Rudram – Applied Indology

Rudra Literally means that “Fire comes from the Bowels of the earth spreading God’s Grace all over the world”. The word Rudra is an ancient Vedic name for God, meaning the roarer, the ruler of storms and wind, the wild, the mightiest of the mighty. These attempts to describe relate to the tremendous and inconceivable power out of which galaxies are born, stars collapse, seasons move and your mind experiences desire.

Rudram chanting can be done with or without the accompaniment of a Vedic yagna ritual. When accompanied with the Vedic fire ritual, it is called the Rudra Yagnam.

After Bhasmasura was killed with the help of Lord Maha Vishnu, Lord Shiva performed the Tandava Dance and then performed the “Rudra Yagna” for the betterment of humanity. The place where first Rudra Yagna was performed is where the “Sri Kalahasti” Temple stands now; this temple also has one of the 5 / Pancha bhootha – Vayu, Agni, Jala, Akash, Prithvi) lingas called Vayu linga.

Sri Rudram is a Vedic mantra or chant in homage to Rudra (Shiva) taken from the Krishna Yajurveda’s Taittiriya Samhita in the fourth and seventh chapters. Sri Rudram chant is an ancient Vedic hymn in praise of Lord Shiva, and is the oldest prayer with a listing of various names of Lord Shiva. Through the chanting of Sri Rudram, Lord Shiva’s various attributes and aspects are invoked and worshiped.

The Taittiriya Samhita of the Yajur Veda has seven sections (skandas) and Sri Rudram is treasured in the 4th section. It is also known as “Sata Rudriyam” as it is seen in the 101 branch and also as “Rudropanishat“. Sri Rudram is divided into 11 anuvakas (passages) and consists of 37 ṛks (verses) in various Vedic chandas (meters) in anuvaka 1, 10 and 11. Anuvakas 2 to 9 and the last line of anuvaka 11 consist of 130 yajus (sacrificial formulas).

It is revered as the crown jewel and the essence of Yajur Veda. Apart from being a hymn devoted Lord Shiva, Sri Rudram also contains many hidden secrets in coded format. For example the verses contain coded instructions for preparing various ayurvedic medicines.

Each of the Veda Shakhas (branches) has three portions called Samhita (which is the main text of the Vedas), Brahmana (the portion dealing with rituals) and the Aranyaka (dealing with the inner meaning contained in the Samhita and the Brahmanas.) Upanishads are placed at the end of the Aranyakas and deal with the realization of the Supreme through the path of knowledge (jnana marga). In this context, the Upanishads, Brahma Sutras (aphorisms which contain all that is propounded by the Upanishads), and the Bhagavad Gita are given a special name, prasthanatrayee – the texts of tatvajnana or metaphysics.

Sri Rudram is also called the Namakam. In it there are 300 repetitions of the word namaha. Namaha in Sanskrit means ‘salutations’. It has another interpretation, which is ‘not me’. Again and again repeating the word ‘not me’ – namaha – directly hits at the root of the ego, which is the sole culprit responsible for all our problems. Our brain is designed to respond differently to different words. Whatever word we repeat in our inner space gets recorded in our brain and bio memory and also decides the circuit of brain signals. Repeating the word namaha in your inner space breaks the unconscious part of our mind where the root cause of all the health problems resides. Simply chanting the Sri Rudram with awareness can directly destroy the root of all mental and physical health problems.

To gain an appreciation of the essence of Rudram is to understand it as an ecstatic recognition of the majesty of God, expressing as everything, everywhere, both within us and around us. The whole universe in all its aspects and parts is the single divinity of Brahman within which we find ourselves living this compelling human life, desiring to grow and bring positive meaning to that incredible opportunity. The mantras of Rudram are assisting us to do this in three ways: influencing us literally for practical benefit, devotionally as religious expressions and symbolically as mystical keys referring to inner spiritual states and Self-Realisation. Any of these intentions can be a reason for hearing, chanting and sharing Rudram.

The entire chant contains 22 verses known as Anuvakas and is in 2 separate parts, Namakam and Chamakam. This prayer to Rudra has two parts-the Namakam (verses ending with Nama) and the Chamakam (Verses ending with Chame) each with eleven sections. It is also known as Satha Rudreeyam or Rudra Prasnam.

Namakam is characterised by the repetition of the word Namah meaning ‘salutations’ or ‘I bow to’. The first part, chapter 16 of the Yajurveda, is known as Namakam because of the repeated use of the word “Namo” in it. Namakam containing 169 mantras is the naming of multiple aspects of the wonder of nature acknowledging that all this activity and abundance is God in form. Namakam is a prayer to Rudra to forget about his avenging fierce, fearful and horrendous form and turn himself into a peaceful form and do good to us.

Chamakam is characterised by the repetition of the phrase ‘Ca me’ meaning ‘to me’. The second part, chapter 18 of the Yajurveda, is known as chamakam, because of the repeated use of the words “Chame”. The word me is inclusive, encompassing the chanter, those who hear the chant, those for whom the chant is invoked, the place and all receptive beings in attendance. This displays the generous and gregarious nature of Rudram. Chamakam on the other hand lists out the blessings to be got from a prayer to Rudra and prays Him to regulate and bless our life for a moment forgetting his anger. It is a prayer for the blessings needed in life to live well, express generosity and fulfill potential.

All creations are of 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.This hymn is referred to in the Shiva Purana and recitation of the Satarudriya is claimed, in the Jabala Upanishad, to lead to immortality. Lord Shiva is worshiped traditionally in the form of Linga – resembling the replica of Brahmanda.

All Vedic texts are pleasing to the ears 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 the Vedic tradition, all the Deities have two seemingly contradictory manifestations; peaceful and fierce. In some ways it helps to start with the understanding that these Vedic verses are the awareness / Learning of an ancient Rishi. In Sanskrit “rishi” means enlightened seer and this hymn is simply a record of what he saw.

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. The typical time to chant the Sri Rudram (both Namakam and Chamakam) is about 40 mins.

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 of 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. The 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. Chamakam assures granting of what all you ask in a full-throated manner unabashed. The creator makes no distinction between the things the world and the other world. Both belong to him and the desire born out of Virtue is really manifestation of divinity and Dharma. Chamakam furnishes completely the ideal of human happiness and defines in the highest degree the desires and do not delimit to be asked or to be granted.

Chamakam

The repeated phrase, cha me literally means, “and to me [be this granted]“, accompanied by a list of desirables, which are primarily necessary appurtenances for Vedic sacrifices. The original context of the Chamakam is the piling up of the fire altar of the Vedic religion. Chamakam is usually recited immediately after, in which the devotee asks Him to give him everything, 347 things to be precise, coupled with the article ca (and) and the verb me kalpatām (be granted unto me).

The hymn invokes, apart from Agni and Vishnu at the beginning, a pantheon of Vedic deities that are successively linked with Indra to enable the yajamana or sacrificer / patron to successfully perform Vedic fire sacrifices or yagnyas, such as the Agnishthoma, Somayaga, and the Ashwamedha. The Chamakam can be interpreted both as a preparatory for a physical external sacrificial ritual, and the inner, possibly yogic sacrifice involving pranic control, since the yogic “vital airs” are explicitly mentioned as sacrificial adjuncts in anuvaka, or stanza 10.

In the 11th anuvaka or 11th section of Chamakam, the devotee prays for the desired things not specifically but in terms of numbers, first in terms of odd numbers from 1 to 33 and later in multiples of 4 from 4 to 48, as follows:

“Eka cha me, thisrascha may, pancha cha may, sapta cha may, Ekadasa cha may, trayodasa cha may, panchadasa cha may, saptadasa cha may, Navadasa cha may, ek trimshatis cha may, trayovimshatis cha may, Panchavimshatis cha may, saptavimshatis cha may, navavimshatis cha may, Ekatrimshatis cha may, trayatrimshatis cha may, panchatrimshatis cha may, Chatasras cha may, ashtou cha may, dwadasa cha may, shodasa cha may, Vimsatis cha may, chaturvimshatis cha may, ashtavimshatis cha may, Dwathrimashatis cha may, shatstrimshas cha may, chatvarimshas cha may, Chatuschatvarimshas cha may, ashtachatvarimshas cha may”

which means:

“Let these be granted to me. One, three, five, seven, nine, eleven, thirteen, seventeen, nineteen, twenty one, twenty three, twenty five, twenty seven, twenty nine, thirty one and thirty three as also four, eight, twelve, sixteen, twenty, twenty four, twenty eight, thirty two, thirty six, forty, forty four and forty eight”.

Sanskrit is a very complicated language and a least phonetic language like English cannot bring out the nuances in actual chanting of this majestic and mellifluous prayer. Traditional scholars and pandits explain the significance of these numbers as follows:

ODD NUMBERS:

1 = Nature or Prakriti

3 = The three gunas, namely sattwa, rajas and tamas

5 = The five mahabhutas, or the five basic elements, that is, prithvi, ap, tejas, vayu and akasha, (earth, water, energy or agni or fire, wind and space).

7 = The five sensory organs and the mind and intellect

9 = The nine openings in the human body, called the navadwaras.

11 = The ten pranas and the Sushumna nadi

13 = Thirteen Devas

15 = The nadis or nerve centres in the human body

17 = The limbs of the human body

19 = Medicinal herbs

21 = Important vulnerable parts of the body

23 = Devas controlling serious diseases

25 = Apsaras in heaven

27 = Gandharvas

29 = Vidyut Devas

31 = Worlds

33 = Devas

MULTIPLES OF FOUR:

4 = The four ideals of human life, namely dharma, artha, kama and moksha,

(righteous way of life, wealth, desire, and salvation)

8 = The four Vedas and the four upavedas

12 = Six vedangas and six shastras.

16 = Knowledge to be obtained from God

20 = The Mahabhutas

24 = The number of letters in the Gayatri metre

28 = The number of letters in the Ushnik metre

32 = The number of letters in the Anushtup metre

36 = The number of letters in the Brihati metre

40 = The number of letters in the Pankti metre

44 = The number of letters in the Trushtup metre

48 = The number of letters in the Jagati metre

These numbers represent a polymer chain of molecules that form “apa” or water that enables evolution of life and intelligence, and “apa” is nothing but the nitrogenous base pairs of the DNA. The numbers 1 to 33 represent the 33000 base pairs of mitochondrial base pairs of DNA.The numbers 4 to 48 represent the 48 million nuclear bases of DNA. The two sets of DNA bases combine to provide sustenance of human wellbeing and onward evolution of human life. When the devotee prays for the blessing of these numbers, actually he is praying for bestowing on him all these DNA bases which conduce to sustenance of human well being and happiness.

This goes on till Nava ving satis cha may where you derive 361 + 39 = 400 and square root of 400 = 20. The algorithm described in this 11th anuvaka of chamakam has odd numbers in them with hidden even numbers between them.This description is about multiple combinations of atoms to form various molecules. Siva is described to be in anu-poorva sthiti (pre-atomic state), which means electrons, protons and neutrons. They combine to form atoms and these atoms when combine is different numbers will form molecules.Vishnu (mean, the one who is spread all over) is such molecules which create elements and substances in this creation.

Acharya Kanada used these concepts to Vaishesika Sutras, which describe Laws of Motion & Concept of Atom.
God is not merely the creative extra-cosmic Parent of the Universe, but He is also immanent in every particle, in every speck of space, in every unit of time, in every nook and corner, in every particle of creation.

Rudram is the most sacred means of worshipping Lord Siva. Sage Satapatha in his treatise “Maharnava Karma Vipaka” listed 4 types of procedures to propitiate Lord Siva. Ekadasa Rudram, Maha Rudram and Athi Rudram; each has greater significance than its preceding one. ‘Athi’ means “ultimate”. Therefore, Athirudram is the highest form of worship of Lord Shiva. Athirudram is a destroyer of all sorrows and the provider of ‘Kshema’.

The auspicious is the benign and favourable expression of Rudra/Shiva that which has withdrawn his terrifying aspects and now turns that same energy towards our protection and spiritual evolution. Now Shiva is the illuminating energetic intelligence expressing within, defending us from foes, shining a conquering light on obstacles through the insight, conviction and spontaneity that rises in our perception, shattering corners of darkness to radiate profound enlightening peace and capability within our minds.

Rudra homa is a powerful homam or fire ritual for cleansing the system of all deep-rooted disorders. The homam is performed to invoke the grace of Rudra, one of the many energies of Shiva. Science of Homam is a Vedic ritual which helps us connect to the fire element, one of the five major elements in Nature.

The human body has over 72,000 subtle energy channels known as nadis. The nadis are closely linked to the functioning of the nervous system. Negative energies can block the full flow of prana (life-force) in these nadis, resulting in many ‘incurable’ or so-called ‘karmic’ diseases, including nervous and mental disorders. A Rudra Homam performed, attended with devotion, awareness and the energy evoked from it, can directly penetrate our deepest energy layers, energize the nadis and flush out the negative samskaras (engraved memories) which influence our health and mental states. Most importantly, the high consciousness pervading the atmosphere in an energy field put us naturally into a meditative state.

Originating in the Krishna Yajur Veda the content is mystical and cannot be fully explained in conventional ways; that is part of its beauty. It is best to simply admire the grandeur of it, respect its mystery and allow its impact to land in the cells of your open heart. The Vedas are also the source of the Upanishads, the ground breaking Vedanta spirituality of Self-Realisation. Great benefit is experienced by being a respectful and open hearer of the chant and this is how it is commonly encountered. Listening is all that is required in the knowledge that, like all great art, it is not just the sounds themselves but the energetic impact and sacred nature of Rudram that is affecting you. You can only suspend your mind and allow the subtle rays of your heart to rise. This is the nature of spiritual surrender where the dominant mind gives way to the wordless heart. Stillness, silence, peace and spiritual openness is the common impact in those who are able to do that.

People are captivated by the rhythms and sounds, not understanding what it is but none the less having the intuitive experience that this is something special, attractive and worthy of respect.

SRI RUDRAM
OM NAMO BHAGAVATE RUDRAYA||
Om. Salutations to the Omnipresent Bhagavan Rudra. ||

1ST ANUVAKA

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 URW Palladio ITU 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.

2ND ANUVAKA

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 URW Palladio ITUs 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.

6TH 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.

7TH 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.

8TH ANUVAKAM

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 Jeeva.

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.

9TH 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 URW Palladio ITU 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).

10TH ANUVAKA

Drape Andha saspate daridran nilalohita, esham purushanam esham pushunam ma bhermaro mo esham kim chanamamat |
You who makes sinners lead to contemptible lives, Lord and dispenser of food. You who chooses to remain poor amidst your riches. You are dark in the neck and red elsewhere. Frighten not these our near and dear ones or 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. URW Palladio ITU 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 URW Palladio ITUer 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 |
URW Palladio ITUer 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.

11TH 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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About Author:
Subhasini BA, is a Screenplay writer, Director, creative director, costume designer and producer, whose work has featured in some of the most prestigious film festivals in the country and internationally. She has collaborated on several film projects juggling different roles. 

In beginning of her career, she worked as Associate director and Costume Designer with the acclaimed director Girish Kasaravalli. She’s written and directed a documentary film on the famed Krishna Temple in Udupi, and also written plays, screenplays for films and short form content for some of the leading technology companies in India, including Microsoft, Akamai Technologies, LAM Research, and SAP. 

With Knowledge in Sanskrit, Subhasini is a seeker of the Eternal Truth / Santana Dharma, writes on dharma. She is passionate about History, Mythology, Philosophy and Spirituality. She believes Dharma is the manifestation of the natural strength of every living soul.
She lives in Cincinnati.

Image Courtesy: PInterest

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