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SRI RUDRAM
Word by Word meaning and
explanation....
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Sri Rudram is one of the most sacred and powerful mantra found in Krishna Yajurveda.
We present here the Sanskrit words in English and word-by-word in
English meaning. Hope you will find it useful in understanding the
most sacred, most powerful Mantra of Lord Shiva.
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INTRODUCTION
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Introduction
Sri Rudram
is found in the Krishna Yajurveda, Taittariya Samhita in the fourth
chapter. Its companion test, Chamakam is found in the seventh chapter.
Like all Vedic texts it is pleasing to the ear but confounding to the
intellect. The melody and rhythm are unique and comfortable from the
first listening, but once you dive into the meaning the problems arise!
In
some ways it helps to start with the understanding that these Vedic
verses are the cognition of an ancient Rishi. In Sanskrit "rishi" means
enlightened seer and this hymn is simply a record of what he saw. All of
creation is a manifestation of three forces; creation, preservation, and
destruction. The creation force is Brahma, preservation is Vishnu, and
destruction is Rudra. So Sri Rudram is both recognition and
praise for the vital place Rudra holds in creation.
Imagine for a moment that you are a rishi and wish to record your vision
of this force of nature. How all encompassing the force of destruction
is and varied are the ways in which it manifests in everything from
thunder in nature, to war among men. And at the same time there are more
desirable and gentle forms of "destruction" as the old makes way for the
new and the depth of ignorance gives way to the freedom and happiness of
enlightenment. Particularly today we see so much seemingly senseless
destruction around us that it becomes completely bewildering! How can we
account for that apparent contradiction? And even if we understand it,
what can we do about it?
In
the Vedic tradition, all the deities have two seemingly
contradictory manifestations; peaceful and fierce. In the Rig Veda,
Rudra is associated with the dramatic fierceness of the thunderstorm and
lightening which strikes at men and cattle, but which through the rain
is the source of peace and plenty. Rudra is the fierce aspect and Shiva
the calm aspect of the deity most often referred to as Shiva.
In
Chapter 11 of the Bhagavad-Gita, Arjuna is shown the universal form of
Krishna as Lord of the Universe. In this vision he sees not only the
calm but the fierce and destructive as well. Arjuna says;
"I
see thee without beginning, middle, or end, infinite in power; with many
arms. The sun and moon are your eyes, the burning fire your face. The
whole universe is heated up with your radiance."
"This space between heaven and earth and all the quarters are filled
with Thee alone. Having seen this, thy marvelous and awful form, the
three worlds are trembling, O high souled Being."
In
a moment, Krishna relents and changes back into HIS less frightening
aspect. In the same way, Rudram both acknowledges the fierce nature of
Rudra and asks for Him to show only the peaceful.
Throughout all of the Vedic tradition, the devotee who turns to God is
guaranteed protection. It is the duty of the deity. This surrender by
the devotee is called Saranagati; taking complete refuge in God in body,
mind, and soul. And as Rama says to Vibhishana (Ravana's good brother in
the conflict of the Ramayana);
"He who turns even once to me and takes refuge in me saying Lord I am
yours,save me! I protect him from dangers from all quarters. This is my
steadfast vow."
Throughout the Rudram, the seer takes refuge in Rudra while
acknowledging his power and fierceness. In the very first line he says;
"Oh Rudra, My salutations to your anger and to your arrows. My
salutations to your bow and to your two hands."
Rudra is always known to be easily pleased and through the praise
contained in Sri Rudram the fierce Rudra is calmed and becomes
ready to grant us every conceivable blessing as requested in the
Chamakam hymn.
Mantras
There are several mantras found in Sri Rudram that are used to
bring great peace and enlightenment.
Foremost among the mantras contained in Rudram is the Panchakshari
Mantra;
"Om namah Shivaya" Also found is the great mrytunjaya mantra;
"Tryambakam yajamahe Sugandhim pushtivardhanam Urvarurkamiva
bhandhanamMrityor mukshiya mamirtate."
"He who has divine fragrance, who makes men powerful and full of plenty;
Him we worship, the three-eyed Rudra. As easily as a ripe berry falls
from its stalk, release me from death, and let me not turn away from
immortality and enlightenment."
The mantra most often used for aarti; the pujas that offers light to the
deity;
"Namaste astu bhavagan vishvesvaraya mahadevaya triyambakaya
triupurantakaya
trikal Agni kalaya kalagni Rudraya nilakanthaya mrutyunjayaya
sarveshvaraya sadashivaya sriman mahadevaya Namah"
"Let my salutations be to that great God who is the Lord of the
universe; the great God who has three eyes and who destroys Tripura, the
three Asura cities.
To
that God who is the Dandhya time when the three sacred fires are lit;
who is Rudra the fire that consumes the universe; whose throat is blue;
who has conquered death; the Lord of all; the ever auspicious one;
salutations to that
glorious and
great God."
Maha Rudra Yagya
The yagya is a process that blends the repeated repetition of the Sri
Rudram and Chamakam with various procedures to both calm and
empower the force of Rudra in our lives.
Throughout all of Vedic literature, the individual and the gods exist in
a cooperative manner; one supporting and feeding the other. Verses 10
through 13 of Chapter three in the Bhagavad-Gita contain a clear
reference to this;
"Having created men along with yagya, the Lord of Creation (Prajapati)
said; By yagya you will prosper and its performance will bring forth the
fulfillment of your desires."
"Through yagya you nourish and sustain the gods and those gods will, in
turn, sustain you. By sustaining one another, you will attain the
highest good."
"Nourished by the sacrifice, the gods will bestow on you the enjoyments
you desire. But he who enjoys their gifts without offering to them is
merely a thief."
The performance of these rituals takes three forms; Puja or aarti,
Abishekam, and Homam. A puja is an offering of various items such as
water, rice, fruit, flowers, light, and incense along with the
repetition of some slokas and from 27 to 1008 names of the deity being
worshipped. Aarti is a briefer form of the puja in which the offering is
the light from burning camphor or ghee lamps along with the signing of
appropriate slokas of only a few minutes in length.
As
mentioned before, the deities all have their fierce aspects and the
Abishekam is intended to soothe and cool them. The offerings are
primarily liquid or mixed with water. They include the following; water,
milk, yogurt, buttermilk, ghee, sesame oil, sandal wood, turmeric,
saffron, etc. Following the Abishekam the deity is dried and anointed
with sandalwood and kumkum and dressed festively.
The homam or fire ceremony is the most elaborate and time consuming of
the rituals. It begins with an introductory sloka and puja for Ganesha
who is always worshipped first in every ritual. Then the names and
nakshatra (vedic constellation) of each sponsoring individual is read
along with slokas that detail the time and place of the yagya, the
reason it is being performed, the deities being worshipped, the rituals
being performed and the desired results. This section is called the
Sankalpam.
The arrangement of vessels used in the ritual always includes a curved
pot full of water on which a coconut is placed surrounded by mango
leaves or the equivalent. This is called a kalasam and can be quite
simple or elaborate depending on the event. Following sankalpam, a
Kalasa puja is performed in honor of the seven rivers of India and to
invoke the god Varuna to bless and purify the water.
Then the pujas are performed, one for each of the deities for whom the
yagya is being offered. The pujas will include the usual offerings of
fruit and flowers, a selection of slokas, and 27 to 108 mantras (names)
of the deity.
Then the homa fire is lit. First the priest purifies HIS implements and
the fire area with water and sacred kusha grass. Then he offers coins as
dakshina to the eight directions and their deities. Then he makes
offerings to Agni, the god of fire (and incidentally one of the 11 forms
of Rudra) who will consume and deliver the offerings of ghee, flowers,
fruit, purification herbs, sandalwood, incense, fruits, and nuts.
Then the yagya itself begins. First, as always to Ganesha the remover of
obstacles and then to each of the deities being worshipped in turn.
Generally the homam uses relatively short introductory slokas and then
large numbers of repetitions of the mantras (typically the mula mantra
or gayatri). With each mantra the various ingredients are offered into
the fire. So a typical mantra will be repeated 108 or 1008 times each
time with the offerings into the fire. In the case of our Maharudram
yagya, each day the 11 priests will chant Rudram 10 times from start to
finish and then perform Rudra Homam with offerings being placed into the
fire at the conclusion of every 2 line section. The entire process will
take about 45 hours daily.
Summary
Rudram is divided into 11 sections called Anuvakas. In the first
Anuvaka, Rudra is asked to turn away Ghora rupa (fierce
appearance) and to please keep and follower's weapons at
bay. Having been pacified, Rudra is requested to destroy the sins of
those for whom it is being chanted
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 fulfillment of one's
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.
In
the third Anuvaka Rudra is described as the Lord of thieves who exists
in everything. He is Sarvatma; the self of all. In this context, we who
are unenlightened have stolen the immortal status of the Self and
replaced it with our own limited conception of ego. And in turn it is
Rudra who will come and steal our ignorance from us, restoring us to our
natural status of enlightenment. This Anuvaka is also chanted for the
cure of diseases.
In
the fourth Anuvaka, Rudra is described as the creator and worker of all
kinds. He is the cause of both the significant and minor. This Anuvaka
is chanted for the cure of tuberculosis, diabetics and leprosy.
In
the fifth Anuvaka Rudra's existence in running waters is praised and
five activities are described (creation of the universe, preservation of
it, destruction at the time of Pralaya, bondage in ignorance and the
release of moksha).
In
the sixth Anuvaka Rudra is identified with time (Kalarupa). He is
described as the source of the different worlds, Shrutis (Vedas) and its
essence in Vedanta. The fifth and sixth Anuvakas are chanted for the
expansion of one's own assets, victory against enemies, blessings for a
son with the stature of Rudra, avoidance of a miscarriage and easy
childbirth, averting difficult astrology and protection of one's own
son.
In
the seventh Anuvaka all pervading presence in waters, rains,
clouds, storms and its various forms are described. This Anuvaka is
chanted for the increase of intelligence, improvement of health, wealth,
progeny, clothes, cows, sons, education, lands, longevity and obtaining
liberation.
In
the eighth Anuvaka Rudra is described as He who illumines other Gods and
confers powers on them. He is seen as ever present in holy rivers and He
who can absolve all sins. This Anuvaka is chanted for the destruction of
enemies and possession of ones own kingdom (lands).
In
the ninth Anuvaka the strength and power of attendant is
celebrated because they illumine the Gods and the world and control the
forces of the universe. This Anuvaka is chanted for obtaining gold, a
good wife, a job, and the blessings of a son who will be devoted to Lord
Shiva.
In
the tenth Anuvaka Rudra is again asked to shed fury and shower
benevolence by displaying Pinaka bow without arrows and to
gracefully appear with tiger skin on body with pleasing
countenance ready to shower boons upon devotees. T Anuvaka is
chanted for possession of wealth, cure of diseases, removal of fear,
getting rid of the enmity of powerful people, absence of fear from all
living beings, having the vision of Bhairava (Shiva in most
fearful aspect), absence from dangers and fears, blessings and the
absolution of sins.
In
the eleventh Anuvaka Rudra's accomplishments are profusely praised and
benevolence is invoked with unconditional salutations. This Anuvaka is
chanted for blessings of one's progeny, the enhancement of longevity,
visiting of sacred places, and acquiring knowledge of past, present and
future.
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Now
let us analyze the meaning of Sri Rudram........
OM NAMO BHAGAVATE RUDRAYA!
Namaste Rudra manyava utota ishave Namah |
Namaste astu dhanvane bahubhya muta te Namah ||
Oh! Rudra Deva! My salutations to your anger and also to your arrows. My
salutations to your bow and to your two hands.
Ya ta Ishu shivatama shivam babhuva te dhanuh|Shiva sharavya ya tava taya no Rudra mrudaya||
Oh! Rudra! By favor of your arrow, bow, and quiver, which have shed their anger
and turned auspicious, please render us happy.
Ya te Rudra Shiva tanura ghora papakashini taya nastanuva shantamaya girisamta
bhichakashihi ||
Lord Rudra, you who dwell on Mount Kailas and who confer happiness, by that form
of yours which is not terrible, which will not injure us, and which is highly
auspicious, behold and illuminate us.
Yamishum giri shamta haste bibharsya stave, shivam giritra tam Kuru ma himsih
purusham jagate ||
My Lord who dwells on Mount Kailas and confers gladness to all! You, who
fulfills your vow of protecting all who serve you and take refuge in you; that
arrow of yours which you hold ready to let fly, withhold it and make it tranquil
and auspicious.
Shivena vachasa tva giri schacchavadamasi,
Yatha nah sarvam ijjaga dayakshmam sumana asatthu ||
Lord of Mount Kailash of the Vedas! We pray to attain you by our auspicious
words. We ask that for all our days, this entire world will be free from ills
and discord, and that we may live in amity and concord.
Adyavocha dadhivakta prathamo daivyo bhisak,
Ahimscha sarvan jam bhyayant sarvascha yatudhanyah ||
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.
Asau yastamro aruna uta babhru sumangalah |
You chemam Rudra abhito dikshu shritaha
Sahasra sho vaisam heda imahe ||
This Sun who is copper-red when he arises, then golden-youllow, 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.
Asau yo vasarpati nilagrivo vilohitah,
utainam gopa adrushanna drushannu daharyah,
Utainam vishva bhutani sa drusto mridayati nah
The black-throated Rudra who has assumed the form of the sun that glows red when
rising. Him the cowherds, the women carrying water, and all the creatures
behold. He, who is seen by all, let Him send happiness to us.
Namo astu nilagrivaya sahasrakshaya midhushe|
Atho you asya sattvano ham tebhyo karan namah||
Let my salutations be to the blue-throated one, who has a thousand eyes. I also
bow to his followers.
Pramuncha dhanvanastva mubhayorartni yorjyam
yascha te hasta isavah para ta bhagavo vapa
Bhagavan Rudra, loosen the string from both ends of your bow. Remove out of
sight the arrows from your hands.
Avatatya dhanustvam sahasraksha
Shatesudhe Nishirya shalyanam mukha
shivo nah 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 dhanuh kapardino vishalyo
banavam uta|
Ane shanna syoushava abhurasya
nishangathihi
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 His scabbard contain
little power.
Ya te hetirmidhu stama haste babhuva
te dhanuh |
Taya sman visvatastva mayakshmaya
Paribbhuja
You, Oh showerer of blessings, with your
weapons and the bow in Your hand,
completely protect us.
Namaste astvayudhayana tataya
dhrusnave ||
Ubhabhyam muta te namo bahubhyam
tava dhanvane
Let there be salutations to your sturdy and
potent weapons, and also to both your
hands and your bow.
Pari te dhanvano hetir asman vrunaktu
visvatah |
Atho ya ishudhis tavare asmannidhehi
tam ||
Let the arrow of Your bow spare us in all
ways. And place your quiver of arrows far
away from us.
Namaste astu bhavagan vishvesvaraya
mahadevaya triyambakaya triupuran-
takaya trikalagni kalaya kalaagni
Rudraya nilakanthaya mrutyunjayaya
sarveshvaraya sadashivaya sriman
mahadevaya Namah
Let my salutations be to that great God who is the Lord of the universe; the
great God who has three eyes and who destroys Tripura, the three Asura cities.
To that God who is the Dandhya time when the three sacred fires are lit; who is
Rudra the fire that consumes the universe; whose throat is blue; who has
conquered death; the Lord of all; the ever auspicious one; salutations to that
glorious and great God.
Namo Hiranya bahave senanyou disham ca patayou namo|
Salutations to Lord Rudra with the golden arms, the leader of hosts, to the Lord
of the four direction, salutations.
Namo vrukshebhyo harikeshebhyah pashunam patayou namo Namah||
Salutations to the trees tufted with green leaves; salutations to the Lord of
the cattle.
saspincharaya tvishimate pathinam patayou namo|
Salutations to Him who is light youllow-red tinged and radiant; to the Lord of
the pathways, salutations.
Namo babhlu shaya vivyadhinen nanam Patayou 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 harike shayopavitine pustanam
patayou namo ||
Salutations to Him who is always black-haired, who wears the yajnopavita (sacred
thread); to him the Lord of the sleek, salutations.
Namo bhavasya hetyai jagatam patayou namo |
Salutations to Him the instrument that destroys Samsara (Ignorance); to the Lord
of all the worlds, salutations.
Namo Rudrayata ta vine kshetranam patayou namo namah |
Salutations to Him who protects the world by the might of His drawn bow, to
Rudra the destroyour of all miseries; to the Lord of the fields and sacred
places, salutations.
Suta yahantyaya vananam patayou namo |
Salutations to the charioteer, He who cannot be overcome and slain. Salutations
to the Lord of the forests.
Namo rohitaya stha patayou vrikshanam patayou namah |
Salutations to the red One, the Lord; to the Lord of trees, salutations.
Namo mantrine vanijaya kakshanam patayou namah||
Salutations to the counselor of assemblies, the chief of traders, to the Lord of
dense impenetrable clumps and clusters of thickets, salutations.
Namo bhuvantayou varivaskrutayau shadhinam patayou namo ||
Salutations to Him who has created the world and spread it broad, the creator of
riches and lover of those who are devoted to Him; to the Lord of all vegetation,
salutations.
Nama ucchair ghoshaya krandayate pattinam patayou namo |
Salutations to Him of the fearsome war cry, who causes His enemies to weep. To
the leader of the foot-soldiers,
salutations.
Namah krutsnavitaya dhanvate satvanam
patayou namah ||
Salutations to Him who surrounds His enemies completely, and cuts off their
retreat by running swiftly after the retreating stragglers; to the protector of
the good who have taken refuge under Him, salutations.
3rd ANUVAKA
Namah sahamanaya nivyadhina avyadhin inam patayou namah |
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 nishanginestenanam patayou namo |
Salutations to Him who stands prominent, the wielder of the sword; to the prince
of thieves, salutations.
Namo nishangina ishudhimate taskaranam patayou namo |
Salutations to Him who holds a dart in His hand to fit in His bow, who has a
quiver in His back; to the Lord of those who thieve openly, salutations.
Namo vanchate pari vanchate stayunam patayou namo |
Salutations to Him who worming himself into the confidence of others cheats them
occasionally, and He who cheats them systematically; to Him pretending to be an
acquaintance steals and misappropriates articles, salutations.
Namo nicherave paricharayaranyanam patayou namo |
Salutations to Him who moves about guardedly ever with intention to steal; to
Him who moves amidst crowds and thronged places for pick-pocketing; to the Lord
of forest thieves, salutations.
Namah shrukavibhyo jigham sadbhyo mushnatam patayou namo |
Salutations to Him who is in the form of those who protect themselves in armor,
who want to kill others; to the Lord of those who want to steal crops and
wealth, salutations.
Namo simadbhyo naktam charadbhyah prakruntanam patayou namo ||
Salutations to Him who is in the form of swordsmen who wander about at night; to
the Lord of those who kill and seize others possessions, salutations.
Nama ushnishine giricharaya kuluncha nam patayou namo |
Salutations to Him who wears a turban, who wanders about the mountains; to the
leader of the landlords, salutations.
Nama ishumadbhyo dhanvavibhyascha vo namo |
Salutations to you who bear darts, who carry bows; to you salutations.
Nama atanvanebhyah pratida dhane bhyascha vo namo|
Salutations to you who string your bows and you who fit arrows in them; to them
my salutations.
Nama ayacchadbhya visrujad bhyascha vo namo|
Salutations to you who pull the bowstrings and let fly the shafts; to you
salutations.
Namo syadbhyo vidhyad bhyascha vo namo ||
Salutations to you who loosen the arrows and pierce the persons you aim at; to
you salutations.
Nama ashinebhyash shayane bhyascha vo namo |
Salutations to you Rudras who are seated
and who are reclining, salutations.
Namah svapadbhyo jagrad bhyascha vo namo |
To you Rudras who are in the form of those who are asleep and awake,
salutations.
Nama stishthadbhyo dhavad bhyascha vo namo |
To you Rudras who are in the form of those who stand and those who run,
salutations.
Namah sabhabhya sabhapati bhyascha 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 ashvebhyo svapati bhyascha vo namah ||
To you Rudras who are in the form of horses and those who command them,
salutations.
4th ANUVAKA
Nama avyadhinibhyo vividhyanti bhyascha vo namo |
Salutations to you who can hit and pierce from all sides, and you who can pierce
in diverse and manifold ways.
Nama uganabhya strumhati bhyascha vo namo |
Salutations to you who are in the form of the superior female Gods and the
fierce vengeful and powerful Goddesses.
Namo grutsebhyo gratsapati bhyascha vo namo |
Salutations to you the covetous and greedy, and the leaders of such men.
Namo vratebhyo vrata pati bhyascha vo namo |
Salutations to you of diverse crowds and races, and the leaders of them.
Namo ganebhyo Ganapati bhyascha vo namo |
Salutations to you Ganas and their lords.
Namo virupebhyo vishvarupe bhyascha vo namo
Salutations to you who assume grotesque and monstrous forms and other diverse
shapes.
Namo mahadbhyah kshullake bhyascha vo namo
Salutations to you the great ones and the small ones.
Namo rathibhyo rathe bhyascha vo namah
Salutations to you who ride in chariots and you who ride on no conveyance, but
walk on foot.
Namah senabhya senani bhyascha vo namah
Salutations to you who are in the form of chariots and those who own them.
Namah kshattrubhya sangrahitru bhyascha vo namah
Salutations to you in the form of armies and the leaders of such armies.
Nama stakshabhyo ratha kar bhyascha vo namah
Salutations to you who are in the form of those who teach the chariot driving to
others, and those who drive the vehicles themselves.
Namah kulalebhyah karmare bhyascha vo namah
Salutations to you who are in the form of carpenters and fashioners of chariots.
Namah punjishtebhyo nishade bhyascha vo namah
Salutations to you who are in the form of those who mold clay and make mud
vessels, and artisans working in the metals.
Nama ishukrudbhyo dhanva krud bhyascha vo namah
Salutations to you who are in the form of fowlers who net flocks of birds and
fishermen who net shoals of fish.
Namo mrugayubhyah sva ni bhyascha vo namo
Salutations to you who are in the form of makers of arrows and bows.
Namah svabhyah svapati bhyascha vo namah
Salutations to you who are in the form of hunters and that of the leaders of the
hounds.
5th ANUVAKA
Namo bhavaya cha Rudraya cha
Salutations to Him who is the source of all things and to Him who is the
destroyer of all ills.
Namah sharvaya cha pashupatayou cha
Salutations to the destroyer and to the protector of all beings in bondage.
Namo nilagrivaya cha shiti kanthaya cha
Salutations to Him whose throat is black and whose throat is also white.
Namah kapardine cha vyuptake shaya cha
Salutations to Him of the matted locks, and to Him who is clean-shaven.
Namah sahasrakshaya cha shatadhanvane cha
Salutations to Him who has a Thousand eyes and a hundred bows.
Namo giri shaya cha sipivishtaya cha
Salutations to Him who dwells on the mount and who is in the form of Vishnu.
Namo middhushta maya ceshumate cha
Salutations to Him who showers blessings very much and who bears arrows.
Namo hrasvaya cha vamanaya cha
Salutations to Him who assumes a small size, and Him who is in the form of a
dwarf.
Namo bruhate cha varshiyase cha
Salutations to the great and majestic one, to Him who is full of all excellence.
Namo vruddhaya cha samvrudhvane cha
Salutations to the Ancient One who is loudly praised by the scriptures.
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.
Namah shrighriyaya cha shibhyaya cha
Salutations to Him who is in fast moving things and in headlong cascades.
Nama urmyaya chavas vanyaya cha
Salutations to Him who is in great waves and in the still waters.
Namah srotasyaya cha dvipyaya cha
Salutations to Him who is in the floods and in the islands.
Sixth Anuvaka
Namo jyoushthaya cha kanishthaya cha
Salutations to Him who is senior and who is junior.
Namah purvajaya chaparajaya cha
Salutations to Him who was born before all and who will be born after all.
Namo Madhya maya chapagalbhaya cha
Salutations to Him who appears in the middle, and who appears undeveloped.
Namo jaghanyaya cha, budhniyaya cha
Salutations to Him who is born from the back side and from the under side.
Namah shobhyaya cha, prati saryaya cha
Salutations to Him who is born in the mixed world of good and bad and in things
that move.
Namo yamyaya cha, kshemyaya cha
Salutations to Him who is in the worlds of Yama and in the worlds of safety.
Nama urvaryaya cha khalyaya cha
Salutations to Him who is in the form of the bountiful fields and the threshing
floors.
Nama 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 pratisravaya cha
Salutations to Him who is sound and the echo of the sound.
Nama asu shenaya chashurathaya cha
Salutations to Him whose armies move swiftly and who rides on a swift chariot.
Nama shuraya cha, chavabhindate cha
Salutations to the warrior, He who pierces his enemies.
Namo varmine cha, varuyour cha
Salutations to Him who is clad in armor Himself, and who has provided for the
safety of His charioteer.
Namo bilmine cha kavacine cha
Salutations to Him who wears a helmet and breast-plate.
Namah shrutaya cha shrutasenaya cha
Salutations to Him who is praised in the Vedas and whose army is also praised.
Seventh Anuvaka
Namo dundubhyaya chahananyaya cha
Salutations to Him who is the kettle drum and who is also the drum stick.
Namo dhrusnave cha pramrushaya cha
Salutations to Him who never turns his back in fight, but is at the same time
prudent.
Namo dutaya cha, prahitaya cha
Salutations to Him who is in the form of the messenger and the representative
sent for special purposes.
Namo nisangine cheshudhi mate cha
Salutations to Him who has a sword and a quiver of arrows.
Nama stikshneshave chayudhine cha
Salutations to Him having keen shafts and all weapons.
Namah svayu dhaya cha sudhanvane cha
Salutations to Him bearing a beautiful and powerful weapon and bow.
Namah srutyaya cha payouraya 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 chavatyaya cha
Salutations to Him who is in the wells and in the pits.
Namo varshyaya cha chavarshyaya cha
Salutations to Him who is born in the rivers as river water and in the absence
of rains.
Namo meghyaya cha, vidyutyaya cha
Salutations to Him who is in the clouds and in the lightning.
Nama idhriyaya chatapyaya 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, reshmiyaya 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 household wealth and the guardian deity of the
household.
Eighth Anuvaka
Namah somaya cha Rudraya cha
Salutations to Him who is with His consort Uma.
Namastamraya charunaya cha
Salutations to Him who is red and rosy-red also.
Nama shangaya cha pashupatayou cha
Salutations to Him who brings happiness and who is the Lord of all creatures.
Nama ugraya cha bhimaya cha
Salutations to Him who is fierce and strikes terror at sight into His enemies.
Namo Agrevadhaya cha dure vadhaya cha
Salutations to Him who kills in front and from afar.
Namo hantre cha haniyase cha
Salutations to Him who is in the form of everyone who slays, and who kills all
at the time of Pralaya.
Namo vrukshebhyo harikeshebhyo
Salutations to the stately trees with green tufts of leaves.
Nama staraya
Salutations to Him who is the Pravana mantra; Om.
Namash shambhave cha mayo bhave cha
Salutations to Him who is the source of happiness here and hereafter.
Namah shankaraya cha mayaskaraya cha
Salutations to Him who is inherently of the nature of conferring happiness
directly in this world and the world hereafter.
Namah Shivaya cha shivataraya cha
Salutations to Him the auspicious one, who is more auspicious than all others.
Nama stiryouraya cha kulyaya cha
Salutations to Him who is ever present in holy places and on the banks of the
rivers.
Namah paryaya chavaryaya cha
Salutations to Him who stands in the further shore and on this shore.
Namah prataranaya chottaranaya 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.
Nama ataryaya chaladyaya cha
Salutations to Him who is born again and again in Samsara and who tastes the
fruits of Karmas in the form of Jiva.
Namah shaspyaya cha, phenyaya cha
Salutations to Him who is in the form of tender grass and foam.
Namah sikatya ya cha pravahyaya cha.
Salutations to Him who is in the form of the sands and flowing water.
Ninth Anuvaka
Nama irinyaya cha prapayouraya cha,
Salutations to Him who abides in saline tracts and in trodden pathways.
Namah kigim shilya cha kshayanaya cha
Salutations to Him who is in the rocky uninhabitable and rugged tracts and in
habitable places.
Namah kapardine cha pulastayou cha,
Salutations to Him who binds His matted locks and wears them majestically like a
crown and Him who ever stands before His devotees.
Namo goshyouraya cha, grihyaya cha
Salutations to Him who is in the cow pens and in the homesteads.
Nama stalpyaya cha, gehyaya cha,
Salutations to Him who reclines on couches and who takes his ease in stately
store yard buildings.
Namah katyaya cha, gahvareshthaya cha,
Salutations to Him who is in the thorny impenetrable forest places and in
accessible mountain caves.
Namo hradayyaya cha niveshpya ya cha
Salutations to Him who is in deep waters and in the dew drops.
Namah pam savyaya cha rajasyaya cha
Salutations to Him who is in the visible and invisible dust.
Nama shuskyaya cha Harityaya cha
Salutations to Him who is in dry things and green things.
Namo lopyaya cholapya cha
Salutations to Him who exists in hard places which do not sustain even grass and
in coarse and other grasses.
Nama urvyaya cha surmyaya cha
Salutations to Him who is in the earth and in the fair waves.
Namah parnyaya cha parnashadyaya cha
Salutations to Him who is in the green leaves and the dried ones.
Namo paguramanaya chabhighnate cha,
Salutations to the Rudraganas (soldiers of Rudra)who have their weapons uplifted
and who strike from the front.
Nama akkhyidate cha, prakkhi date cha,
Salutations to them (Rudraganas) who afflict slightly and also grievously.
Namo vah kirikebhyo devanam hrudayou bhyo,
Salutations to you who shower wealth and who dwell in the hearts of the Gods.
Namo vikshina kebhyo,
Salutations to you who are not liable to decay (and who abides in the hearts of
the Gods).
Namo vichinvakte bhyo,
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 anir hatebhyo
Salutation to them who have rooted out sin utterly (and who abides in the hearts
of the Gods).
Nama amivaktebhyaha ||
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).
Tenth Anuvaka
Drape Andha saspate daridran nilalohita, esham purushanam
esham pushunam ma bhermaro mo esham kim chanamamat
You who makes sinners lead contemptible lives, Lord and dispenser of food. You
who chooses to remain poor amidst your riches. You dark in the neck and red
elsewhere. Frighten not these our near and dear persons or these our cattle. Let
not even one among them perish or get ill.
Ya te Rudra Shiva tanu Shiva vishvaha bheshaji, Shiva Rudrasya
Bhesaji tasya no mruda jivase ||
Oh Lord Rudra! By that form if your which is peaceful and auspicious, more
highly auspicious since it is a panacea for human ills for all days, most highly
auspicious since by the grant of knowledge and illumination, it utterly uproots
ignorance and the entire misery of samsara, by that gracious form of your make
us lead a full and happy life.
Imam Rudraya tavase kapardane kshayadviraya
Prabhara mahe matim,
Yatha na sha masa dvipade chatushpade vishvam pushtam
Grame asminnana turam |
May we foster and cherish this attitude of mind towards Rudra even, the strong
one with the matted locks, opposing whom his enemy warriors are defeated and
meet their doom. May we adopt a mental inclination which results in Rudra
maintaining friendship with our human relations and our wealth of cattle; sleek
and content.
Mruda no Rudrota no maya skrudhi kshayadviraya
Namasa vidhema te, yacchamcha yoscha manurayaje pita
Tadshyama tava Rudra pranitau ||
Lord Rudra! Confer on us happiness in this world, and in the next. You who has
destroyed our sins, we shall serve and worship you by our salutations. That
freedom from sorrow which Manu, our progenitor, sought for and the happiness
which he obtained, we shall taste it, if You are inclined and gracious to us.
Ma no mahanta muta ma no arbhakam ma na ukshanta Muta ma na ukshitam, ma no
vadhih pitaram mota Mataram priya ma nastanuvo Rudra ririshaha ||
Lord Rudra! Afflict not the elders in our midst, nor the tender babe, nor the
procreating youth, nor the child in the womb, nor the father or mother, nor our
bodies dear to us.
Ma nastoke tanayou ma na ayusi ma no goshu ma no Ashveshu ririsaha | Viranma no
Rudra bhamito vadhirhavi - shmanto namasa vidhema te ||
Lord Rudra! Getting angry at our transgressions hurts not only our children, our
sons in particular, but also our cattle and horses, and our warriors. Making
offerings into the sacred fire, we shall serve and calm you by our Namaskars
(salutations).
Aratte goghna uta purushaghne kshayadviraya sumna masme Te astu, Raksha cha no
adhi cha deva bruhyatha cha nah Sharma yacchavi barhah ||
Oh Deva! Let that terrible form of yours be far away from us -- that which
afflicts our cattle, our sons and grandsons, and wastes your enemy warriors. Let
that form which confers happiness be near to us. Protect us. Recommend us to the
other Gods and bespeak in our favor. You who increases the happiness of both
worlds. Please confer happiness upon us.
Stuhi shrutam garta sadam yuvanam mrugannabhima mupahat numugram, mruda jaritre
Rudra Satvano anyante asmanniva pantu senaha ||
I praise you the famous one, seated in the heart, the ever-youthful, terrible
like the lion, fierce for the purpose of destruction. Lord Rudra, having been
praised by us, let your armies strike at others than us.
Parino Rudrasya hetir vrunaktu pari tve shasya durmati raghayoho |
Ava sthira maghavad bhyastanushva midhvasttokaya tanayaya mridaya
Let the weapon of Rudra give us wide berth. Let the fixed displeasure of Rudra
blazing with just anger based on our sins, and keen to punish us, depart from
us. Showerer of Blessings! Your purpose and your shaft are ever unerring; loosen
them in regard to us; we who approached you with sacrifices and prayers. Make
our sons and their sons happy.
Midhushthama shivatama shivo nah sumana bhava parame vriksha Ayudhan nidhaya
krittim vasana achara pinakam bibhradagahi |
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 elephant hide garment.
Come bearing your Pinaka bow.
Vikirida vilohita Namaste astu bhagavaha, Yaste sahasragam hetayo nyamasmanniva
pantu tah ||
Showerer of wealth! You white 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 krudhi ||
In your arms exist thousands of kinds of weapons in thousands of numbers. But Bhagavan, You art Lord and master of them. Turn their hurtful faces away from
us.
Eleventh Anuvaka
Sahasrani sahasrasho you Rudra Adhi bhumyam, teshagam
Sahasra yojane vadhanvani 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.
Asmin mahatyarnaven tarikshe 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.
Nila griva shiti kantha sharva adhah kshama charah
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.
Nila griva shiti kantha divam Rudra upashritaha||
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.
Yo vrikshesu saspinjara nilagriva vilohitaha,
Yo bhutana madhi patayo vishikhasah kapardianaha,
Those Rudras of the color of tender grass who are black throated, those who are
red in color, who live in trees, 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.
You annesu vividhyanti patresu pibato janan
Those Rudras who stand in the food and in the liquids, and pierce the persons
who eat the food and drink the liquids, 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.
You patham pathi rakshaya ailabruda yavyudhah,
Those Rudras who are the protectors of the pathways, the givers of food, who
fight with one 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.
You tirthani pracharanti srukavanto nisanginah
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.
You etavanta scha bhuyam sascha 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.
Tesagam sahasra yojane vadhanvani 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 the east, the south, the west,
the north, and upwards, 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 you pruthivyam you ntarikshe, You divi yousa mannam vato
varsamisa vastebhyo Dasha cirdasha dakshina dasha prati cirda sho
dicirda shor Dhvastebhyo Namaste no mridayantu te yam dvismo Yascha no dvestim
tam vo jambhe dadhami.
Those Rudras who dwell in the middle region between the heaven and the earth,
for whom the wind furnishes the shaft, salutations to them. With the ten fingers
joined, I bow to them in the east, the south, the west, the north and upwards.
Salutations to them. May then render me happy. They whom we hate, and they who
hate us, I consign them into their yawning mouths. Those Rudras who dwell in
heaven, to whom rain serves as a shaft, salutations to them. With the ten
fingers joined, I bow to them in the east, the south, the west, the north and
upwards. Salutations to them. May then render me happy. He whom we hate, and he
who hates us, I consign them into your yawning mouths.
Tryambakam yajamahe sugandhim pushtivardhanam urvarurkamiva bhamdhanam mrityor
mukshiya mamritate.
He who has divine fragrance, He who makes men powerful and full of plenty, Him
even we worship, the three-eyed Rudra. Like a ripe berry from its stalk, release
me from death, and let me not turn away from immortality and enlightenment.
Yo Rudro agnau yo apsu ya oshadhishu yo Rudro vishva bhuvana vivesha tasmai
Rudraya namo astu
That Rudra who has even entered into and pervaded fire, the waters, vegetation,
and all the worlds, let my salutations be to that Rudra.
Tamu shthuti yah svishuh sudhanva yo vishvasya shyati bheshajasya
Yakshvamahe saumanasaya Rudram namo bhrdevamasuram duvasya
He who holds a beautiful and powerful shaft and a strong bow, He who is the
source and repository of all medicines, praise Him alone. To gain the favor and
goodwill of that supreme and effulgent God Rudra, let us worship Him, honor and
adore Him by salutations.
Ayam me vishvabhesajo yam shivabhimarshanaha
Due to its contact with the Linga image, this right hand of mine is fortunate.
Indeed this hand of mine is a panacea for all human beings for all ills.
Yo te sahasramayutam pasha mrityo martyaya hantave
Tanyagyasya mayaya sarvanava yajamahe
Oh Death in the form of Rudra. Those countless nooses of yours by which You
destroy all mortal creatures, we shall loosen them by the efficiency of our
worship of you.
Mrityave Svaha, Mrityave Svahaha
I offer this sacred food offering in sacrifice to Rudra the Destroyer.
OM Namo Bhagavate Rudraya
Vishnave mrityume pahi
Om. Salutation to the omnipresent Bhagavan Rudra. Protect me from death.
Prananam granthirasi rudro ma vishantakaha.
Tenan nenapyayasva.
OM Namo Bhagavate Rudraya Vishnave mrityume pahi
Prananam granthirasi rudro ma vishantakaha.
Tenan nenapyayasva.
Kamadhenu, the divine cow discovered the hymns by which the gods are invoked.
Manu was the sacrificer. Brihaspathi repeated the Sasthra Mantras which gladden.
May the Visva Devas praised in the hymns and Mother Earth not cause me any
suffering. Let me think sweet thoughts; let me perform sweet actions which bear
sweet fruits; let me bear sweet offerings, let my speech and praise be sweet;
let me utter words which sound sweet to the Gods; let me utter sweet words to
men who would lend their ears. Let the Gods illumine me and render my speech
sweet. Let the Prithis, the forefathers feel glad and approve of me.
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