॥ श्री रुद्रम् ॥ - Sri Rudram

Introduction :

          
         The Sri Rudram occurs in Krishna Yajur Veda in the Samhitha (Book) of Taithireeya in the fourth and seventh chapters. This mellifluous prayer to Rudra has two parts-the Namakam (verses ending with Nama) and the Chamakam (Verses ending with Cha May).
Meaning of the word Rudra
 “There are Several meanings to the word Rudra.

" रुदं संसार दुःखं द्रावयतीति रुद्र:।"
“Rtam (dam) Samsaara dukham draava yat iti Rudrah”.
He destroys the sorrows of the world i.e. (Rudra).
“Rodati Sarvamantakala” The one who makes one to suffer.

"रुतौ नादान्ते द्रवति द्रावयतीति रुद्र:।"
“Rtou Naadaante dravati – draavayateeti Rudrah. The end note of the musical sound i.e. (Rudra).

“Rtya – Vedarupaya, dharmadinava-loka yati praayateeti vaa Rudrah”. In the form of Veda Dharma is promoted i.e. (Rudra).

“Rtya-vaagrupaya, vaakyam, prapayateeti Rudrah”. In the form of Speech, brings out the importance of the meaning of words i.e. (Rudra).

Rtya-Pranava rupaya svatmanam prayateeti Rudrah”. In the name of pranava (OM) He makes one to realize him.

“Rudroroutiti satye rorupamaano dravati pravashati martyaaniti Rudrah”. In the form truth he enters humans.

“Rtam Sabdam Vedaatmaanam Brahmane dadati Kalpaadaaviti Rudrah”. Rudra presented Vedas to Brahma at the Commencement of kalpa. Rudras also means the persons created by Rudra as Sadrusha.

“Rtim Raati is responsible for the sound. He is praana Svarupa. Granter of praana (life).
Rudram is i.e. light Teja and Ruth who binds and attracts.

“Taam bhakte draavayati). He is even capable of driving away hat Shakti (energy).”*