Such men came to be known “One with Rudra’s eyes” (“Rudrakkannar”). It is believed that there once existed a land called “Lemuria”, inhabited by Tamils and later consumed by the sea. This third eye was referred to as “Rudra’s eye” (Rudrakkan)”. Hence “Rudra” means “one who tries to walk the high path”. It was believed that for such practitioners, their third eye of wisdom would open. In Tamil, “Ru” means “Higher” and “diram” means “path”. Is Rudra a Tamil word Or a Sanskrit word? – This by itself is a topic of heavy research. Since many groups were prevalent amongst them, they were also called as “Rudrapalganatthar” (“Rudras of many groups”).
In addition, it is understood that even humans can become part of the Rudra ganas through their power of penance. The portion of the Vedas that praise Rudras is known as ShataRudreeyam. In this manner, descriptions of countless Rudras as the sentries of Sri Lalitha Tripurasundari’s “Sri Chintamani graha” can be found.
They have been potrayed as Mahasakthi’s Guardian deities in the Sakta tantra texts. These eleven rudras are referred to as “Ekadasa Rudras”. It is mentioned in the Sivapuranas that Lord Siva created the Rudras from Brahma’s forehead to help Brahma in his Creation duties. These five Gods respectively perform the duties of creation, preservation, destruction, blessing and hiding as elucidated in the Saiva Siddanta texts. Moreover, it is understood from Saiva tantras that this universe originated from “Kalagni Rudra” and in the end attains its dissolution in Him. In Saiva agamas and traditions, the five great Gods – Brahma, Vishnu, Rudra, Maheswara and Sadasiva evolved from the Parasiva.
Even though “Rudra” refers to Siva paramatma, it is also to be understood that this term is also used to refer to many individuals and groups. He is also addressed as “Maha Rudra” as he is the head of the Rudra’s army (Rudra Sena). Lord Siva is referred to as “Sri Rudra” in Vedas, Mahabharata, Ramayana and itihasas. Sri Rudra worship ranks amongst the foremost modes of worship practiced in Hinduism since ancient times. Home › Announcements › Rudra Mahimai – English Translationīased on lots of requests for English translation, Shri Karthik done a fantastic translation work.