Rudra-Shiva concept (Study)
by Maumita Bhattacharjee | 2018 | 54,352 words
This page relates ‘Rudra as Astra’ 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.
2.20. Rudra as Astrā
Some new epithets regarding Rudra have been found in the Atharvaveda. Some of them are discussed below:
Rudra is known by this name Astrā which suggests a characteristic feature of him.[1] This term astrā is explained by Sāyaṇācārya as astrā kṣeptā or one who throws.[2] R.T.H. Griffith gives the meaning of this word astrā as ‘mighty archer’.[3]
Footnotes and references:
[3]:
Vide, Griffith, R.T.H., The Hymns of the Atharva-Veda, Vol. II, p.57