Rudrabhisheka Stotram
The Rudrabhisheka Stotram is a sacred Vedic hymn embedded within the Indian epic, the Mahabharata, specifically in the Drona Parva (Book 7, Section 80, verses 55–63). Revered in the Hindu tradition, this stotram (hymn of praise) is dedicated to Lord Shiva in his fierce and benevolent Rudra form. It is chanted during the Rudrabhisheka, a ritualistic worship involving the ceremonial anointing of a Shiva Lingam with various sacred substances, accompanied by Vedic mantras.
he Rudrabhisheka Stotram finds its roots in the Mahabharata, one of the two major Sanskrit epics of ancient India, attributed to the sage Vyasa. The hymn is presented as a dialogue between Lord Krishna and Arjuna, two central figures in the epic. In this context, they jointly offer praises to Lord Shiva to seek his blessings and protection. The stotram is part of a broader tradition of Vedic and post-Vedic worship of Shiva as Rudra, a deity associated with both destruction and benevolence in the Rigveda and later scriptures.
The term “Rudrabhisheka” combines “Rudra” and “Abhisheka” . The stotram is chanted during the Rudrabhisheka ritual, which is considered one of the most potent forms of worship in Shaivism, a major sect of Hinduism centered on Shiva.
Shiv Rudrabhishek Mantra
Om Namo Bhavaay Sharvaay Rudraay Varadaay Cha ।
Pashunaampataye Nityam Ugraay Cha Kapardine ।।
Mahadevaay Bhimaay Tryambakaay Shivaay Cha ।
Ishaanaay Makhadhyaanaay Namaste Makhaghaatine ।।
Kumaaraguruve Nityam Nilagrivaay Vedhase ।
Vilohitaay Dhumray Vyadhinenaparajite ।।
Nityam Nilashikhandaay Shuline Divyachakshuse ।
Hantre Goptre Trinetraay Vyadhaya Cha Suretase ।।
Achintyayambikabhartre Sarvadev Stutaay Cha ।
Vrushabhadhvajaay Mundaay Jatine Brahmacharine ।।
Taptamaanaay Salile Brahmanyaya Jitaay Cha ।
Vishwaatmane Vishwasruje Vishwamavrutya Tishthate ।।
Namo Namaste Satyaay Bhutaano Prabhave Namah ।
Panchavaktray Shirvaay Shankaraay Shivay Cha ।।
Namoastu Vachaspatye Prajaanaam Pataye Namah ।
Namo Viswasya Pataye Mahatam Pataye Namah ।।
Namah Shastra Shirshaay Shahastra Bhuj Manvaye ।
Sahastranetre Paadaay Namah Sankhyaay Karmane ।।
Evam Stutva Mahadevah Vaasudevah Sahaarjun ।
Prasaadayaamaas Bhavam Tadaa Shastropalabdhaye ।।
Evam Stutva Mahadevah Vaasudevah Sahaarjun ।
Prasaadayaamaas Bhavam Tadaa Shastropalabdhaye ।।
Ritualistic Significance
The Rudrabhisheka Stotram is an integral part of the Rudrabhisheka ritual, which involves anointing a Shiva Lingam with substances like water, milk, curd, honey, ghee, and sandalwood paste, while chanting Vedic hymns, including the Sri Rudram (Namakam and Chamakam) and this stotram. The ritual is performed to invoke Lord Shiva’s blessings for health, wealth, prosperity, and liberation (moksha).
Key Elements of Rudrabhisheka Ritual
- Preparation: A sanctified space is set up with a Shiva Lingam. Sacred kalashas (pots) filled with water are consecrated by invoking deities like Varuna and the seven holy rivers (Ganga, Yamuna, etc.).
- Chanting: The Sri Rudram—a Vedic hymn from the Yajurveda—is chanted, followed by the Rudrabhisheka Stotram and other mantras like Om Namah Shivaya.
- Abhisheka: The Lingam is bathed with prescribed substances, each symbolizing purification and devotion. For instance, milk represents purity, honey signifies sweetness, and ghee denotes nourishment.
- Offerings: Flowers, bilva leaves (sacred to Shiva), and other items are offered, accompanied by the ringing of bells and lighting of lamps.
- Sankalpa: A resolve is made, stating the purpose of the ritual (e.g., overcoming obstacles, seeking prosperity).
- Homa (Optional): In elaborate versions like Maha Rudrabhisheka, a fire ritual (homam) is performed with offerings into a consecrated fire.
Types of Rudrabhisheka
According to Vedic texts like the Maharnava Karma Vipaka by Sage Satapatha, there are four levels of Rudrabhisheka, each escalating in intensity:
- Laghu Rudra: Basic ritual with one recitation of Sri Rudram.
- Ekadasha Rudra: Eleven recitations for amplified effects.
- Maha Rudra: 121 recitations, often for significant life events.
- Athi Rudra: 1,331 recitations, a grand ceremony for universal welfare.
Auspicious Occasions
The Rudrabhisheka is performed on:
- Mahashivratri: The great night of Shiva, considered highly auspicious.
- Shravan Month: Especially on Mondays (Somvar), sacred to Shiva.
- Pradosh Days: The twilight period on the 13th lunar day.
- Janma Nakshatra: One’s birth star day for personal blessings.
- Special Needs: To mitigate planetary afflictions (doshas), health issues, or life challenges.
Benefits of Rudrabhishek Stotram
Devotees believe the Rudrabhisheka and its stotram:
- Cleanse sins and negative karma.
- Neutralize astrological afflictions (e.g., Saturn or Rahu doshas).
- Promote physical and mental well-being.
- Foster family harmony and prosperity.
- Facilitate spiritual growth toward liberation.
