapagalbhaya cha

Salutations to Him who is the eternal youth and who is also the infant.

namo jaghanyaya cha budhniyaya cha

Salutations to Him who is in the loins and in the roots.

namah sobhyaya cha pratisaryaya cha

Salutations to Him who is present in vice and virtue and all that is dynamic.

namo yamyaya cha kshemyaya cha

Salutations to Him who is in the worlds of death and of liberation.

nama urvaryaya cha khalyaya cha

Salutations to Him who is present in the green fields and farm yards.

namah shlokyaya chavasanyaya cha

Salutations to Him who is praised by the Vedic Mantras and who is expounded in the Vedantic Upanishads.

namo vanyaya cha kakshyaya cha

Salutations to Him who is in the form of trees in the forests and of creepers in the shaded areas.

namah shravaya cha pratishravaya cha

Salutations to Him who is present in the sound and the echo of the sound

Nama ashushhenayacha shurathaya cha

Salutations to Him whose armies move swiftly and who rides on a swift chariot.

namah shuraya chavabhindate cha

Salutations to the warrior, He who destroys his enemies.

namo varmine cha varuthine cha

Salutations to Him who is clad in armor Himself, and who has provided for the safety of His charioteer.

namo bilmine cha kavachine cha

Salutations to the armoured one.

namah shrutaya cha shrutasenaya cha

Salutations to Him who is praised in the Vedas and whose army is also praised.

Sri Rudram - Namakam 7th ANUVAKA (7th Chapter)

Namo dundubhyaya cha hananyaya cha

Salutations to Him who is the present in the beating sound of drums and the sound of bugle.

namo dhrishhnave cha pramrishaaya cha

Salutations to Him who never retreats from battle and is skilled in reconnaissance.

namo dutaya cha prahitaya cha

Salutations to Him who is present in spies and courtiers.

namo nishhangine cheshhudhimate cha

Salutations to Him who has a sword and a quiver of arrows.

namastikshneshhave chayudhine cha

Salutations to Him having keen sharp arrows and myriad weapons.

namah svayudhaya cha sudhanvane cha

Salutations to Him bearing a beautiful powerful weapon and bow.

namah srutyaya cha pathyaya cha

Salutations to Him who is in the narrow footpaths and the broad highways.

namah katyaya cha nipyaya cha

Salutations to Him who is in the narrow flow of waters and in their descent from higher to lower levels.

namah sudyaya cha sarasyaya cha

Salutations to Him who is in the marshy and muddy places and in the lakes.

namo nadyaya cha vaishantaya cha

Salutations to Him who is in the flowing waters of rivers and in the still waters of mountain tarns.

Namah kupyaya cha vatyaya cha

Salutations to Him who is in the wells and in the pits.

namo varshhyaya cha varshhyaya cha

Salutations to Him who is present in rains as well as drought.

namo meghyaya cha vidyutyaya cha

Salutations to Him who is in the clouds and in the lightning.

nama ighriyaya cha tapyaya cha

Salutations to Him who is in the glittering white autumn clouds and who is in the rains and mixed with sunshine.

namo vatyaya cha reshhmiyaya cha

Salutations to Him who is in the rains accompanied by winds and in the rains accompanied by hail.

namo vastavyaya cha vastupaya cha

Salutations to Him who is the protector of land and cattle.

Sri Rudram - Namakam 8th ANUVAKA (8th Chapter)

Namah somaya cha rudraya cha namastamraya cha arunaya cha

Salutations to Him who is with His consort Uma, the destroyer of samsaric sorrow.
Salutations to Him who is crimson and rosy‐red also.

namah shangaya cha pashupataye cha nama ugraya cha bhimaya cha

Salutations to Him who brings happiness and who is the Lord of all creatures.
Salutations to Him who is fierce and strikes terror at sight into His enemies.

namo agrevadhaya cha durevadhaya cha namo hantre cha haniyase cha

Salutations to Him who destroys enemies, right in front and from afar.
Salutations to Him who is the killer of the arrogant and the irreverent.

namo vrikshebhyo harikeshebhyo namastaraya namah shambhave cha mayobhave cha

Salutations to Him who is present in trees full of green leaves. Salutations to Him who is the Pravana mantra; OM.
Salutations to Him who is the source of happiness earthly and heavenly.

namah shankaraya cha mayaskaraya cha namah shivaya cha shivataraya cha

Salutations to Him who is inherently of the nature of conferring happiness directly in this world and the world hereafter.
Salutations to Him the auspicious one, who is more auspicious than all others.

Namastirthyaya cha kulyaya cha namah paryaya chavaryaya cha

Salutations to Him who is ever present in holy places and on the banks of the rivers.
Salutations to Him who is present in this shore and the other.

namah prataranaya chottaranaya cha nama ataryaya chaladyaya cha

Salutations to Him who ferries men over the sins and evils of Samsara (the Illusions of the world), and who by the grant of knowledge ferries them over Samsara altogether.
Salutations to Him who is born again and again in Samsara and who tastes the fruits of Karmas in the form of Jiva.

namah shashhpyaya cha phenyaya cha namah sikatyaya cha pravahyaya cha

Salutations to Him who is in the form of tender grass and in transient foam.
Salutations to Him who is in the form of the sands and flowing water.

Sri Rudram - Namakam 9th ANUVAKA (9th Chapter)

Nama irinyaya cha prapathyaya cha namah kishilaya cha kshayanaya cha

Salutations to Him who is present in fertile lands and worn‐out ways.
Salutations to Him who is in the rocky uninhabitable and rugged tracts and in habitable places.

namah kapardine cha pulastaye cha namo goshhthyaya cha grihyaya cha

Salutations to Him who binds His matted locks and wears them majestically like a crown and to Him who is easily attainable.
Salutations to Him who is in the cow sheds and in the homesteads.

namastalpyaya cha gehyaya cha namah katyaya cha gahvareshhthaya cha

Salutations to Him who reclines on couches and who takes his ease in stately store yard buildings.
Salutations to Him who is in the thorny impenetrable forest places and in mountain caves.

namo hridayyaya cha niveshhpyaya cha namah pasavyaya cha rajasyaya cha

Salutations to Him who is in deep waters and in the dew drops.
Salutations to Him who is present in atoms and dust.

namah shushhkyaya cha harityaya cha namo lopyaya cholapyaya cha

Salutations to Him who is in dry and green things.
Salutations to Him who exists in difficult terrains and in green grass.

Nama urvyaya cha surmyaya cha namah parnyaya cha parnashadyaya cha

Salutations to Him who is in the earth and in the beautiful waves of rivers.
Salutations to Him who is in the green leaves and the dried ones.

namoapaguramanaya cha bhighnate cha nama akhkhidate cha prakhkhidate cha

Salutations to the Rudraganas (soldiers of Rudra) who have their weapons uplifted and who strike from the front.
Salutations to them (Rudraganas) who torments a little and also profusely.

namo vah kirikebhyo devana hridayebhyo namo vikshinakebhyo namo vichinvatkebhyo

Salutations to you who shower wealth and who dwell in the hearts of the Gods.
Salutations to you who are not liable to decay (and who abides in the hearts of the Gods).
Salutations to you who search and examine the good and bad that each one does (and who abides in the hearts of the Gods).

nama anirhatebhyo nama amivatkebhyah

Salutation to you who have rooted out sin utterly (and who abides in the hearts of the Gods).
Salutation to them who have assumed a gross form and stand in the material shape of the universe (and who abides in the hearts of the Gods)

Sri Rudram - Namakam 10th ANUVAKA (10th Chapter)

Drape andhasaspate daridrannilalohita eshham purushhanameshham pashunam ma bhermaro mo eshham kinchanamamat

O! Lord of destruction! Lord of food! O! Blue and red one! O! Detached one! Let there not be fear in these people and these cattle! Let not any of them stray away. Let not any of them be diseased!

Ya te rudra shiva tanuh shiva vishvaha bheshhaji Shiva rudrasya bheshhaji taya no mrida jivase

Oh Lord Rudra ! Let his auspicious form of yours which is the expert physician’s panacea for all the ills of the world render us ever living and happy.

Imarudraya tavase kapardine kshayadviraya prabharamahe matim Yatha nah shamasadhdvipade chatushhpade vishvam pushhtam grame aasminnanaturamh

We surrender our intellect to “Rudra”, the one with the matted hair, the destroyer of enemies, so that in this village, all our people and cattle may flourish and everything prosper without disease.

Mrida no rudrotano mayaskridhi kshayadviraya namasa vidhema te Yachchham cha yoshcha manurayaje pita tadashyama tava rudrapranitau

O! destroyer! Render us happy with material possessions and spiritual liberation. We render obeisance to you, the destroyer of sin. Let us attain through your loving grace all that was attained by our forefather Manu(materially and spiritually).

Ma no mahantamuta ma no arbhakam ma na ukshanta muta ma na ukshitamh Ma no vadhih pitaram mota mataram priya ma nastanuvo rudra ririshhah

O! Destroyer! Dont torment our aged,our yound ones, our infants, our children in the wombs, our father, our mother and our dear bodies.

Manastoke tanaye ma na ayushhi ma no goshhu ma no ashveshhu ririshhah Viranma no rudra bhamitoavadhi rhavishhmanto namasa vidhema te

O! destroyer! Do not , in your anger trouble our children, our sons,our lifespan,our cattle, horses or our servants.we render homage to you through our rites.

Aratte goghna utta purushhaghne kshayadviraya sumnamasme te astu Raksha cha no adhi cha deva bruhyatha cha nah sharma yachchha dvibarhah

O! God! Let that gentle form of yours(which spells destruction for the men and cattle of evil‐minded people) be near us,protect us,plead for us,confer grace on us and grant earthly bliss and spiritual liberation.

Stuhi shrutam gartasadam yuvanam mriganna bhima mupahatnumugramh Mruda jaritre rudra stavano anyante asmannivapantu senah

Praise the reputed one,the dweller of the heart,the ever young one, terrible like a lion, the destroyer,the supreme one! O! Destroyer! Render us, the praying mortals,happy. Let your hordes destroy others.

Parino rudrasya hetirvrinaktu pari tveshhasya durmatiraghayoh Ava sthira maghavadbhyastanushhva midhhvastokaya tanayaya mrudaya

Let the weapon and the will to strike of the destroyer who burns sinners through his anger,keep away from us.O! granter of boons to the prostrate!Turn away your weapons from us, the worshipping ones.Grant happiness to the children.

Midhushhtama shivatama shivo nah sumana bhava Parame vruksha ayudham nidhaya krittim vasana achara pinakam vibhradagahi

Supreme showerer of blessings. Supreme auspicious One! Be auspicious and beneficent, and bear goodwill to us. Place your threatening and hurtful weapons on some tall and distant tree. Approach us wearing your tiger skin and come bearing your Pinaka bow.

Vikirida vilohita namaste astu bhagavah Yaste sahasrahetayoanyamasmannivapantu

O! Lord! Destroyer of samsaric ills ! white‐hued One! Lord Bhagavan! Salutations to you. Let your thousands of weapons not destroy us, but rather destroy our enemies.

Sahasrani sahasradha bahuvostava hetayah Tasamishano bhagavah parachina mukha kridhi

In your arms exist thousands of kinds of weapons in thousands of numbers. But Bhagavan, You are the Lord and master of them. Turn them all away from us.

Sri Rudram - Namakam 11th ANUVAKA (11th Chapter)

Sahasrani sahasrasho ye rudra adhi bhumyamh
Teshha sahasrayojane avadhanvani tanmasi

Those Rudras who live on the face of the earth in thousands of varieties, we shall cause the strings of their bows to be loosened, and the bows themselves to be deposited thousands of yojanas far away from us.

Asminh mahatyarnaveantarikshe bhava adhi

Those Rudras who dwell in the sublime ocean and the space between sky and earth, we shall cause the strings of their bows to be loosened and the bows themselves to be deposited thousands of yojanas far away from us.

Nilagrivah shitikanthaHa sharva adhah kshamacharaHa

The Rudra Ganas, blue throated, where the Kalakuta poison rested; and white throated in other portions; those Rudras who dwell in the nether regions; we shall cause the strings of their bows to be loosened, and the bows themselves to be deposited thousands of yojanas far away from us.

Nilagrivah shitikantha divarudra upashritah

Blue throated where the poison rested and elsewhere white throated Rudras who dwell in the heaven, we shall cause the strings of their bows to be loosened, and the bows themselves to be deposited thousands of yojanas far away from us.

Ye vriksheshhu saspinjara nilagriva vilohitah
Ye bhutanamadhipatayo vishikhasah kapardinah

Those Rudras who exist in trees as their overlords, yellow‐hued, like tender grass, crimson and blue necked; who exist clean shaven and with matted hair as lords of ghosts and spirits; who afflict people.

Ye anneshhu vividhyanti patreshhu pibato jananh

Those Rudras who afflict people through their food and drink; who control the supply of food stuffs, we shall cause the strings of their bows to be loosened, and the bows themselves to be deposited thousands of yojanas far away from us.

Ye patham pathirakshaya ailabrida yavyudhah

Those Rudras who are the protectors of the pathways, the givers of food, who fight with enemies, we shall cause the strings of their bows to be loosened, and the bows themselves to be deposited thousands of yojanas far away from us.

Ye theerthani pracharanthi srukaavantho nishangina

Those Rudras who haunt the sacred places wearing short daggers and long swords, we shall cause the strings of their bows to be loosened, and the bows themselves to be deposited thousands of yojanas far away from us.

Ya etavantashcha bhuyaasashcha disho rudra vitasthire

Those Rudras so far mentioned, and over and above them, who have entered the quarters and occupied them, we shall cause the strings of their bows to be loosened, and the bows themselves to be deposited thousands of yojanas far away from us.

teshhasahasra yojane Avadhanvani tanmasi

Those Rudras who are on this earth, to whom food turns into shafts, I bow to them with my speech. With my ten fingers joined, I bow to them with my body facing all quarters, I bow to them with my mind. May they render me happy. Oh Rudras, to whom we bow! I consign him whom we hate and he who hates us, into your yawning mouths.

Namo rudrebhyo ye prithivyam ye antarikshe ye divi yeshhamannam
vato varshhamishhava stebhyo dasha praachirdasha dakshina dasha pratichirdashodiichirdashordhvaastebhyo namaste no mridayantu te yam dvishhmo yashcha no dveshhti tam vo jambhe dadhami

We render obeisance to those myriad manifestations of Rudra whose weapons are food,wind and rain,who exist in the earth,ether and heaven.Prostations to the east,to the south,to the west and to the north and upward.Let them render us happy.whoever hates us and whomsoever we hate,consing them into your wide open mouth.

Tryambakam yajamahe sugandhim pushhtivardhanam
Urvarukamiva bandhananmrity rmukshiya maamritath

We worship the fragrant three eyes One, who confers ever increasing prosperity; let us be saved from the hold of death, like the cucumber freed from its hold; let us not turn away from liberation.

Yo rudro agnau yo apsu ya oshhadhishhu
Yo rudro vishva bhuvanaaavivesha tasmai rudraya namo astu

Prostrations to that rudra, who exists in fire, water, herbs and all the worlds.

ye te sahasramayutaṁ pāśā mṛtyo martyāya hantave, tān yajñasya māyayā sarvānava yajāmahe

O! Desroyer ! We remove through our good deeds all those bonds of yours,myriad in number,which are meant to afflict all that is mortal.

m tyave svāhā m tyave svāhā

Let this offering be to the Destroyer( of sin and sorrow)

Prananam granthirasi rudro ma vishantakaha. Tenan nenapyayasva. Namo rudraya vishnave mrityurmaya pahee

O Rudra, you hold the strings of the life breaths. Pray, don’t take away my life. Be pleased with my offerings and cost your benevolent and auspicious sight on me. Let this offering be to the Destroyer(on sin and sorrow). Prostrations to the all‐pervading Lord Rudra. Save me from earthly bondage.

Tamushhtuhi yah svishhuh sudhanva yo vishvasya kshayati bheshhajasya Yakshvamahe saumanasaya rudram nabhobhi rdevamasuram duvasya

Attain great mental peace by worshipping that rudra who with good bow and arrows is the source of remedy for all wordly ills, the destroyer of sorrow, who augments the life span and who exists in the form of knowledge.

Ayam me hasto bhagavanayam me bhagavattarah
Ayam me vishva bheshhajoaya shivabhimarshanah

This hand of mine which has touched the lord’s idol, is indeed blessed, this is very very lucky. This is the remedy for all the worldly ills.

Om shanti shanti shanti

Let there be Peace, Let there be Peace, Let there be Peace!