Rudra-Shiva concept (Study)
by Maumita Bhattacharjee | 2018 | 54,352 words
This page relates ‘Rudra in the Vajasaneyi-samhita (Introduction)’ of the study on the Rudra-Shiva concept in the Vedic and Puranic literature, starting with the concept of God as contemplated by the Rishis (Vedic sages). These pages further deal with the aspects, legends, iconography and eulology of Rudra-Shiva as found in the Samhitas, Brahamanas, Aranyakas, Upanishads Sutras and Puranas. The final chapters deal with descriptions of his greatness, various incarnations and epithets.
2. Rudra in the Vājasaneyi-saṃhitā (Introduction)
In the Ṛgveda, Rudra occupies a subordinate position but in the Yajurveda he occupies a prominent place. In the Yajurveda, the personality of Rudra brings into light the developed form of his character at the time of Yajurveda. In this Veda, homage is paid to Rudra through several names. The two opposite traits or characteristics of Rudra, i.e. his auspicious form and his terrible appearance, are encapsulated in the Yajurveda in such a way that it can help us arrive at the conclusion that all the basis components which created the complicated RudraŚiva cult of later ages are to be found here.[1] In the Yajurveda, various sacrifices are discussed in detail. Rudra occupies a valuable position in some of these sacrifices which discloses a new look on Rudra.
Footnotes and references:
[1]:
cf., Bhattacharji, S., ‘Rudra from the Vedas to the Mahābhārata’, ABORI, Vol.XLI, p.90