What is Rudram? How should we chant? Answers found ....

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What is Rudram: (Source: http://www.astrojyoti.com/srirudram.htm)

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Srirudram, also known as Rudraprasna, is a hymn devoted to lord Shiva. It is

part of the Yajur Veda and one of the greatest of the Vedic hymns. Sri Rudram is

in two parts. The first part, chapter 16 of the Yajurveda, is known as Namakam

because of the repeated use of the word "Namo" in it. The second part, chapter

18 of the Yajurveda, is known as chamakam because of the repeated use of the

words "Chame".

 

Rudram is divided into 11 sections called Anuvakas. In the first Anuvaka, Rudra

is asked to turn away his Ghora rupa (fierce appearance) and to please keep his

and his followers' weapons at bay. Having been pacified, Rudra is requested to

destroy the sins of those for whom it is being chanted.

 

Apart from being a hymn devoted Lord Shiva, Srirudram also contains may hidden

secrets in coded format. For example the verses contain coded instructions for

preparing various ayurvedic medicines.

 

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 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.

 

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 his 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 his 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 his attendants 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 his fury and shower

benevolence by his displaying his Pinaka bow without arrows and to gracefully

appear with his tiger skin on his body with pleasing countenance ready to shower

boons upon his devotees. This 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

his 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 his

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.

 

After praying and identifying Rudra with everything in the Namakam, the Chamakam

is recited, in which the devotee identifies himself with Lord Shiva and asks him

to give him everything!!

 

 

Different methods of Rudra Japam: (I forgot the source)

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Method of Rudra japam:

Rupam: Chanting Namakkam once followed by chanting Chamakkam is called Rupam.

Rudra Ekadasini: First the eleven Anuvakas of Namakkam, followed by the first

Anuvakam of Chamakkam are chanted. Next again the eleven Anuvakams of Namakkam

with second Anuvakam of Chamakkam will be chanted. Like this for 11 full

chantings of Namakkam one full chanting of Chamakkam is completed. This is

called Rudra ekadasini.

Laghu Rudram & Maharudram: If in the above method eleven Rudra ekadasinis are

repeated it is called Laghu rudram. Eleven Laghu rudrams is one Maharudram.

Athirudram: Athirudram the biggest of all Rudra japam is eleven times of

Maharudram. i.e. in the Athirudrabhiskekam going to be conducted now, ultimately

14641 times Namakkam and 1331 chamakkams will be chanted totally along with

abhishekam. Moreover on the last day in the final Rudra homam again 10% of this

i.e. 1465 Namakkam and 134 times Chamakkam will be chanted and in this way the

whole yagna is going to be a real great performance.

More when I find ....

 

 

Mahesh Krishnamoorthy

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