Shri Rudram (Namakam-Chamakam)
శ్రీ రుద్రం
Namakam: 11 anuvakas (~169 mantras). Chamakam: 11 anuvakas (~115 mantras). Total recitation ~75 minutes. · Composed by Anonymous Vedic Rishis; preserved as one continuous Suktam in the Yajurveda · Krishna Yajurveda, Taittiriya Samhita 4.5 (Namakam) and 4.7 (Chamakam)
Sanskrit (Devanagari)
ॐ नमो भगवते रुद्राय । नमस्ते रुद्र मन्यव उतो त इषवे नमः । नमस्ते अस्तु धन्वने बाहुभ्यामुत ते नमः ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
Oṃ Namo Bhagavate Rudrāya / Namaste Rudra Manyava Uto ta Iṣave Namaḥ / Namaste astu Dhanvane Bāhubhyām-uta te Namaḥ
English Translation
Salutations to Lord Rudra. Salutations, O Rudra, to your anger; to your arrow; to your bow and to your two arms. (The Namakam begins with this universal salutation to Rudra in all his aspects.)
About the Shri Rudram (Namakam-Chamakam)
The Shri Rudram, also called Rudraprashna or Rudradhyaya, is the most important Shaiva chant in the Vedic corpus. It consists of two parts: the Namakam (eleven anuvakas of salutations to Rudra in all his forms — from the gentlest "Namaḥ Śivāya" to the most fierce "Namaḥ Sahamānāya nivyādhine") and the Chamakam (eleven anuvakas requesting every form of prosperity from Rudra). The Pancha-Maha-Mantra "Namaḥ Śivāya" comes from the 8th anuvaka of the Namakam — meaning the world-famous mantra is itself drawn from the Shri Rudram. The text is the foundation of all Shiva worship: Rudra Abhishekam (the ritual bathing of the Shivalinga with milk, ghee, honey, etc., to the chanting of the Rudram) is performed in every major Shiva temple. A Maha Rudra Yagna involves 1,331 simultaneous recitations and is performed for major events (royal coronations, end-of-disaster offerings, family health crises). Daily recitation of the Rudram is one of the most respected practices in Smarta and Shaiva traditions. Recite seated facing east or north, before a Shivalinga or photo of Shiva; light a ghee lamp; offer bilva leaves if available.
Recitation Guide
Benefits
Health and longevity; protection of family; removal of disease; relief from sins (papa-kshaya); attainment of every desired worldly object (the Chamakam enumerates every desire and asks Rudra to grant it); spiritual liberation; protection from accidents; the most powerful Vedic protection chant.
Pronunciation Notes
Shri Rudram must be recited with Vedic svaras. The most authentic guidance comes from Veda Patshalas in Sringeri, Kanchi, Pejawar, and Madhurai. The two recordings considered authoritative are by the Krishna Yajurveda Veda Vidyalaya, Kanchipuram.
How to Practice
- Preparation: Take a bath or wash face/hands/feet. Wear clean clothes (saffron, white, or yellow preferred).
- Seat: Sit on a wool blanket or grass mat (asana). Face east or north. Keep spine straight.
- Mala: Use a 108-bead mala (rudraksha for Shiva mantras, tulsi for Vishnu mantras, sphatika/quartz for universal).
- Sankalpa: Take a vow stating today's date, your name, and the purpose of the practice.
- Recite: 1 Namakam-Chamakam daily. Maintain steady rhythm — neither rushed nor too slow.
- End: Bow with folded hands. Dedicate the merit to all beings ("Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah").
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Shri Rudram (Namakam-Chamakam)?
The Shri Rudram, also called Rudraprashna or Rudradhyaya, is the most important Shaiva chant in the Vedic corpus. It consists of two parts: the Namakam (eleven anuvakas of salutations to Rudra in all his forms — from the gentlest "Namaḥ Śivāya" to the most fierce "Namaḥ Sahamānāya nivyādhine") and t...
How many times should I recite Shri Rudram (Namakam-Chamakam) daily?
1 Namakam-Chamakam daily; 11 on Maha Shivaratri; Maha Rudra Yagna (1,331 recitations over 11 days)
When is the best time to recite Shri Rudram (Namakam-Chamakam)?
Monday (Shiva's day); Pradosha Kala; Maha Shivaratri; Karthika month
Who composed the Shri Rudram (Namakam-Chamakam)?
Anonymous Vedic Rishis; preserved as one continuous Suktam in the Yajurveda, from Krishna Yajurveda, Taittiriya Samhita 4.5 (Namakam) and 4.7 (Chamakam).
What are the benefits of reciting Shri Rudram (Namakam-Chamakam)?
Health and longevity; protection of family; removal of disease; relief from sins (papa-kshaya); attainment of every desired worldly object (the Chamakam enumerates every desire and asks Rudra to grant it); spiritual liberation; protection from accidents; the most powerful Vedic protection chant.
Other Vedic Mantras
Sanskrit text and translation cross-verified with classical sources. Editorial methodology reviewed by Pandit Ramachandra Sharma. For initiation (deeksha) into specific mantras, please consult a qualified Sanskrit-speaking guru in person.