Sri Rudra Mahima

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SRI RUDRA UPASANA & SRI RUDRA MAHIMA

 

The Central Point of Dharma is, there is only one Supreme Almighty

and that is the ultimate Subtle Truth (how many of us love to speak

truth!).

 

Truth manifests itself in various diverse forms for the benefit of

different people. By continuous attempt to know the truth we can

solve or overcome all our life's problems.

 

Divinity is there in every person. To know about that, purity of

mind, devotion, meditation, selfless action etc. are required. Vedic

mantras are meant to help us in all these ways. Sri Rudram mantras

are one of them.

 

It is difficult to understanding the real/inner meaning of the Vedic

mantras. The Ultimate Truth is known as Para Brahmmam, which is

nothing but your inner self.

 

Yaavath Jeevam Pranavam, Adhava Rudram Yajurvedakam, Vasathi adhava

Varanasyam, Thyakthwa Lajjam Kalimala Vishayae, Japthwa Vishnor

Namaani Amuruthatwa Prapthireva Chaturthayam.

 

Chant Pranavam throughout life or chant Sri Rudram as imbedded in

Yajurveda or spend life with devotion in Kasi or do nama japa of your

Ishta Devatha – before attempting to realise the Ultimate Truth/God

shed your ego and unwanted worldy pleasures.

 

Even if you cannot do all these things (you were born as a Brahmin

and call yourself a Brahmin and therefore you should try to adopt any

one of the above), you still have a chance to attain Mukthi.

 

In Kali Santrana Upanishad - the shortest of all Upanishads, at the

request of Saint Narada, Lord Vishnu Himself says, that in Kaliyuga

chanting of the following Hymn with devotion is enough to attain

Mukthi:

 

HARE RAMA HARE RAMA RAMA RAMA HARE HARE

HARE KRISHNA HARE KRISHNA KRISHNA KRISHNA HARE HARE.

 

The Swa Sakho Upanishad says what a Brahmin should do:

 

Geetha, Vishnor Nama Sahasrakam, Rudram cha Pourusham Sooktham

Nithyam Aavarthayet Dwija

 

Rishi Yajnavalkya states in Jabala Upanishad that by chanting of Sri

Rudram one can attain AMRUTATWA (everlasting peace and Vedoktha Ayu)

 

The Kaivalya Upanishad states that those who chant Sri Rudram can

acquire Jnana and obtain Mukthi, after getting relief from all sins.

 

 

Just chanting a portion of the Veda Mantras will give purity of

soul/mind on that day.

 

Whereas one who chants Sri Rudram could attain the same immediately,

Thus States Yaksha-Yama Dharma.

 

According to Rishi Bodhayana: Chanting Sri Rudram gives relief from

all sins, diseases, gives required wealth, mental peace, long,

healthy, happy life etc.

 

Sage Vyasa quotes in Mahabharata that there is nothing equal to

Sri Rudram (even in Sruthi or in Smruthi).

 

The essential details of the Sri Rudra Mantras are as under:-

 

In Krishna Yajurveda Taittareeya Samhitha in 7 Cantos there are 44

Prasnams. There are 2198 panchatees (group of 50 words) in this

Samhitha. The total padams are 1,09,308.

 

A chapter called NAMAKAM is available in 4th Canto 5th Prasna. In 11

Anuvakams there are 27 panchatees containing 1234 padams.

 

8th Anuvakam contain SIVA PANCHAKSHARI Mantra – Nama Sivaya.

 

When one chants this mantra with pranavam and Sakthi Beejakshari

Mantra Hreem it becomes Siva Sakthi Panchakshari Maha Mantra (Om

Hreem Nama Sivaya).

 

When Chanted as OM NAMO BAGAVATHE RUDRAYA it is called

Rudra Dasaakshari mantra.

 

In Namakam the prostration or Namaskarams to Lord Siva is repeated

183 times.

 

In the 7th Prasna there are 20 Panchatees; containing prayer for

getting 371 dravyas essential for performance of a Yajna. This

Chapter is called as CHAMAKA.

 

Namakam and Chamakam chapters put together is called Sri Rudram/Sata

Rudreeyam/Rudra Upanishad etc.

 

In 11 Chamakam Anuvakams prayers for getting 371 dravyas are made.

 

Anyone who chants the name of the Lord becomes His Bandhu/Mitra.

To reach the God one has to reach Him through Mantra or by chanting

of His Nama.

 

For performing Sri Rudra Japa the Niyama is Trikarana Sudhi. They are

Mind, Vaak and Sareera.

 

 

Lord Siva is considered as the Lord of all Lords. Those who regularly

worship Lord Siva, as ordained by Rishees, one can become one among

Devas in Swarga Loka.

 

Abhisheka Priyo Siva: Lord Siva is much pleased with Abhisheka.

Bilwa Patra is also one of the essential items used for His pooja.

 

EKADASA RUDRAS are:

 

Mahadeva, Sivo, Rudro, Sankaro, Neelalohita:

Eesano, Vijayo, Bheema, Devadevo, Bhavatoth Bhava:

Aadhithyama, Rudro, cha Rudro Ekadasa Smrutha:

 

EKADASA DRAVYAS are:

 

Gandha Thailam, Panchagavyam, Panchamrutham, Ghee, Cow's Milk, Curd,

Honey, Cane Juice Lemon Juice, Coconut water and Kumbha Jalam.

 

Santhi/Peace by Sudha Jalam, Happiness in life by Gandha Thailam,

Purity in mind and body by Panchagavyam, Victory by Panchamrutham,

Moksham by Ghee, Long life by Milk, Wealth by Curd, Medicine for

diseases by Honey, Strength by Cane Juice, Jnanam by Lemon Juice,

Salokya Ananada in life by Coconut water etc are the effects or

results that can be obtained by doing Abhisheka to Lord Siva with

each one of the above Dravyas.

 

Sathyojatam (west), Vamadevam (north), Akhoram (south), Tatpurusham

(East) and Esanam ( Centre/above) are the five faces of Lord Rudra.

 

While Lighting lamp with Panchamukha the same order can be followed

ending with Esana direction.

 

Prayers should be made to all Siva ganas like Nandi, Chandeeswara,

Bana, Ravana, Brungi, Sarpam etc while doing pooja.

 

Generally Pooja for Lord Siva is done along with Parivara Devathas:

 

They are Lord Ganesa, Lord Surya Narayana, Godess Ambika, and Lord

Vishnu. This system is called Siva Panchaayathana Pooja.

 

-- R Vaidyanadhan