ॐ नमो भगवते रुद्राय — Word-by-Word Meaning
ॐ नमो भगवते रुद्राय
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
ॐ
Om
The primordial sound, the pranava, vibration of the Absolute
नमो
Namo
Salutations, reverent obeisance, I bow
भगवते
Bhagavate
To the Lord, the all-glorious One endowed with the six divine qualities (Bhagavan)
रुद्राय
Rudraya
To Rudra — Shiva, the one who removes (or dries up) suffering and roars as the cosmic power of dissolution and grace
नमस्ते रुद्र मन्यवे
Namaste Rudra Manyave
Salutations, O Rudra, to your manyu — your wrath / fierce blazing power
उतो त इषवे नमः
Uto Ta Ishave Namah
And salutations also to your arrow (your striking power)
नमस्ते अस्तु धन्वने
Namaste Astu Dhanvane
May salutations be to your bow
बाहुभ्याम् उत ते नमः
Bahubhyamuta Te Namah
And salutations to your two mighty arms
Complete Translation
ॐ। भगवान रुद्र (शिव) को नमस्कार; समस्त दुःखों का नाश करने वाले परम भगवान को मैं श्रद्धापूर्वक प्रणाम करता हूँ। हे रुद्र, आपके मन्यु (उग्र तेज) को एवं आपके बाण को नमस्कार; आपके धनुष एवं आपकी दोनों भुजाओं को नमस्कार — यह श्रीरुद्रम् का आरम्भिक मंत्र है, जिसमें भक्त भगवान के अस्त्रों को भी प्रणाम करता है कि उनकी शक्ति शान्त एवं रक्षक बन जाए।
Origin & History
Source: Yajurveda — Sri Rudram (Rudra Prashna); Shaiva tradition
Author: Vedic (apaurusheya — revealed)
Period: Vedic
This salutation belongs to the stream of Vedic Rudra worship culminating in the Sri Rudram of the Krishna Yajurveda — the most celebrated Vedic hymn to Shiva. As the reverent namaskara to Bhagavan Rudra, it distils the spirit of that hymn into a single line and has been cherished for millennia as a complete prayer of refuge in Lord Shiva.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'Rudra' mean?▼
Rudra is a Vedic name of Shiva. It is traditionally explained as 'one who drives away suffering' (rut = sorrow, dra = to drive away) or 'the one who roars'. Rudra is both the fierce power of dissolution and the supremely compassionate giver of grace, hence also called Shiva, 'the auspicious one'.
How is this connected to the Sri Rudram?▼
The Sri Rudram (Rudra Prashna / Namakam-Chamakam) of the Yajurveda is the foremost Vedic hymn to Shiva. 'Om Namo Bhagavate Rudraya' stands as its well-known invocatory salutation and is often chanted independently as a concise, powerful prayer to Rudra.
Can anyone chant this mantra?▼
Yes. It is a simple, auspicious salutation that any devotee may chant with reverence. It requires no elaborate ritual — sincere repetition with devotion to Lord Shiva is enough, making it ideal for daily practice and meditation.
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