| Sri Rudram occurs in Krishna
Yajur Veda. There are seven chapters in this Veda and Sri Rudram occurs
in the fourth or middle chapter. So if Krishna Yajur Veda is like a garland,
Sri Rudram is like a pendant in the middle.
The Glory of Rudram
Sri Rudram is treated as the celebrated portion of Yajurveda with the
sacred Siva Panchakshari mantra (Namasivaya) enshrined within it.
It has two portions called Namakkam and Chamakkam . Each contains eleven
chapters, or Anuvakams. Most of the chapters in the first portion end
with the letter Namaha or namo Namaha , while the ending letter of the
second portion is "cha me".
It is firmly believed that every deity is pleased with Rudra japam, and
it is also believed that by chanting it, whatever may be the genuine prayers
of the devotee, will be granted. Rudra japa is spoken of as a great purifier
and it is the most effective expiation (pariharam or remedy) for even
the worst sins.
In summary, Rudra japam is the best sadhana (ritual) for attaining both
material and spiritual benefits from the Almighty...
Rudram means Dukham-eliminator, paapam-eliminator. The word 'Rudram' is
derived from two words - 'Rud' and 'Ra'. 'Rud' means dukham (sorrow) or
paapam (sin, demerit). 'Rud' also means the cause of dukham or paapam.
What is the cause of sorrow or sin? It is agnyanam (ignorance). 'Ra' means
eliminator. Lord Siva gets the name Rudra because he removes sorrow and
sin and also the cause of it, which is ignorance.
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