Rudra-Shiva concept (Study)
by Maumita Bhattacharjee | 2018 | 54,352 words
This page relates ‘Rudra in the Shrauta-su̅tras (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.
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3. Rudra in the Śrauta-su̅tras (Introduction)
In the previous chapter, Rudra is extolled in a highest position. He is said to be the Ultimate Reality of the universe. Śrautasūtras are mainly the concise form of the Brāhmaṇas in the sense of ritual aspect. In the Śrautasūtras, Rudra is depicted by different names such as Bhuvapati, Bhuvanapati or the lord of the world, Bhūtapati etc. Rudra is supplicated by his devotees for protection of men and animals.[1] The Lāṭyāyana Śrautasūtra reveals Rudra’s physician character through a mantra. Here in this mantra, Rudra is prayed to bestow medicine for cow, man and confer happiness to ram and sheep.[2]