Synopsis of Sri Rudram

Sri Rudram is divided into 11 sections called Anuvakas. In the first Anuvaka, Rudra is asked to turn away Ghora roopa (fierce appearance) and to please keep and follower's weapons at bay. Having been pacified, Rudra is requested to destroy the sins of those for whom it is being chanted

This first Anuvaka is chanted to destroy all sins, obtain leadership and divine benevolence, protection from famine, freedom from fear, obtain food, and protect cows, for absence from untimely fear of death, of tigers, thieves, from monsters, devils, demons. It is also chanted as a shield (Kavacha) for virulent fever, to cure diseases, fetal disorders, absolution from evils stars and bad karma, for the fulfillment of one's desires, sumptuous rainfall, family protection, blessings with good children, fulfillment of all material desires and the destruction of enemies.

In the second Anuvaka, Sri Rudra is prayed to as one who pervades the earth and as the green foliage and heritage of medicinal herbs. He is asked to loosen the bonds of samsara (illusion). This Anuvaka is chanted for the destruction of enemies, possession of wealth, getting kingdom (getting Job) and possession of intelligence.

In the third Anuvaka Rudra is described as the Lord of thieves who exists in everything. He is Sarvatma; the self of all. In this context, we who are unenlightened have stolen the immortal status of the Self and replaced it with our own limited conception of ego. And in turn it is Sri Rudra who will come and steal our ignorance from us, restoring us to our natural status of enlightenment. This Anuvaka is also chanted for the cure of diseases.

In the fourth Anuvaka, Sri Rudra is described as the creator and worker of all kinds. He is the cause of both the significant and minor. This Anuvaka is chanted for the cure of tuberculosis, diabetics and leprosy.

In the fifth Anuvaka Sri Rudra's existence in running waters is praised and five activities are described (creation of the universe, preservation of it, destruction at the time of Pralaya, bondage in ignorance and the release of moksha).

In the Sixth Anuvaka Sri Rudra is identified with time (Kalarupa). He is described as the source of the different worlds, Shrutis (Vedas) and its essence in Vedanta. The fifth and sixth Anuvakas are chanted for the expansion of one's own assets, victory against enemies, blessings for a son with the stature of Rudra, avoidance of a miscarriage and easy childbirth, averting difficult astrology and protection of one's own son.

In the Seventh Anuvaka all pervading presence in waters, rains, clouds, storms and its various forms are described. This Anuvaka is chanted for the increase of intelligence, improvement of health, wealth, progeny, clothes, cows, sons, education, lands, longevity and obtaining liberation.

In the Eighth Anuvaka Rudra is described as He who illumines other Gods and confers powers on them. He is seen as ever present in holy rivers and He who can absolve all sins. This Anuvaka is chanted for the destruction of enemies and possession of ones own kingdom (lands).

In the Ninth Anuvaka the strength and power of attendant is celebrated because they illumine the Gods and the world and control the forces of the universe. This Anuvaka is chanted for obtaining gold, a good wife, a job, and the blessings of a son who will be devoted to Lord Shiva.

In the Tenth Anuvaka Sri Rudra is again asked to shed fury and benevolence by displaying Pinaka bow without arrows and to gracefully appear with tiger skin on body with pleasing countenance ready to shower boons upon devotees. T Anuvaka is chanted for possession of wealth, cure of diseases, removal of fear, getting rid of the enmity of powerful people, absence of fear from all living beings, having the vision of Bhairava (Shiva in most fearful aspect), absence from dangers and fears, blessings and the absolution of sins.
In the Eleventh Anuvaka Sri Rudra's accomplishments are profusely praised and benevolence is invoked with unconditional salutations. This Anuvaka is chanted for blessings of one's progeny, enhancement of longevity, visiting holy places, acquiring knowledge of past ,present and future.