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Line 1: − Rudra Suktam+ − Hymn of Rudra+ − Rigveda 2.33.1-15+ + + + + + + + + + + + − O Father of Storms [Maruts], may Your favor flash upon us! Do not deprive us of the sight of the sun. May the Hero mounted on His charger spare us! Grant us, O Rudra, to live forth in our children. + + + − Thanks to Your wholesome remedies, O Rudra, may I attain the span of a hundred winters! Drive far from us all hatreds and troubles; scatter to the four winds every sort of sickness. + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + − O thunder-wielding God, You of all beings are most renowned and mightiest of the mighty. Conduct us to the further shore of sorrows in peace and frustrate all assaults of evil. + + + − May we not anger You, O Rudra, in our worship by praise that is unworthy or by scanty tribute. Restore our warriors with Your medicaments. I know, O mightiest, You are the best of healers. + + + + + − With invocation and offering I approach Him, eager to appease Rudra with my praises. May the God of Mercy, of dark, handsome looks, who is easy of entreaty, spare us His anger! + + + + + − His Mightiness, escorted by the Storms [Maruts], has brought me strong comfort in distress. May I, unharmed, find shelter with Him as from glaring heat! May I secure the goodwill of God Rudra! + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + − How I long, O God, for the gracious touch of Your hand which heals and brings refreshment, which softens all chastisements of the Gods. Regard me, O Mighty One, with an indulgent eye. + − + − − To the great One, the brown and whitish Bull, I offer a powerful hymn of praise. Adore His splendor with adorations! We glorify the mighty Name of God Rudra. − − − − This God of firm limbs, of many forms, the brown One, the Mighty, has decked Himself with golden ornaments. The Power Divine of this sovereign God, the Ruler of the universe, never dwindles. − − − − Worthy are You of the bow and arrows, worthy of the many-colored, noble insignia; worthy are You to combat every horror, for none, O Rudra, is more powerful than You. − − − − Praise to the youthful, far-famed God, enthroned on high, who slays like a wild beast! Have mercy on Your singer when he sings Your praises! May Your hosts spare us and cast down some other! − − − − As a son salutes with reverence his father, so I bow down, O God, at Your approach. I praise You, mighty Lord, Rudra, Giver of treasures. Grant us Your medicines when we extol You. − − − − Your remedies so pure, O powerful Storms [Maruts], afford us relief and bring us joy. Those which our father Manu chose I beg from the Lord for my own well-being. − − − − May Rudra�s missile be deflected from us, may the anger of the blazing God overshoot us! Relax Your bow of wrath toward our well-wishers. Have pity on our sons and on their children! − − − − O mighty Power, the God who never slumbers, be here attentive, O Lord Rudra; hear our cry. Not for You, O God, to be angry or destroy! May we speak, as men of valor, a strong word! − − − − AUM Namo Bhagavate Rudrāya! − − In whom the Adityas, Rudras and Vasus are held together; in whom are set firm the worlds; that which was and that which shall be � tell me of that Support � who may He be? (Atharvaveda Samhita X.7.22) − − − − Rudra Sukta (1.1.43) of Rig Veda − − 1.1.43 Mantra 43 – Rudra (Author: Kanva Ghaura) − − 1 WHAT shall we sing to Rudra, strong, most bounteous, excellently wise, − − That shall be dearest to his heart? − − 2 That Aditi may grant the grace of Rudra to our folk, our kine, − − Our cattle and our progeny; − − 3 That Mitra and that Varuna, that Rudra may remember us, − − Yea, all the Gods with one accord. − − 4 To Rudra Lord of sacrifice, of hymns and balmy medicines, − − We pray for joy and health and strength. − − 5 He shines in splendour like the Sun, refulgent as bright gold is he, − − The good, the best among the Gods. − − 6 May he grant health into our steeds, wellbeing to our rams and ewes, − − To men, to women, and to kine. − − 7 O Soma, set thou upon us the glory of a hundred men, − − The great renown of mighty chiefs. − − 8 Let not malignities, nor those who trouble Soma, hinder us. − − Indu, give us a share of strength. − − 9 Soma! head, central point, love these; Soma! know these as serving thee, − − Children of thee Immortal, at the highest place of holy law. − − AJAIKAPAT I. He was one of the eleven Rudras, who were born to Sthanudeva, the son ofBrahma. The eleven Rudras are : − − 1 . Mrgavyadha 7. Dahana − − 2- Nirrti 8. I^vara − − 3. Ahirbudhnya 9. Kapali − − 4. Pinaki 10. Bharga − − 5. Sarpa 11. Sthanu. − − 6. Ajaikapat − − The names of the Eleven Rudras given in the Visnu Purana, Part I, Chapter 5 are: Hara, Bahurupa, Tryambaka, Aparajita,Vrsakapi, Sambhu, Kapardi, Raivata, Mrgavyadha, Sarva, Kapali. − − − − A total number of 100 Rudras are mentioned in the Puranas. − − Aparajita : One of the eleven Rudras, the other − − ten being Hara, Bahurupa, Tryambaka, Vrsakapi, − − Sambhu, KapardI, Raivata, Mrgavyadha, Sarpa and − − Kapali. (Agni Purana, Chapter 18) . − − − − ADITYA. The twelve sons born to the sage Kasyapa of − − his wife Aditi are known as the twelve Adityas. They − − are the following : Dhata, Mitra, Aryama, Rudra, − − Varuna, Surya, Bhaga, Vivasvan, Pusa, Savita, Tvasta − − and Visnu. Besides these Aditi had twentyone children − − including Indra. All of them are called Adityas meaning − − children of Aditi. From the thirtythree sons of Aditi − − were born the thirtythree crores of devatas. Of these − − the eldest is Indra and the youngest, Vamana. (Sloka − − 36, Chapter 66, Adi Parva, M.B.). (There is corroboration − − for this in Sloka 14, Sarga 14, Aranya Kanda, − − Valmlki Ramayana) . − − Sirdar K.M. Panikar in his preface to the book "Rgvedasamhita" − writes thus about Adityas : <nowiki>''</nowiki>Generally we − − think of Surya (the Sun) when we hear the word − − Aditya. But there are many different Adityas in Rgveda, − − chief of them is Varuna. Though Savita, Pusa − − and Mitra are all synonyms of Surya in Rgveda they − − are all separate dcvas. There is no end to the varieties − − of Adityas and their prominence in the Vedas. Summarising − − we can say thus. The familiar devas like − − Indra, Agni, Varuna and Surya are not found in the − − same form or power as we are taught to believe. Those − − whom we have lowered down to the posts of the eight − − sentries of the universe are very prominent devatas in − − the Vedas. Many Adityas have merged in Surya and − − winds in the god of Vuyu. Rudra has merged in Siva. − − Who will believe that the all-powerful Deva of the Rgveda − − and the vainglorious Indra who lives in fear of − − men doing penance are one and the same person ?" − − − 3) Bhuta Chief. In the Puranas, Rudra is acknowledged − − as the Bhuta chief. That is why Rudra is known by such − − names as "Bhutanayaka", "Gananayaka", "Rudranucara", − − "Bhavaparisada" etc. But since the common − − name Rudra is used for the ruler (king) of all the − − Bhutas, Vamana Purana declares that Rudra is not an − − individual. Both Vamanapurana and Matsyapurana − − represent Virabhadra and Nandikesvara as two Rudras − − who are the masters of Bhutas. (Matsyapurana 181, − − 2; Vamanapurana 4, 17). − − In Vamana Purana, the number of Bhutas is given as − − 1 1 crores. Skanda, Sakha, Bhairava are the chief among − − them. Under them are innumerable Bhutas, Ashes − − and Khatvamga etc. are their weapons. The emblem − − on the banner is a cow or a bird. That is how the − − Gananayakas have got the titles like "Mayuradhvaja", − − "Mayuravahana". (Vamana Purana 67, 1-23). − − 4) War with Asuras. In the war between Siva and − − Andhakasura, the Bhutas fought on the side of Siva. − − It was Vinayaka, the master of the Bhuta hordes who − − first came into conflict with the Asura. In that battle − − Andhaka defeated Vinayaka. After that, Nandi, another − − leader of the Bhutas, attacked Andhaka jointly − − with Vinayaka and defeated him. At last, Andhaka − − approached Siva himselffor protection, and Siva received − − him and appointed him as commander of one of his − − hordes of Bhutas. It is this Andhakasura who later − − became famous under the name of Bhriigi. − − In this way, the Bhutas had fought many battles with − − the Asuras, joining the party of the Devas. But at the − − time of Daksa's yajna, they joined the party of the Asuras − − and opposed the Devas. − − Sri Rudram occurs in the fourth Kanda of the Taittirya Samhita in the Yajur Veda. It is a preeminent Vedic hymn to Lord Shiva as the God of dissolution, chanted daily in Shiva temples throughout India. − − − − − − − − Puranic Encyclopedia
→व्युत्पत्तिः || Etymology
{{ToBeEdited}}
Rudra (Samskrit: रुद्रः) is generally considered to be a form of Shiva. One of the Prajapatis, Rudra is said to be of tamasic guna and is known to be of fierce nature. The birth of Rudra is from Brahma. Like Vishnu, Rudra is not said to have taken many avataras. According to Bhagavatam, अयमेवान्ते संहारकर्त्ता इति। ayamevānte saṁhārakarttā iti। Rudra is the samharakarta, the master of destruction.
== व्युत्पत्तिः || Etymology ==
Amarakosha gives many names to Shiva or Rudra, a few of which are Shambhu, Isha, Pashupati, Shuli, Pinaki, Sthanu, Bhutesha, Vamadeva, Gangadhara, Vyomakesha, Tripurantaka, Kaparthi among others.<blockquote>शम्भुरीशः पशुपतिः शिवः शूली महेश्वरः ।। १.१.७२ ।। ईश्वरः शर्व ईशानः शंकरश्चन्द्रशेखरः ।। १.१.७३ ।। भूतेशः खण्डपरशुर्गिरीशो गिरिशो मृडः ।। १.१.७४ ।।</blockquote><blockquote>मृत्युञ्जयः कृत्तिवासाः पिनाकी प्रमथाधिपः ।। १.१.७५ ।। उग्रः कपर्दी श्रीकण्ठः शितिकण्ठः कपालभृत् ।। १.१.७६ ।। वामदेवो महादेवो विरूपाक्षस्त्रिलोचनः ।। १.१.७७ ।।</blockquote><blockquote>कृशानुरेताः सर्वज्ञो धूर्जटिर्नीललोहितः ।। १.१.७८ ।। हरः स्मरहरो भर्गस्त्र्यम्बकस्त्रिपुरान्तकः ।। १.१.७९ ।। गङ्गाधरोऽन्धकरिपुः क्रतुध्वंसी वृषध्वजः ।। १.१.८० ।।</blockquote><blockquote>व्योमकेशो भवो भीमः स्थाणू रुद्र उमापतिः ।। १.१.८१ ।। अहिर्बुध्न्योऽष्टमूर्तिश्च गजारिश्च महानटः ।। १.१.८२ ।। कपर्दोऽस्य जटाजूटः पिनाकोऽजगवं धनुः ।। १.१.८३ ।। (Amar. Kosh. 1.1.72-83)<ref>Amarakosha ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A5%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A1%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D Kanda 1])</ref></blockquote>Shabdakalpadruma explains that the word Rudra (रुद्र) originates from the dhatu (root) रुद् । Rud in the meaning of रोदयतीति । rodayiti (making one cry).
== Role of Rudra ==
Rudra and his more calmer form Shiva (in the later ages), have been revered from Vedic times for his role in creation. Shiva as one of the trimurthis is said to control death and pralaya (destruction of creation). Although a few mantras/suktas of the [[Rigveda (ऋग्वेदः)|Rigveda]] are devoted to describing and praising Rudra, there is a whole section of Taittriya Samhita, the Rudraprasna dedicated to him. Some of the attributes of Rudra are summarized as follows
* '''भिषक् ॥ Bhishak or Vaidya (वैद्या ॥ doctor)''' : Rudra is hailed as the bhishak (doctor) as are the Asvini Kumaras in the later ages.
* '''लयकारः ॥ Layakara:''' Rudra is known for his role in the destructive process of creation from the early times of Rigveda.
* '''मृत्युन्जयः ॥ Mrtyunjaya:''' Rudra or Shiva is one of the main deities worshipped to overcome death and attain immortality. For example Markandeya intensely performed tapas to propitiate Shiva for longevity.
* '''भूतनाथः ॥ Bhutanath:''' He is regarded as the palaka or ruler of the bhutaganas (the being of rudraloka).
* '''नटराजः ॥ Nataraja:''' Known for his cosmic dance, Rudra or Shiva represents the eternal dancer and hence called as Nataraja.
* '''नीलकण्ठः ॥ Neelakantha:''' Rudra or Shiva came to be known as Neelakantha after he consumed the kalakuta poison which arose from samudra manthan.
== Birth and Family ==
According to Vishnupurana, [[Brahma (ब्रह्मा)|Brahma]] at the beginning of the kalpa created Sanatkumara and his brothers (Sanaka, Sanandana and Sanatana). Being enlightened, these four rshis not desiring materialistic pleasures were not prepared to obtain progeny. Due to this Brahma became angry to such an extent that he was prepared to destroy the worlds. He became furious, and from his furrowed forehead and eyebrows emanated a figure, Rudra, shining with unbearable radiance like the mid-day sun.<ref>Gupta, Munilal. ''Sri Sri Vishnupurana (Slokas and Hindi Translation)'' Gorakhpur: Gita Press. (Pages 37-38)</ref><blockquote>तस्य क्रोधात् समुदूभुतज्वालामालाविदीपितम् । ब्रह्मणोऽभूत् तदा सर्व्व त्रैलोक्यमखिलं मुने ।। ९ ।।</blockquote><blockquote>समुत्पन्नस्तदा रुद्रो मध्याह्रार्कसमप्रभः ।। १० ।।</blockquote><blockquote>अर्द्धनारीनरवपुः प्रचण्डोऽतिशरीखान् । विभजात्मानमित्युत्तवा तं ब्रह्मान्तर्दधे ततः ।। ११ ।। </blockquote><blockquote>तथोक्तोऽसौ द्रिधा स्त्रित्वं पुरुषत्वं तथाकरोत् । बिभेद पुरुषत्वं च दशधा चैकधा च पुनः ।। १२ ।। (Vish. Pura. 1.7.9-12)<ref name=":0">Vishnu Purana ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A5%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5 Amsha 1 Adhyaya 7])</ref></blockquote>Rudra, having a body, half-male and half-female, was terrific, was instructed by Brahma to "divide yourself". Instantly Rudra split himself into a man and a woman. And then he divided the male into one and ten parts.<ref name=":1">Vettam. Mani (1975). ''Puranic encyclopaedia : A comprehensive dictionary with special reference to the epic and Puranic literature.'' Delhi:Motilal Banasidass. (Pages 654-655)</ref> These eleven figures are the eleven Rudras. The names of the eleven Rudras are given differently in different Puranas.
Vishnu Purana further explains in Adhyaya 8 of the same chapter about the creation of Rudra and his further role in creation.<blockquote>रुदन् वै सुस्वरं सोऽथ द्रवंश्च द्रिजसत्तम । किं रोदिषीति तं ब्रह्मा रुदन्तं प्रत्युवाच ह ।। ३ ।।</blockquote><blockquote>नाम देहीति तं सोऽथ प्रत्युवाच प्रजापतिम् । रुद्रस्त्वं देव नाम्नासि मा रोदीर्धैर्य मावह ।। ४ ।। (Vish. Pura. 1.8.3-4)<ref name=":2">Vishnu Purana ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A5%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5 Amsha 1 Adhyaya 8])</ref></blockquote>Brahma at the beginning of creation was thinking about a child resembling himself and then on his lap there appeared a child of blue complexion. When he was crying aloud, Brahma asked him "why are you crying"? He replied "I must be named", and because he was crying (rodana), Brahma named him "Rudra" (one who cries). He continued to cry further and since he cried so for seven more times Brahma gave him seven more names, described their forms, gave names of their wives and children.<ref>Gupta, Munilal. ''Sri Sri Vishnupurana (Slokas and Hindi Translation)'' Gorakhpur: Gita Press. (Pages 40-41)</ref> <blockquote>स्थानानि चैषामष्टानां पत्नीः पुत्रांश्च स प्रभुः । भवं सर्व्वमथेशानं तथा पशुपतिं द्विज ।। ६ ।। भीममुग्रं महादेवमुवाच स पितामहः । </blockquote><blockquote>सूर्यो जलं मही वायुर्वह्निराकाशमेव च । दीक्षितो ब्राह्मणः सोम इत्येतास्तनवः क्रमात् ।। ७ ।। (Vish. Pura. 1.8.6-8)<ref name=":2" /></blockquote>Pitamaha Brahma named them Bhava, Sarva, Ishana, Pasupati, Bhima, Ugra, and Mahadeva. They reside in Surya (Sun), Jala (water), Earth, Air, Fire, Space, Brahmana who took Diksha (in yajnas) and Soma (Moon) respectively.
Suvarchala, Usha, Sukeshi, Shivaa, Svaha, Disha, Diksha, and Rohini respectively are the names of the wives of the eight forms of Rudras named Surya and others. Their offsprings, sons and grandsons have filled the universe. Sanaischara, Suka, Lohitanga, Manojava, Skanda, Sarga, Santana, Budha are respectively the sons of the eight forms of Rudras (Vish. Pura. 1.8.9-12).
While Vishnupurana gives the origin of Rudras from Brahma, Brahmandapurana and Agnipurana mentions Kashyapa and Surabhi as the parents of the eleven Rudras along with Ajaikapat, Ahirbudhnya and Tvastr.<blockquote>महादेवप्रसादेन तपसा भाविता सती । अजैकपादहिर्ब्रघ्नस्त्वष्टा रुद्राश्च सत्तम ॥ सुरभी कश्यपाद्रुद्रानेकादश विजज्ञुषी ॥१८.०४१ (Agni. Pura. 18.40-41)<ref name=":3">Agni Purana ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A7%E0%A5%AE Adhyaya 18])</ref></blockquote>A few slokas further the same text, mentions that the eleven Rudras further pervade the creation entities in the worlds in the forms of hundreds and thousands of Rudras.<ref name=":4">Shastri, J. L., Bhatt, G. P., and Gangadharan, N., (1954) ''The Agni Purana, Part 1.'' Delhi : Motilal Banarsidass Publishers Pvt. Ltd. (Pages 44-45)</ref>
== Rudra - As form of Agni ==
Rigveda mentions Rudra as Agni "तमग्नेरुद्रो" while Atharvaveda proclaims तस्मै रुद्राय नमो अस्त्वग्नये। tasmai rudrāya namo astvagnaye। Another version of the eight forms of Rudra representing the earthly materials are as follows<ref name=":22322222" />
{| class="wikitable"
!Forms of Rudra
!Represents
|-
|Rudra
|Agni
|-
|Sarva
|Jala (water)
|-
|Pashupati
|Medicinal herbs
|-
|Ugra
|Vayu (Air)
|-
|Ashani
|Vidyut (electricity)
|-
|Bhava
|Parjanya (Clouds)
|-
|Mahadeva
|Chandra (Moon)
|-
|Ishana
|Aditya (Sun)
|}
In this way, Rudra represents Agni, which resides in every form of the creation, as well as the Agni tejas with which he shines forth.
== Rudra in Vedas ==
Earliest mention of Rudra occurs in the Vedas and he is praised for his valour and as a vaidya. He is described as one of the important but considered lesser than Indra, Agni etc deities in whose praise there are many suktas in Rigveda.<ref name=":2232222">Gopal Reddy, Mudiganti and Sujata Reddy, Mudiganti (1997) ''[https://archive.org/stream/SAMSKRUTAKAVIJEEVITAMULUByMALLADISURYANARAYANASASTRIGARU/SAMSKRUTA%20SAHITYA%20CHARITRA%20BY%20MUDUGANTI%20GOPALA%20REDDI%26SUJATA%20REDDI%20#page/n33/mode/2up Sanskrita Saahitya Charitra] (Vaidika Vangmayam - Loukika Vangamayam, A critical approach)'' Hyderabad : P. S. Telugu University (Page 7)</ref>
=== Rigveda ===
While the highest number of suktas in Rigveda pertain to Indra, Rudra has been exclusively praised in three to five<ref name=":42">Pt. Suryanarayana Sastry Malladi. (1982) ''Samskruta Vangmaya Charitra, Volume 1, Vaidika Vangmayam.'' Hyderabad : Andhra Sarasvata Parishat (Page 134-137)</ref> suktas and mentioned about fifty times in context with other devatas. In Rigveda Rudra occupies a place of lesser importance, however in Yajurveda and Atharvaveda Rudra plays a prominent role.<ref name=":22322222">Gopal Reddy, Mudiganti and Sujata Reddy, Mudiganti (1997) ''[https://archive.org/stream/SAMSKRUTAKAVIJEEVITAMULUByMALLADISURYANARAYANASASTRIGARU/SAMSKRUTA%20SAHITYA%20CHARITRA%20BY%20MUDUGANTI%20GOPALA%20REDDI%26SUJATA%20REDDI%20#page/n33/mode/2up Sanskrita Saahitya Charitra] (Vaidika Vangmayam - Loukika Vangamayam, A critical approach)'' Hyderabad : P. S. Telugu University. (Pages 119-125)</ref>
Rudra Sukta (1.43) of Rig Veda praises the qualities of Rudra that he is a Jnani (Knowledgeable), as one who gives good health and happiness along with longevity and as one who removes all the causes for ill-health. Along with Mitra, Varuna, Rudra aids in dispelling causes of diseases and ill-health.<ref>Pt. Sripada Damodar Satvalekar (1985) ''Rigved ka Subodh Bhashya, Volume 1 (Mandala 1).'' Parady : Svadhyaya Mandal (Pages 102-104)</ref>
Rigveda (2.33.1) further describes Rudra as the father of Marutganas. He is extremely fierce in dealing with those on the wrong path, while he is very kind to his bhaktas.<ref name=":03">Raghunathacharya, S. B. (1982) ''[http://ebooks.tirumala.org/Product/Book/?ID=877 Arshavijnana Sarvasvamu, Volume 1 : Vedasamhitalu (Telugu)]'' Tirupati : Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (Page 53)</ref>
Rigveda (7.46) is a short sukta consisting of four rks, two of which are as follows<blockquote>इमा रुद्राय स्थिरधन्वने गिर: क्षिप्रेषवे देवाय स्वधाव्ने । अषाळ्हाय सहमानाय वेधसे तिग्मायुधाय भरता शृणोतु नः ॥१॥</blockquote><blockquote>स हि क्षयेण क्षम्यस्य जन्मन: साम्राज्येन दिव्यस्य चेतति । अवन्नवन्तीरुप नो दुरश्चरानमीवो रुद्र जासु नो भव ॥२॥</blockquote>Summary : This sukta in praise of Rudra describes Him as a protector (as one bearing a strong bow capable of shooting fast arrows), nourisher (providing anna or food), and provider of astras which makes His worshippers as winners. He is known as one who brings prosperity to both the beings of Prthvi (earth) and Svarga (heavens) and protects one who worships Him by dispelling diseases and granting many divine aushadhas (medicinal herbs). The sukta says - O Rudra! do not harm our children and their progeny, and let us not be part of those bound by your Krodha (anger). Do not kill us but do not leave us, please come for our yajnas and protect us.<ref>Pt. Ramgovind Trivedi. (1954) ''Hindi Rigveda''. Prayaga:Bharat's Press Ltd (Pages 828-829)</ref>
Rigveda Sukta (7.59) also called as मृत्युविमोचनी ऋक्। mr̥tyuvimocanī r̥k। Mrtyuvimochani Rk emphasises the important quality for which Rudra is worshipped - as one who protects from the death (Mrtyunjaya - one who wins over Mrtyu in a sense attains Moksha).<blockquote>त्र्यम्बकं यजामहे सुगन्धिं पुष्टिवर्धनम् । उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनान्मृत्योर्मुक्षीय मामृतात् ॥१२॥ (Rig. Veda. 7.59.12)</blockquote>Scholars<ref name=":42" /> opine that from the Rigvedic times, the mantras of the five Rudra Suktas have been used in the daily worship of people, a practice seen even in the present day. These suktas are known famously as the Pancha Rudra Suktas. They include mantras in suktas 1.43.9 (Kanva), 1.114.11 (Kutsa Angirasa), 2.33.15 (Ghrtsamada), 6.74.4 (Bharadvaja), and 7.46.4 (Maitravaruna Vasishta). Some others include the rks 4.3.1 and 5.42.11 also for the worship of Rudra.
=== Yajurveda ===
Rudradhyaya present in both Krishna Yajurveda (Taittriya samhita, Kanda 4, Prapathakas 5 and 7) and Shukla Yajurveda Samhita (Adhyaya 16) is a very important part dedicated to Rudra describing his qualities and a prayer to win His favour. Rudra or Shiva are worshipped in the form of Linga, with the recitation of these mantras along with the Mahamrtyunjaya mantra. The Shiva Panchakshari mantra is also a part of the Rudraprashna.
==== Sri Rudram ====
Sri Rudram comprises of mantras of the kanda four called as '''Namakam''' (in prapathaka five, 11 mantras) and '''Chamakam''' (of the seventh prapathaka) are preeminent Vedic mantras addressed to Rudra, the fearful aspect of Shiva and are recited daily throughout Bharatavarsha both in the households as part of devatarchana and in Shiva temples.
==== Panchakshari Mantra ====
<blockquote>नमः शम्भवे च मयोभवे च नमः शंकराय च मयस्कराय च नमः शिवाय च शिवतराय च । (Yaju. Samh. 4.5.8.1)<ref>Yajurveda Samhita (Krishna Yajurveda Shaka [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/तैत्तिरीयसंहिता(विस्वरः)/काण्डम्_४/प्रपाठकः_५ Kanda 4 Prapathaka 5])</ref></blockquote>The sacred Panchakshari mantra is in the Namakam (kanda 4, prapathaka five) part of the Sri Rudram.
=== Atharvaveda ===
The 11th Kanda, sukta 2 of Atharvaveda pertains to praising the form of Rudra. It mentions his fearful aspect, role in destruction and making people cry, as pashupati, as a powerful protector, and dispeller of diseases such as fevers and grants longevity.<ref>Pt. Shriram Sharma Acharya. (2002) ''Atharvaveda Samhita, Part 2 (Kanda 11 to 20) With Hindi Commentary.'' Haridwar : Brahmavachas (Pages 7-10)</ref>
He is described as the deity of the Antariksha mandala.
== Number of Rudras ==
Many texts depict the origin of Rudras, and describe eleven of them. Agnipurana mentions that these eleven Rudra forms gave rise to lakhs of progeny thus the creation is pervaded by rudra amshas.
{| class="wikitable"
!Text
!Slokas
!Names of Eleven Rudras
|-
|Mahabharata Danadharma Parva of Anushasana Parva (13 Chapter)
|अजैकपादहिर्बुध्न्यस्त्र्यम्बकश्च महातपाः। वृषाकपिश्च शम्भुश्च कपाली रैवतस्तथा॥ हरश्च बहुरूपश्च उग्र उग्रोऽथ वीर्यवान्।
तस्य चैवात्मजः श्रीमान्विश्वरूपो महायशाः।। (Maha. Anush. Parv. 13.118.5-6)
|Ajaikapat, Ahirbudhnya, Trayambaka, Vrshakapi, Shambhu, Kapali, Raivata, Hara, Bahurupa, Ugraugra, Veeryavaan
|-
|Garuda Purana (Acharakanda Adhyaya 6)<ref>Garuda Purana ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%A1%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%86%E0%A4%9A%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A1%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4 Achara Kanda Adhyaya 6])</ref>
|हरश्च बहुरूपश्च त्र्यम्बकश्चापराजितः ।। वृषाकपिश्च शम्भुश्च कपर्दी रैवतस्तथा ।। 6.38 ।। मृगव्याधश्च शर्वश्च कपाली च महामुने ! ।।
एकादशैते कथिता रुद्रास्त्रिभुवनेश्वराः ।। 6.39 ।।
|Hara, Bahurupa, Trayambak, Aparajita, Vrshakapi, Shambu, Kapardi, Raivata, Mrgavyadha, Sarva, Kapali
|-
|Matsya Purana (Adhyaya 5)<ref>Matsya Purana ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%AB Adhyaya 5])</ref>
|अजैकपादहिर्बुध्न्य विरूपाक्षोऽथ रैवतः।
हरश्च बहुरूपश्च त्र्यम्बकश्च सुरेश्वरः।। ५.२९ ।। सावित्रश्च जयन्तश्च पिनाकी चापराजितः। एते रुद्राः समाख्याता एकादश गणेश्वराः।। ५.३० ।।
|Ajaikapada, Ahirbudhnya, Virupaksha, Raivata, Hara, Bahurupa, Trayambaka, Savitra, Jayanta, Pinaki, Aparajita
|-
|Agni Purana<ref name=":3" />
|हरश्च बहुरूपश्च त्र्यम्बकश्चापराजितः ॥१८.०४३ वृषाकपिश्च शम्भुश्च कपर्दी रैवतस्तथा । मृगव्याधस्य सर्पश्च कपाली दश चैककः ।
|Hara, Bahurupa, Trayambaka, Aparajita, Vrshakapi, Shambhu, Kapardi, Raivata, Mrgavyadha, Sarpa and Kapali<ref name=":4" />
|}
== Bhutanatha ==
In the Puranas, Rudra is acknowledged as the chief of Bhutas. That is why Rudra is known by such names as Bhutanayaka, Gananayaka, Rudranucara etc. But since the common name Rudra is used for the ruler (king) of all the Bhutas, Vamana Purana declares that Rudra is not an individual.
Both Vamanapurana and Matsyapurana represent Virabhadra and Nandikesvara as two Rudras who are the masters of Bhutas. (Matsyapurana 181, 2; Vamanapurana 4, 17).
In Vamana Purana, the number of Bhutas is given as 11 crores. Skanda, Sakha, Bhairava are the chief among them. Under them are innumerable Bhutas. (Vamana Purana 67, 1-23).
== References ==
References
[[Category:Devatas]]
[[Category:Devatas]]