Rudra Puja

Rudra Pooja is an ancient practice followed in India since time immemorial. 'Rudra' means 'Shiva - the Benevolent', 'the Destroyer of Evil'. 'Pooja' means that which is born out of fullness. Through this Pooja one can aim for inner peace and fulfillment. In this Pooja, Lord Shiva is worshipped in his Rudra form.

It is hailed by all Vedic scriptures as one of the greatest Poojas to remove all evils, to attain all desires and for all-round prosperity. Scriptures on Astrology prescribe this emphatically as a remedy for several planetary doshas.

Satarudriyam or Sri Rudradhyayam is the very essence of all Veda branches (Sakhas). Hence it is also known as Sri Rudropanishad. Principally, this Rudradhyayam, which forms the fifth Prasna in the fourth Kanda of Krishna Yajurveda, is a composition describing the greatness of Sri Parameswara, with universe as his form and his transcendence beyond the manifest universe, and extolling him and seeking his grace.

The world is a play of energy: negative and positive. When we pray to Shiva – the Lord of transformation - the entire negative energy around us in form of disease, depression, and unhappiness gets transformed into peace, prosperity and joy. Then peace surrounds us in body, mind and soul.

It is certain that through the grace of the Supreme Lord, pleased with this prayer, one can attain all fruits required in the human birth – Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha.

This Pooja is performed with a crystal 'linga'. Each ancient mantra that is chanted gets absorbed in materials like curd, milk, ghee, honey etc. which are used as offerings in the Pooja. It is then offered to Lord Shiva with reverence, love and gratitude. Specially trained Pandits and Veda students from the Veda Agama (Vedic school) perform this special Pooja. The chanting of the mantras is so pure and meditative that it takes one to a different plane.

It has been the practice all over Bharatadesa from Himalayas to Ramasethu to chant, along with Sri Rudradhyayam, the 'Chamakam', which has mantras in eleven Anuvakas, and which lists the fruits required here and hereafter, as shown to us by Veda Matha herself.

The immaculate Vedas which stands as a repository of eternal wisdom is the bestower of unalloyed bliss. Bruhadaranyakopanishad reveals that these Vedas are the breath of the almighty. Every mantra of these Vedas not only purify the atmosphere but also brings serenity to the lives of every human being.

Shastras proclaim that Vedas are the greatest among all knowledge and in that SHREE RUDRAM consisting 11 Anuvakas is very great. The continuous chant of SHREE RUDRAM removes all evils, difficulties, miseries, ailments, and sufferings while sanctifying the seeker, leading them to a happy life and eternal enlightenment.