ஶ்ரீ ருத்³ரம், also called the ருத்³ர-ப்ரஶ்ன:, is one of the most revered hymns of the க்ருஷ்ண யஜுர்வேத³, found in the தைத்திரீய ஸம்ஹித (4.5). It is a Vedic salutation to ருத்³ர - the power that can appear fearsome as the remover of ignorance and obstacles, and compassionate as the healer who restores harmony.
The recitation traditionally has two parts: நமகம் (the section centered on repeated நம: - "salutations / surrender") and சமகம் (the section centered on ச மே - "and to me"). Read together, they move from humility and appeasement, to praise of ருத்³ர in every direction and form, to prayer for wellbeing, inner strength, and a complete, well-ordered life.
Meanings help the mind participate, but Vedic chanting is best learned from a teacher so the ஸ்வர, pace, and pauses are correct. Even when you are only reading, go slowly and let the repeated நம: cultivate humility, steadiness, and the ability to respond (not react) in difficult situations.
Anuvaka 1
க்ருஷ்ண யஜுர்வேதீ³ய தைத்திரீய ஸம்ஹிதா
சதுர்த²ம் வைஶ்வதே³வம் காண்ட³ம் பஞ்சம: ப்ரபாட²க:
ஓம் நமோ ப⁴க³வதே॑ ருத்³ரா॒ய ॥
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²):
ஓம் - auspicious syllable; a reverential opening
நமோ - salutation; surrender
ப⁴க³வதே - to the blessed Lord
ருத்³ராய - to ருத்³ர
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²):
Om. Salutations to the blessed Lord Rudra.
நம॑ஸ்தே ருத்³ர ம॒ன்யவ॑ உ॒தோத॒ இஷ॑வே॒ நம:॑ ।
நம॑ஸ்தே அஸ்து॒ த⁴ன்வ॑னே பா॒³ஹுப்⁴யா॑மு॒த தே॒ நம:॑ ॥
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²):
நம: தே - salutations to you
ருத்³ர - O ருத்³ர
மன்யவே - to மன்யு (fierce force; wrathful power)
இஷவே - to the arrow
த⁴ன்வனே - to the bow
பா³ஹுப்⁴யாம் - to the two arms
உத / உத உ - and; also
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²):
O Rudra, salutations to your fierce power and to your arrow; salutations to your bow and to your two arms.
யா த॒ இஷு:॑ ஶி॒வத॑மா ஶி॒வம் ப॒³பூ⁴வ॑ தே॒ த⁴னு:॑ ।
ஶி॒வா ஶ॑ர॒வ்யா॑ யா தவ॒ தயா॑ நோ ருத்³ர ம்ருட³ய ।
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²):
இஷு: - arrow (projectile power)
ஶிவாதமா - most auspicious; most benevolent
த⁴னு: - bow
ஶரவ்யா - quiver
ம்ருடய³ - be gracious; make us well
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²):
May your arrow, bow, and quiver become auspicious and benevolent; with that, O Rudra, be gracious to us.
யா தே॑ ருத்³ர ஶி॒வா த॒னூரகோ॒⁴ராபா॑பகாஶினீ ।
தயா॑ நஸ்த॒னுவா॒ ஶந்த॑மயா॒ கி³ரி॑ஶந்தா॒பி⁴சா॑கஶீஹி ॥
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²):
ஶி@வா தனூ: - auspicious form
அகோ⁴ரா - not terrible; non-harmful
அபாபகாஶினீ - revealing purity; removing sin/impurity
ஶந்தமயா - most peaceful
கி³ரிஶ - Lord of the mountains
அபி⁴ சக்ஷீஹி - look upon; behold; bless with your glance
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²):
O Rudra, with your peaceful, non-harmful, purifying form, look upon us graciously, O Lord of the mountains.
யாமிஷும்॑ கி³ரிஶந்த॒ ஹஸ்தே॒ பி³ப॒⁴ர்ஷ்யஸ்த॑வே ।
ஶி॒வாம் கி॑³ரித்ர॒ தாம் கு॑ரு॒ மா ஹிக்³ம்॑ஸீ:॒ புரு॑ஷம்॒ ஜக॑³த்॥
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²):
இஷும் - the arrow
ஹஸ்தே - in (your) hand
கி³ரீத்ர - the mountain-roamer; Lord of the mountains
குரூ - make (it)
மா ஹிம்ஸீ: - do not harm
புருஷம் - people
ஜக³த் - the moving world
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²):
O mountain-roamer, make the arrow in your hand auspicious; do not harm people or the world.
ஶி॒வேன॒ வச॑ஸா த்வா॒ கி³ரி॒ஶாச்சா॑² வதா³மஸி ।
யதா॑² ந:॒ ஸர்வ॒மிஜ்ஜக॑³த³ய॒க்ஷ்மக்³ம் ஸு॒மனா॒ அஸ॑த் ॥
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²):
ஶிவேன வசஸா - with auspicious, healing words
வத³ - we speak/pray
அயக்ஷ்மம் - free from disease/affliction
ஸுமன: - good-minded; well-disposed; cheerful and steady
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²):
O Lord of the mountains, we pray to you with auspicious words; may this whole world be free of affliction and may our hearts be well-disposed.
அத்⁴ய॑வோசத³தி⁴வ॒க்தா ப்ர॑த॒²மோ தை³வ்யோ॑ பி॒⁴ஷக் ।
அஹீக்॑³ஶ்ச॒ ஸர்வா᳚ஞ்ஜ॒ம்ப⁴ய॒ன்-த்²ஸர்வா᳚ஶ்ச யாதுதா॒⁴ன்ய:॑ ॥
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²):
அதி⁴வக்தா - supreme speaker/advocate (one who speaks for us)
ப்ரத²ம: - foremost
தை³வ்ய: பி⁴ஷக் - divine physician (healer)
அஹீ: - serpents/poisons (outer and inner)
யாதுதா⁴ன்யா: - cruel, destructive forces/impulses
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²):
May the foremost divine healer speak on our behalf and subdue all poisons and destructive forces.
அ॒ஸௌ யஸ்தா॒ம்ரோ அ॑ரு॒ண உ॒த ப॒³ப்⁴ருஸ்ஸு॑ம॒ங்க³ல:॑ ।
யே சே॒மாக்³ம் ரு॒த்³ரா அ॒பி⁴தோ॑ தி॒³க்ஷு ஶ்ரி॒தா: ஸ॑ஹஸ்ர॒ஶோவை॑ஷா॒க்³ம்॒॒ ஹேட॑³ ஈமஹே ॥
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²):
தாம்ர, அருண, ப³ப்⁴ரு - coppery/red/brown hues (many appearances)
ஸுமன்க³ல: - auspicious
தி³க்²ஷு - in the directions
ருத்³ரா: - forms/hosts of Rudra
ஹேட:³ - anger; fierce intensity
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²):
To the auspicious Rudra who appears in many hues, and to the Rudras established in all directions, we offer salutations to soften their fierce intensity.
அ॒ஸௌ யோ॑வ॒ஸர்ப॑தி॒ நீல॑க்³ரீவோ॒ விலோ॑ஹித: ।
உ॒தைனம்॑ கோ॒³பா அ॑த்³ருஶ॒ன்னத்³ரு॑ஶன்னுத³ஹா॒ர்ய:॑ ।
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²):
நீலக்³ரீவ - blue-necked
விலோஹித - ruddy/red-hued
வஸர்பதி - moves about; pervades
கோ³பா: - cowherds
உத³ஹார்யா: - those who draw/carry water
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²):
That blue-necked, red-hued Rudra who moves about is seen by cowherds and by those who draw water.
உ॒தைனம்॒ விஶ்வா॑ பூ॒⁴தானி॒ ஸ த்³ரு॒ஷ்டோ ம்ரு॑ட³யாதி ந: ॥
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²):
விஶ்வா பூ⁴தானி - all beings
த்³ருஷ்ட: - being seen; perceived
ம்ருட³யாதி - becomes gracious; blesses
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²):
All beings see him; may he, being perceived everywhere, be gracious to us.
நமோ॑ அஸ்து॒ நீல॑க்³ரீவாய ஸஹஸ்ரா॒க்ஷாய॑ மீ॒டு⁴ஷே᳚ ।
அதோ॒² யே அ॑ஸ்ய॒ ஸத்வா॑னோ॒ஹம் தேப்⁴யோ॑கர॒ன்னம:॑ ॥
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²):
நமோ அஸ்து - salutations be
நீலக்³ரீவாய - to the blue-necked one
ஸஹஸ்ராக்ஷாய - to the thousand-eyed one (all-seeing)
மீடு⁴ஷே - bountiful; generous
ஸத்வான: - attendants/hosts; embodied forms
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²):
Salutations to the blue-necked, thousand-eyed, bountiful Lord - and to all his attendant forms.
ப்ரமு॑ஞ்ச॒ த⁴ன்வ॑ன॒ஸ்த்வமு॒ப⁴யோ॒ரார்த்னி॑ யோ॒ர்ஜ்யாம் ।
யாஶ்ச॑ தே॒ ஹஸ்த॒ இஷ॑வ:॒ பரா॒ தா ப॑⁴க³வோ வப ॥
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²):
ப்ரமுஞ்ச - loosen; release
ஜ்யம் - bowstring
உப⁴யோ: - on both sides
ஹஸ்த - hand
இஷவ: - arrows
பரா - away; aside
வப - cast off; set aside
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²):
Loosen your bowstring from both ends, and set aside the arrows in your hand, O Lord.
அ॒வ॒தத்ய॒ த⁴னு॒ஸ்த்வக்³ம் ஸஹ॑ஸ்ராக்ஷ॒ ஶதே॑ஷுதே⁴ ।
நி॒ஶீர்ய॑ ஶ॒ல்யானாம்॒ முகா॑² ஶி॒வோ ந:॑ ஸு॒மனா॑ ப⁴வ ॥
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²):
த⁴னுஸ் - bow
ஸஹஸ்ராக்ஷ - thousand-eyed one
ஶதேஷுதே⁴ - hundred-quivered one
ஶ@ல்யானாம் முகா²: - the sharp arrow-points
ஶி@வ: - auspicious; benevolent
ஸுமன: - kindly disposed
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²):
Unstring the bow, blunt the arrow-points, and be benevolent and kindly disposed toward us.
விஜ்யம்॒ த⁴னு:॑ கப॒ர்தி³னோ॒ விஶ॑ல்யோ॒ பா³ண॑வாக்³ம் உ॒த ।
அனே॑ஶன்ன॒ஸ்யேஷ॑வ ஆ॒பு⁴ர॑ஸ்ய நிஷ॒ங்க³தி॑²: ॥
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²):
கபருதி³ன் - the matted-haired Lord
விஜ்யம் - without bowstring
விஶல்யம் - without sharp points/bolts (non-harmful)
நிஷங்க³திஹ் - quiver/arrow-holder
அஶவ: - arrows
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²):
May the bow of the matted-haired Lord be unstrung, the arrows harmless, and the quiver non-threatening.
யா தே॑ ஹே॒திர்மீ॑டு³ஷ்டம॒ ஹஸ்தே॑ ப॒³பூ⁴வ॑ தே॒ த⁴னு:॑ ।
தயா॒ஸ்மான், வி॒ஶ்வத॒ஸ்த்வம॑ய॒க்ஷ்மயா॒ பரி॑ப்³பு⁴ஜ ॥
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²):
ஹேதி: - weapon; missile-power
மீடு⁴ஷ்டம - most bountiful one
த⁴னுஸ் - bow
விஸ்வத: - on all sides
அயக்ஷ்மயா - free from disease/affliction
பரி-ப்³பு⁴ஜ - encircle and protect
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²):
With that weapon-power and bow in your hand, protect us on all sides and keep us free from affliction.
நம॑ஸ்தே அ॒ஸ்த்வாயு॑தா॒⁴யானா॑ததாய த்⁴ரு॒ஷ்ணவே᳚ ।
உ॒பா⁴ப்⁴யா॑மு॒த தே॒ நமோ॑ பா॒³ஹுப்⁴யாம்॒ தவ॒ த⁴ன்வ॑னே ॥
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²):
நமஸ் தே - salutations to you
ஆயுதா⁴ய - to the weapon
ஆனததாய - made ready; stretched
த்⁴ருஷ்ணவே - to the strong one
பா³ஹுப்⁴யாம் - to the two arms
த⁴ன்வனே - to the bow
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²):
Salutations to your readied weapon, to your strong arms, and to your bow.
பரி॑ தே॒ த⁴ன்வ॑னோ ஹே॒திர॒ஸ்மான் வ்ரு॑ணக்து வி॒ஶ்வத:॑ ।
அதோ॒² ய இ॑ஷு॒தி⁴ஸ்தவா॒ரே அ॒ஸ்மன்னிதே॑⁴ஹி॒ தம் ॥ 1 ॥
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²):
ஹேதி: - missile-power (from the bow)
வ்ருணக்து - may it turn away; pass around; protect
விஸ்வத: - on every side
இஷுதி⁴: - quiver
நிதே⁴ஹி - place; keep
அரே - far away
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²):
May the missile-power of your bow not strike us but turn away on all sides; place your quiver far away from us. (End of Anuvaka 1.)
Commentary (அனுஸந்தா⁴ன):
The opening anuvaka begins with an honest spiritual psychology: before asking for comfort, we first acknowledge the reality of power. ருத்³ர is addressed along with மன்யு (wrath) and the instruments of harm (இஷு, த⁴னு:, பா³ஹு). But the prayer is not fear-mongering; it is transformation. The repeated request is that the same force become ஶிவ - benevolent, healing, and protective. Notice how the hymn does not deny intensity; it asks intensity to become auspicious and guided by த⁴ர்ம.
The mantra calls Rudra the தை³வ்ய: பி⁴ஷக், the divine physician. This is a deep Vedic idea: the Highest is not only the creator of the world's laws, but also the healer of what goes wrong in us - disease, fear, poison, and the "inner demons" of rage, cruelty, and confusion. The later prayer ம்ருத்யு: மே பாஹி ("protect me from death") echoes the Upanishadic longing to move from death to immortality - not as a denial of the body's limits, but as a turn toward the deathless awareness that steadies the mind even when life is uncertain.
In daily life, this anuvaka can be practiced as "turning மன்யு into ஶிவ." When anger rises at home or work, first do what the mantra does: acknowledge it, don't pretend it isn't there. Then do what it asks: loosen the bowstring - pause before speaking, remove the "arrow" of a cutting message, and choose ஶிவேன வசஸா (kind, healing words). A simple exercise: before replying to a triggering message, take 10 slow breaths, repeat நம: mentally, and ask, "Can this same energy protect and repair instead of injure?"
The ப⁴க³வத்³கீ³தா names the danger of unexamined anger: க்ரோதா⁴த் ப⁴வதி ஸம்மோஹ: - it clouds discernment. Sri Rudram gives a practical counter-move: turn the "arrow" into vigilance and let நம: cool the urge to strike. The Upanishadic prayer ம்ருஇத்யோர் மா அம்ருதம் க³மய is not only about the end of the body; it is also about outgrowing the small "deaths" of fear, shame, and reactive living. When மன்யு is offered into awareness, it becomes courage and protection, not harm.
Anuvaka 2
ஶ்ரீ ஶம்ப॑⁴வே॒ நம:॑ ॥
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): ஶ்ரீ - SrI (Vedic term); ஶம்ப⁴வே - to the auspicious one; நம: - salutations
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to the auspicious, wellbeing-giving rudra.
நம॑ஸ்தே அஸ்து ப⁴க³வன்-விஶ்வேஶ்வ॒ராய॑ மஹாதே॒³வாய॑ த்ர்யம்ப॒³காய॑ த்ரிபுராந்த॒காய॑ த்ரிகாக்³னிகா॒லாய॑ காலாக்³னிரு॒த்³ராய॑ நீலக॒ண்டா²ய॑ ம்ருத்யுஞ்ஜ॒யாய॑ ஸர்வேஶ்வ॒ராய॑ ஸதா³ஶி॒வாய॑ [ஶங்க॒ராய॑] ஶ்ரீமன்-மஹாதே॒³வாய॒ நம:॑ ।
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நமஸ்தே - salutations to you; அஸ்து - let it be; ப⁴க³வன் - O blessed Lord; விஶ்வேஶ்வராய - Lord of the universe; மஹாதே³வாய - mahaadEvaaya (Vedic term)
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): O blessed Lord: salutations to you as viSvESvara, mahAdEva, tryambaka, tripurAntaka, kAla-agnirudra, nIlakaNTha, mRutyunjaya, sarvESvara, and sadASiva.
நமோ॒ ஹிர॑ண்ய பா³ஹவே ஸேனா॒ன்யே॑ தி॒³ஶாம் ச॒ பத॑யே॒ நமோ॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நமோ - salutations; ஹிரண்ய - gold, metal/iron; பா³ஹவே - baahavE (Vedic term); ஸேனான்யே - sEnaanyE (Vedic term); தி³ஶாம் - diSaaM (object-form term)
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to the golden-armed commander and Lord of the directions.
நமோ॑ வ்ரு॒க்ஷேப்⁴யோ॒ ஹரி॑கேஶேப்⁴ய: பஶூ॒னாம் பத॑யே॒ நமோ॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நமோ - salutations; வ்ருக்ஷேப்⁴யோ - to these forms/aspects (plural); ஹரிகேஶேப்⁴ய: - to these forms/aspects (plural); பஶூனாம் - paSoonaaM (object-form term); பதயே - to the lord
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to the Lord in trees, to the "green/tawny-haired" one, and to the Lord of animals.
நம:॑ ஸ॒ஸ்பிஞ்ஜ॑ராய॒ த்விஷீ॑மதே பதீ॒²னாம் பத॑யே॒ நமோ॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நம: - salutations; ஸஸ்பிஞ்ஜராய - saspiMjaraaya (Vedic term); த்விஷீமதே - tviSheematE (Vedic term); பதீ²னாம் - patheenaaM (object-form term); பதயே - to the lord
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to the radiant, tawny one, the guardian and Lord of travellers and paths.
நமோ॑ ப³ப்⁴லு॒ஶாய॑ விவ்யா॒தி⁴னேன்னா॑னாம்॒ பத॑யே॒ நமோ॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நமோ - salutations; ப³ப்⁴லுஶாய - babhluSaaya (Vedic term); விவ்யாதி⁴னே - vivyaadhinE (Vedic term); ந்னானாம் - nnaanaaM (object-form term); பதயே - to the lord
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to the brown-hued hunter - even to the Lord who governs those who live by stealing, so that chaos is contained and corrected.
நமோ॒ ஹரி॑கேஶாயோபவீ॒தினே॑ பு॒ஷ்டானாம்॒ பத॑யே॒ நமோ॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நமோ - salutations; ஹரிகேஶாயோபவீதினே - harikESaayOpaveetinE (Vedic term); புஷ்டானாம் - puShTaanaaM (object-form term); பதயே - to the lord
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to the tawny-haired one wearing the sacred thread, the Lord of the well-nourished and the thriving.
நமோ॑ ப॒⁴வஸ்ய॑ ஹே॒த்யை ஜக॑³தாம்॒ பத॑யே॒ நமோ॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நமோ - salutations; ப⁴வஸ்ய - bhavasya (Vedic term); ஹேத்யை - hEtyai (Vedic term); ஜக³தாம் - jagataaM (object-form term); பதயே - to the lord
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to the weapon/power of bhava, and to the Lord of the worlds.
நமோ॑ ரு॒த்³ராயா॑ததா॒வினே॒ க்ஷேத்ரா॑ணாம்॒ பத॑யே॒ நமோ॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நமோ - salutations; ருத்³ராயாததாவினே - rudraayaatataavinE (Vedic term); க்ஷேத்ராணாம் - kShEtraaNaaM (object-form term); பதயே - to the lord
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to rudra as the vigilant guardian of fields and sacred spaces.
நம॑ஸ்ஸூ॒தாயாஹ॑ந்த்யாய॒ வனா॑னாம்॒ பத॑யே॒ நமோ॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நமஸ்ஸூதாயாஹந்த்யாய - namassootaayaahaMtyaaya (Vedic term); வனானாம் - vanaanaaM (object-form term); பதயே - to the lord; நமோ - salutations
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to the Lord of the forests, who guides and also corrects.
நமோ॒ ரோஹி॑தாய ஸ்த॒²பத॑யே வ்ரு॒க்ஷாணாம்॒ பத॑யே॒ நமோ॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நமோ - salutations; ரோஹிதாய - rOhitaaya (Vedic term); ஸ்த²பதயே - to the lord; presiding guardian of; வ்ருக்ஷாணாம் - vRukShaaNaaM (object-form term); பதயே - to the lord
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to rOhita, the overseer and Lord of trees.
நமோ॑ ம॒ந்த்ரிணே॑ வாணி॒ஜாய॒ கக்ஷா॑ணாம்॒ பத॑யே॒ நமோ॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நமோ - salutations; மந்த்ரிணே - maMtriNE (Vedic term); வாணிஜாய - vaaNijaaya (Vedic term); கக்ஷாணாம் - kakShaaNaaM (object-form term); பதயே - to the lord
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to the Lord as counsellor and merchant, guiding the borderlands and pathways of life.
நமோ॑ பு⁴வ॒ந்தயே॑ வாரிவஸ்க்ரு॒தா-யௌஷ॑தீ⁴னாம்॒ பத॑யே॒ நமோ॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நமோ - salutations; பு⁴வந்தயே - to this form/aspect; வாரிவஸ்க்ருதா - vaarivaskRutaa (Vedic term); யௌஷதீ⁴னாம் - yauShadheenaaM (object-form term); பதயே - to the lord
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to the Lord who "is", the giver of waters, and the Lord of herbs and medicines.
நம॑ உ॒ச்சைர்கோ॑⁴ஷாயாக்ர॒ந்த³ய॑தே பத்தீ॒னாம் பத॑யே॒ நமோ॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நம - nama (Vedic term); உச்சைர்கோ⁴ஷாயாக்ரந்த³யதே - uchchairghOShaayaakrandayatE (Vedic term); பத்தீனாம் - patteenaaM (object-form term); பதயே - to the lord; நமோ - salutations
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to the loud-voiced one who makes the battlefield roar, and to the Lord of armies and leaders.
நம:॑ க்ருத்ஸ்னவீ॒தாய॒ தா⁴வ॑தே॒ ஸத்த்வ॑னாம்॒ பத॑யே॒ நம:॑ ॥ 2 ॥
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நம: - salutations; க்ருத்ஸ்னவீதாய - kRutsnaveetaaya (Vedic term); தா⁴வதே - dhaavatE (Vedic term); ஸத்த்வனாம் - sattvanaaM (object-form term); பதயே - to the lord
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to the all-pervading one who moves swiftly everywhere, the Lord of all beings. (End of Anuvaka 2.)
Commentary (அனுஸந்தா⁴ன):
This anuvaka expands the mind. The first line salutes familiar names of ஶிவ, but immediately the hymn moves into a radical Vedic teaching: the Divine is not confined to a temple or a single "holy" mood. ருத்³ர is addressed as commander, forest-lord, path-guardian, healer of herbs, and even as the regulator of those who move in darkness. The prayer is not approving wrongdoing; it is acknowledging that no part of life is outside the reach of the cosmic order, and asking that the wild, frightening, or chaotic parts be brought back under த⁴ர்ம.
The spirit of this anuvaka resonates strongly with the Upanishadic vision: ஈஶாவாஸ்யமித³ம் ஸர்வம் - "all this is pervaded by the Lord." When we truly see this, we stop dividing life into "spiritual" and "non-spiritual" compartments. Nature, society, work, travel, security, medicine, and governance all become arenas where ஈஶ்வர can be served and remembered. That is why பதி (lord/guardian) repeats again and again: it trains the mind to recognize a single sustaining intelligence behind many roles.
In modern life, this anuvaka can be practiced as reverence plus responsibility. Reverence: look at a tree, a river, a medicine, or a busy street and remember that life is being held together by an order larger than your plans. Responsibility: if you work in "paths" (transport, logistics, policing, healthcare, education), treat your role as ஸெவ, not as ego. A simple exercise: once a day, choose one ordinary place - your commute, your desk, your kitchen - and mentally offer நம: there, reminding yourself that the same Divine presence is there too.
The ஶ்வேதாஶ்வதர உபனிஷத்³ supports this expansive vision with ஏகோ ஹி ருத்³ரோ ந த்³விதீயாய தஸ்து²: - one ருத்³ர stands without a second. If the same Presence is named as Lord of herbs, forests, leaders, and travellers, then spiritual growth also includes how we treat ecology, public spaces, and social roles. Try a practical "pati" reflection: once a week, ask what you are a பதி of - your time, your speech, your phone habits, your health - and lead that domain with care rather than negligence.
Anuvaka 3
நம:॒ ஸஹ॑மானாய நிவ்யா॒தி⁴ன॑ ஆவ்யா॒தி⁴னீ॑னாம்॒ பத॑யே॒ நமோ॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நம: - salutations; ஸஹமானாய - sahamaanaaya (Vedic term); நிவ்யாதி⁴ன - nivyaadhina (Vedic term); ஆவ்யாதி⁴னீனாம் - aavyaadhineenaaM (object-form term); பதயே - to the lord
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to the enduring one, and to the Lord who governs hunters and attackers - so that violence is restrained and redirected.
நம:॑ ககு॒பா⁴ய॑ நிஷ॒ங்கி³ணே᳚ ஸ்தே॒னானாம்॒ பத॑யே॒ நமோ॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நம: - salutations; ககுபா⁴ய - kakubhaaya (Vedic term); நிஷங்கி³ணே - sword-bearer; ஸ்தேனானாம் - thief; பதயே - to the lord
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to the one who lies in ambush, the sword-bearer; salutations to the Lord who rules over robbers.
நமோ॑ நிஷ॒ங்கி³ண॑ இஷுதி॒⁴மதே॒ தஸ்க॑ராணாம்॒ பத॑யே॒ நமோ॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நமோ - salutations; நிஷங்கி³ண - sword-bearer; இஷுதி⁴மதே - quiver-bearer; தஸ்கராணாம் - thief; பதயே - to the lord
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to the one with sword and quiver; salutations to the Lord who governs thieves.
நமோ॒ வஞ்ச॑தே பரி॒வஞ்ச॑தே ஸ்தாயூ॒னாம் பத॑யே॒ நமோ॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நமோ - salutations; வஞ்சதே - vaMchatE (Vedic term); பரிவஞ்சதே - parivaMchatE (Vedic term); ஸ்தாயூனாம் - staayoonaaM (object-form term); பதயே - to the lord
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to the one who sees through deception; salutations to the Lord who controls deceivers and cheaters.
நமோ॑ நிசே॒ரவே॑ பரிச॒ராயார॑ண்யானாம்॒ பத॑யே॒ நமோ॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நமோ - salutations; நிசேரவே - nichEravE (Vedic term); பரிசராயாரண்யானாம் - paricharaayaaraNyaanaaM (object-form term); பதயே - to the lord
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to the stealthy wanderer; salutations to the Lord of wild forests.
நம:॑ ஸ்ருகா॒விப்⁴யோ॒ ஜிகா⁴க்³ம்॑ஸத்³ப்⁴யோ முஷ்ண॒தாம் பத॑யே॒ நமோ॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நம: - salutations; ஸ்ருகாவிப்⁴யோ - to these forms/aspects (plural); ஜிகா⁴க்³ம்ஸத்³ப்⁴யோ - to these forms/aspects (plural); முஷ்ணதாம் - one who steals; பதயே - to the lord
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to those who kill and to those who steal - and to the One who ultimately disciplines such impulses.
நமோ॑ஸி॒மத்³ப்⁴யோ॒ நக்த॒ஞ்சர॑த்³ப்⁴ய: ப்ரக்ரு॒ந்தானாம்॒ பத॑யே॒ நமோ॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நமோ - salutations; ஸிமத்³ப்⁴யோ - to these forms/aspects (plural); நக்தஞ்சரத்³ப்⁴ய: - to these forms/aspects (plural); ப்ரக்ருந்தானாம் - one who cuts; பதயே - to the lord
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to those who roam at night, to those who cut and injure - and to the Lord who restrains them.
நம॑ உஷ்ணீ॒ஷிணே॑ கி³ரிச॒ராய॑ குலு॒ஞ்சானாம்॒ பத॑யே॒ நமோ॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நம - nama (Vedic term); உஷ்ணீஷிணே - uShNeeShiNE (Vedic term); கி³ரிசராய - giricharaaya (Vedic term); குலுஞ்சானாம் - kuluMchaanaaM (object-form term); பதயே - to the lord
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to the turbaned mountain-roamer; salutations to the Lord of those who live by roaming hills and wild places.
நம॒ இஷு॑மத்³ப்⁴யோ த⁴ன்வா॒விப்⁴ய॑ஶ்ச வோ॒ நமோ॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நம - nama (Vedic term); இஷுமத்³ப்⁴யோ - to these forms/aspects (plural); த⁴ன்வாவிப்⁴ய - to these forms/aspects (plural); ச - and; வோ - vO
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to arrow-bearers and bow-bearers.
நம॑ ஆதன்-வா॒னேப்⁴ய:॑ ப்ரதி॒த³தா॑⁴னேப்⁴யஶ்ச வோ॒ நமோ॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நம - nama (Vedic term); ஆதன் - aatan (Vedic term); வானேப்⁴ய: - to these forms/aspects (plural); ப்ரதித³தா⁴னேப்⁴ய - to these forms/aspects (plural); ச - and
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to those who string the bow and those who take up the stance to act.
நம॑ ஆ॒யச்ச॑²த்³ப்⁴யோ விஸ்ரு॒ஜத்³ப்⁴ய॑ஶ்ச வோ॒ நமோ॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நம - nama (Vedic term); ஆயச்ச²த்³ப்⁴யோ - to these forms/aspects (plural); விஸ்ருஜத்³ப்⁴ய - to these forms/aspects (plural); ச - and; வோ - vO
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to those who draw and to those who release.
நமோஸ்ய॑த்³ப்⁴யோ॒ வித்³ய॑த்³ப்⁴யஶ்ச வோ॒ நமோ॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நமோ - salutations; ஸ்யத்³ப்⁴யோ - to these forms/aspects (plural); வித்³யத்³ப்⁴ய - to these forms/aspects (plural); ச - and; வோ - vO
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to those who shoot and to those who strike the target.
நம॒ ஆஸீ॑னேப்⁴ய:॒ ஶயா॑னேப்⁴யஶ்ச வோ॒ நமோ॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நம - nama (Vedic term); ஆஸீனேப்⁴ய: - to these forms/aspects (plural); ஶயானேப்⁴ய - to these forms/aspects (plural); ச - and; வோ - vO
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to those who sit and those who lie down.
நம:॑ ஸ்வ॒பத்³ப்⁴யோ॒ ஜாக்³ர॑த்³ப்⁴யஶ்ச வோ॒ நமோ॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நம: - salutations; ஸ்வபத்³ப்⁴யோ - to these forms/aspects (plural); ஜாக்³ரத்³ப்⁴ய - to these forms/aspects (plural); ச - and; வோ - vO
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to those who sleep and those who wake.
நம॒ஸ்திஷ்ட॑²த்³ப்⁴யோ॒ தா⁴வ॑த்³ப்⁴யஶ்ச வோ॒ நமோ॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நமஸ்திஷ்ட²த்³ப்⁴யோ - to these forms/aspects (plural); தா⁴வத்³ப்⁴ய - to these forms/aspects (plural); ச - and; வோ - vO; நமோ - salutations
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to those who stand and those who run.
நம:॑ ஸ॒பா⁴ப்⁴ய:॑ ஸ॒பா⁴ப॑திப்⁴யஶ்ச வோ॒ நமோ॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நம: - salutations; ஸபா⁴ப்⁴ய: - assembly / leader of assembly; ஸபா⁴பதிப்⁴ய - assembly / leader of assembly; ச - and; வோ - vO
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to assemblies, and to leaders of assemblies.
நமோ॒ அஶ்வே॒ப்⁴யோஶ்வ॑பதிப்⁴யஶ்ச வோ॒ நம:॑ ॥ 3 ॥
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நமோ - salutations; அஶ்வேப்⁴யோ - to these forms/aspects (plural); ஶ்வபதிப்⁴ய - sitting, lying, sleeping, waking, standing, running; ச - and; வோ - vO
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to horses and to their guardians. (End of Anuvaka 3.)
Commentary (அனுஸந்தா⁴ன):
At first glance, this anuvaka can feel unsettling: why mention thieves, night-roamers, and violent doers inside a sacred hymn? The Vedic approach is pragmatic and deep: it does not pretend that darkness does not exist. Instead, it places even these forces under the gaze of ஈஶ்வர, saluting the One who can restrain, correct, and transform them. In other words, the mantra is not praising wrongdoing; it is asking that every kind of power be brought back under த⁴ர்ம.
There is also an inner meaning. In each of us there are "thieves" that steal attention, "hunters" that chase pleasure, and "night-walkers" that act impulsively when no one is watching. The hymn trains the mind to recognize these tendencies without denial, and to submit them to a higher order through நம:. This echoes the yogic principle that the mind's movements must be observed and guided rather than blindly followed.
In practice, use this anuvaka as a mirror and a commitment. When you notice deceit, manipulation, or aggression in yourself, don't rationalize it - name it, pause, and choose a cleaner action. In society too, it encourages a balanced view: compassion for people, but firmness against harmful behavior. A small daily exercise: identify one "small theft" you do (doom-scrolling, procrastination, cutting corners) and replace it with one disciplined act (study, honest work, or a helpful message). Let the chant become a training in integrity.
The yoga tradition frames this as mastery over inner impulses: யோக³ஶ் சித்த-வ்ருத்தி-னிரோத:⁴. The "night-roamer" tendency is exactly what shows up when we act without mindfulness - anonymous cruelty, secret shortcuts, hidden addictions. Bringing these tendencies into the light of நம: is a form of inner policing: not harsh self-hatred, but honest responsibility. Over time, the mantra helps align private behavior with public values.
Anuvaka 4
நம॑ ஆவ்யா॒தி⁴னீ᳚ப்⁴யோ வி॒வித்⁴ய॑ந்தீப்⁴யஶ்ச வோ॒ நமோ॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நம - nama (Vedic term); ஆவ்யாதி⁴னீப்⁴யோ - to these forms/aspects (plural); விவித்⁴யந்தீப்⁴ய - to these forms/aspects (plural); ச - and; வோ - vO
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to hunters and those who pierce their targets - and to the Lord who governs such skill and power.
நம॒ உக॑³ணாப்⁴யஸ்த்ருக்³ம்-ஹ॒தீப்⁴ய॑ஶ்ச வோ॒ நமோ॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நம - nama (Vedic term); உக³ணாப்⁴யஸ்த்ருக்³ம் - ugaNaabhyastRugM (object-form term); ஹதீப்⁴ய - to these forms/aspects (plural); ச - and; வோ - vO
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to fierce bands and their leaders; may their strength be disciplined.
நமோ॑ க்³ரு॒த்ஸேப்⁴யோ॑ க்³ரு॒த்ஸப॑திப்⁴யஶ்ச வோ॒ நமோ॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நமோ - salutations; க்³ருத்ஸேப்⁴யோ - to these forms/aspects (plural); க்³ருத்ஸபதிப்⁴ய - to these forms/aspects (plural); ச - and; வோ - vO
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to skilled fighters and their chiefs.
நமோ॒ வ்ராதே᳚ப்⁴யோ॒ வ்ராத॑பதிப்⁴யஶ்ச வோ॒ நமோ॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நமோ - salutations; வ்ராதேப்⁴யோ - to these forms/aspects (plural); வ்ராதபதிப்⁴ய - to these forms/aspects (plural); ச - and; வோ - vO
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to companies and their captains.
நமோ॑ க॒³ணேப்⁴யோ॑ க॒³ணப॑திப்⁴யஶ்ச வோ॒ நமோ॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நமோ - salutations; க³ணேப்⁴யோ - to these forms/aspects (plural); க³ணபதிப்⁴ய - leader of a group; ச - and; வோ - vO
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to groups and to the leaders of groups.
நமோ॒ விரூ॑பேப்⁴யோ வி॒ஶ்வரூ॑பேப்⁴யஶ்ச வோ॒ நமோ॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நமோ - salutations; விரூபேப்⁴யோ - to these forms/aspects (plural); விஶ்வரூபேப்⁴ய - to these forms/aspects (plural); ச - and; வோ - vO
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to the One who appears in strange forms and in countless forms.
நமோ॑ மஹ॒த்³ப்⁴ய:॑, க்ஷுல்ல॒கேப்⁴ய॑ஶ்ச வோ॒ நமோ॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நமோ - salutations; மஹத்³ப்⁴ய: - to these forms/aspects (plural); க்ஷுல்லகேப்⁴ய - to these forms/aspects (plural); ச - and; வோ - vO
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to the great and to the small - the vast and the minute.
நமோ॑ ர॒தி²ப்⁴யோ॑ர॒தே²ப்⁴ய॑ஶ்ச வோ॒ நமோ॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நமோ - salutations; ரதி²ப்⁴யோ - to these forms/aspects (plural); ரதே²ப்⁴ய - to these forms/aspects (plural); ச - and; வோ - vO
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to chariot-warriors and to the chariots themselves.
நமோ॒ ரதே᳚²ப்⁴யோ॒ ரத॑²பதிப்⁴யஶ்ச வோ॒ நமோ॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நமோ - salutations; ரதே²ப்⁴யோ - to these forms/aspects (plural); ரத²பதிப்⁴ய - chariot-warrior, chariot, chariot-lord; ச - and; வோ - vO
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to chariots and their lords.
நம:॒ ஸேனா᳚ப்⁴ய: ஸேனா॒னிப்⁴ய॑ஶ்ச வோ॒ நமோ॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நம: - salutations; ஸேனாப்⁴ய: - army / commander; ஸேனானிப்⁴ய - army / commander; ச - and; வோ - vO
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to armies and to commanders of armies.
நம:॑, க்ஷ॒த்த்ருப்⁴ய:॑ ஸங்க்³ரஹீ॒த்ருப்⁴ய॑ஶ்ச வோ॒ நமோ॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நம: - salutations; க்ஷத்த்ருப்⁴ய: - to these forms/aspects (plural); ஸங்க்³ரஹீத்ருப்⁴ய - to these forms/aspects (plural); ச - and; வோ - vO
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to guardians/administrators and to collectors/organizers - the machinery that keeps society running.
நம॒ஸ்தக்ஷ॑ப்⁴யோ ரத²கா॒ரேப்⁴ய॑ஶ்ச வோ॒ நமோ॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நமஸ்தக்ஷப்⁴யோ - to these forms/aspects (plural); ரத²காரேப்⁴ய - chariot-warrior, chariot, chariot-lord; ச - and; வோ - vO; நமோ - salutations
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to carpenters and to chariot-makers.
நம:॒ குலா॑லேப்⁴ய: க॒ர்மாரே᳚ப்⁴யஶ்ச வோ॒ நமோ॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நம: - salutations; குலாலேப்⁴ய: - to these forms/aspects (plural); கர்மாரேப்⁴ய - to these forms/aspects (plural); ச - and; வோ - vO
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to potters and to blacksmiths.
நம:॑ பு॒ஞ்ஜிஷ்டே᳚ப்⁴யோ நிஷா॒தே³ப்⁴ய॑ஶ்ச வோ॒ நமோ॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நம: - salutations; புஞ்ஜிஷ்டேப்⁴யோ - to these forms/aspects (plural); நிஷாதே³ப்⁴ய - to these forms/aspects (plural); ச - and; வோ - vO
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to forest-dwellers and to communities that live close to the wild.
நம॑ இஷு॒க்ருத்³ப்⁴யோ॑ த⁴ன்வ॒க்ருத்³ப்⁴ய॑ஶ்ச வோ॒ நமோ॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நம - nama (Vedic term); இஷுக்ருத்³ப்⁴யோ - to these forms/aspects (plural); த⁴ன்வக்ருத்³ப்⁴ய - to these forms/aspects (plural); ச - and; வோ - vO
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to arrow-makers and to bow-makers.
நமோ॑ ம்ருக॒³யுப்⁴ய:॑ ஶ்வ॒னிப்⁴ய॑ஶ்ச வோ॒ நமோ॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நமோ - salutations; ம்ருக³யுப்⁴ய: - hunter, dog; ஶ்வனிப்⁴ய - hunter, dog; ச - and; வோ - vO
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to hunters and to dogs.
நம॒-ஶ்ஶ்வப்⁴ய॒-ஶ்ஶ்வப॑திப்⁴யஶ்ச வோ॒ நம:॑ ॥ 4 ॥
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நம - nama (Vedic term); ஶ்ஶ்வப்⁴ய - to these forms/aspects (plural); ஶ்ஶ்வபதிப்⁴ய - to these forms/aspects (plural); ச - and; வோ - vO
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to dogs and to those who handle and lead them. (End of Anuvaka 4.)
Commentary (அனுஸந்தா⁴ன):
This anuvaka is strikingly grounded. It salutes not only lofty metaphysical ideas, but also the real infrastructure of life: leadership, armies, crafts, administration, and community roles. In a Vedic worldview, nothing is "outside religion" - even a chariot-maker or a potter can be part of யஜ்ஞ when work is done with skill, honesty, and a sense of offering.
By naming both "great and small" (மஹத்³ and க்ஷுல்லக), the hymn also trains the mind away from arrogance. When you truly feel நம:, you stop looking down on people whose work seems ordinary or "low status." The Divine can be approached through any honest craft. This is a practical form of the teaching that the same Reality pervades everything.
In modern life, let this anuvaka deepen respect. Respect the people who build, fix, transport, protect, and organize - often invisibly. If you are in a position of authority, remember that power is sacred only when it protects. If you are a student or professional, take one skill you are learning and consciously treat it as ஸெவ: do it carefully, do it ethically, and do it with gratitude toward all the unseen workers whose labor supports your life.
This connects naturally with the கீ³தா ideal of worship through work: ஸ்வகர்மணா தம் அப்⁴யர்ச்ய and acting for லோகஸங்க்³ரஹ (the welfare and cohesion of society). When the potter, blacksmith, engineer, doctor, and teacher see their craft as offering, excellence becomes spiritual discipline. A practical step: choose one "invisible worker" you benefited from today (sanitation, transport, maintenance) and offer respect - a thank you, fair pay, or simply not wasting their effort.
Anuvaka 5
நமோ॑ ப॒⁴வாய॑ ச ரு॒த்³ராய॑ ச॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நமோ - salutations; ப⁴வாய - major Vedic names of Siva; ச - and; ருத்³ராய - major Vedic names of Siva
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to bhava and to rudra.
நம:॑ ஶ॒ர்வாய॑ ச பஶு॒பத॑யே ச॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நம: - salutations; ஶர்வாய - major Vedic names of Siva; ச - and; பஶுபதயே - to the Lord of all beings
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to Sarva and to paSupati, Lord of beings.
நமோ॒ நீல॑க்³ரீவாய ச ஶிதி॒கண்டா॑²ய ச॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நமோ - salutations; நீலக்³ரீவாய - neelagreevaaya (Vedic term); ச - and; ஶிதிகண்டா²ய - SitikaMThaaya (Vedic term)
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to the blue-necked one and to the white-throated one.
நம:॑ கப॒ர்தி³னே॑ ச॒ வ்யு॑ப்தகேஶாய ச॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நம: - salutations; கபர்தி³னே - to the matted-haired Lord; ச - and; வ்யுப்தகேஶாய - with loosened/untied hair
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to the matted-haired one and to the one with flowing/loosened hair.
நம:॑ ஸஹஸ்ரா॒க்ஷாய॑ ச ஶ॒தத॑⁴ன்வனே ச॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நம: - salutations; ஸஹஸ்ராக்ஷாய - sahasraakShaaya (Vedic term); ச - and; ஶதத⁴ன்வனே - to the bearer of many bows
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to the thousand-eyed one and to the one with countless bows.
நமோ॑ கி³ரி॒ஶாய॑ ச ஶிபிவி॒ஷ்டாய॑ ச॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நமோ - salutations; கி³ரிஶாய - giriSaaya (Vedic term); ச - and; ஶிபிவிஷ்டாய - SipiviShTaaya (Vedic term)
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to the Lord of the mountains and to the all-pervading one who is "clothed" in the world.
நமோ॑ மீ॒டு⁴ஷ்ட॑மாய॒ சேஷு॑மதே ச॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நமோ - salutations; மீடு⁴ஷ்டமாய - meeDhuShTamaaya (Vedic term); சேஷுமதே - chEShumatE (Vedic term); ச - and
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to the most bountiful one and to the arrow-bearing one.
நமோ᳚ ஹ்ர॒ஸ்வாய॑ ச வாம॒னாய॑ ச॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நமோ - salutations; ஹ்ரஸ்வாய - hrasvaaya (Vedic term); ச - and; வாமனாய - vaamanaaya (Vedic term)
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to the short one and to the dwarf - the Divine who can appear small.
நமோ॑ ப்³ருஹ॒தே ச॒ வர்ஷீ॑யஸே ச॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நமோ - salutations; ப்³ருஹதே - to the vast/expanded one; ச - and; வர்ஷீயஸே - varSheeyasE (Vedic term)
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to the great one and to the even greater one.
நமோ॑ வ்ரு॒த்³தா⁴ய॑ ச ஸம்॒வ்ருத்⁴வ॑னே ச॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நமோ - salutations; வ்ருத்³தா⁴ய - vRuddhaaya (Vedic term); ச - and; ஸம்வ்ருத்⁴வனே - saMvRudhvanE (Vedic term)
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to the ancient one and to the ever-growing one.
நமோ॒ அக்³ரி॑யாய ச ப்ரத॒²மாய॑ ச॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நமோ - salutations; அக்³ரியாய - agriyaaya (Vedic term); ச - and; ப்ரத²மாய - prathamaaya (Vedic term)
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to the foremost one and to the first one.
நம॑ ஆ॒ஶவே॑ சாஜி॒ராய॑ ச॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நம - nama (Vedic term); ஆஶவே - aaSavE (Vedic term); சாஜிராய - chaajiraaya (Vedic term); ச - and
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to the swift one and to the one who moves with speed.
நம:॒ ஶீக்⁴ரி॑யாய ச॒ ஶீப்⁴யா॑ய ச॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நம: - salutations; ஶீக்⁴ரியாய - Seeghriyaaya (Vedic term); ச - and; ஶீப்⁴யாய - Seebhyaaya (Vedic term)
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to the fast one and to the quickly-rushing one.
நம॑ ஊ॒ர்ம்யா॑ய சாவஸ்வ॒ன்யா॑ய ச॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நம - nama (Vedic term); ஊர்ம்யாய - oormyaaya (Vedic term); சாவஸ்வன்யாய - chaavasvanyaaya (Vedic term); ச - and
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to the wave-like, surging one and to the one whose sound resonates.
நம:॑ ஸ்ரோத॒ஸ்யா॑ய ச॒ த்³வீப்யா॑ய ச ॥ 5 ॥
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நம: - salutations; ஸ்ரோதஸ்யாய - to the streaming current; ச - and; த்³வீப்யாய - dveepyaaya (Vedic term); 5 - verse number marker
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to the stream-like one and to the island-like one - the Divine as flow and as stability. (End of Anuvaka 5.)
Commentary (அனுஸந்தா⁴ன):
This anuvaka is a meditation on wholeness. The human mind loves labels: big/small, old/young, fast/slow, stable/moving. Sri Rudram refuses to trap ருத்³ர in any one category. By offering நம: to both sides of each pair, the mantra breaks our habit of clinging to one pole and rejecting the other. It teaches that the Divine includes all powers, all moods, and all scales of existence.
The ஈஶாவாஸ்ய உபனிஷத்³ expresses this same vision with a famous paradox: ததே³ஜதி தன்னேஜதி - "it moves and it moves not; it is far and it is near." When the mind can hold such apparent contradictions, it becomes less rigid and more truthful. நம: here is not just a ritual word; it is an inner training in surrendering our mental binaries and resting in a deeper unity.
In modern life, this anuvaka helps with balance. You may need to be gentle at home and firm at work; patient in one season and fast-moving in another. Instead of feeling "split," learn to integrate: ask, "What would த⁴ர்ம look like in this context?" A practical reflection: write down one pair of opposites you struggle with (discipline vs. freedom, ambition vs. peace) and list one small action that honors both in a healthy way. Let the hymn's paired salutations train you to live with maturity, not extremes.
When we hold opposites together, we also become less judgmental about people. Someone can be strong and still gentle, strict and still compassionate, "stream" (ஸ்ரோதஸ்) and "island" (த்³வீப) depending on context. The Upanishadic insight நேஹ நானாஸ்தி கிஞ்சன points to a unity behind diversity; in practice it reduces polarization - the urge to force every situation into a single label. Use this as a social practice too: listen for nuance before deciding "good/bad" in people, news, or ideas.
Anuvaka 6
நமோ᳚ ஜ்யே॒ஷ்டா²ய॑ ச கனி॒ஷ்டா²ய॑ ச॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நமோ - salutations; ஜ்யேஷ்டா²ய - eldest / youngest; ச - and; கனிஷ்டா²ய - eldest / youngest
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to the eldest and to the youngest - the Divine present across generations and stages.
நம:॑ பூர்வ॒ஜாய॑ சாபர॒ஜாய॑ ச॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நம: - salutations; பூர்வஜாய - poorvajaaya (Vedic term); சாபரஜாய - chaaparajaaya (Vedic term); ச - and
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to the earlier-born and the later-born - the Lord of time's sequence.
நமோ॑ மத்⁴ய॒மாய॑ சாபக॒³ல்பா⁴ய॑ ச॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நமோ - salutations; மத்⁴யமாய - middle; சாபக³ல்பா⁴ய - chaapagalbhaaya (Vedic term); ச - and
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to the middle one and to the one beyond measure - the order in the center and the freedom beyond it.
நமோ॑ ஜக॒⁴ன்யா॑ய ச॒ பு³த்⁴னி॑யாய ச॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நமோ - salutations; ஜக⁴ன்யாய - lowest / rooted in depth (foundation); ச - and; பு³த்⁴னியாய - lowest / rooted in depth (foundation)
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to the lowliest and to the deep foundation - the Divine as what is "below" and what supports all.
நம:॑ ஸோ॒ப்⁴யா॑ய ச ப்ரதிஸ॒ர்யா॑ய ச॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நம: - salutations; ஸோப்⁴யாய - sObhyaaya (Vedic term); ச - and; ப்ரதிஸர்யாய - pratisaryaaya (Vedic term)
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to what is near and to what meets us face-to-face - and to what turns us back from danger.
நமோ॒ யாம்யா॑ய ச॒ க்ஷேம்யா॑ய ச॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நமோ - salutations; யாம்யாய - yaamyaaya (Vedic term); ச - and; க்ஷேம்யாய - kShEmyaaya (Vedic term)
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to the southern quarter and to the peaceful, secure one.
நம॑ உர்வ॒ர்யா॑ய ச॒ க²ல்யா॑ய ச॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நம - nama (Vedic term); உர்வர்யாய - urvaryaaya (Vedic term); ச - and; க²ல்யாய - khalyaaya (Vedic term)
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to fertile fields and to hard, barren ground - the Lord of abundance and scarcity.
நம:॒ ஶ்லோக்யா॑ய சாவஸா॒ன்யா॑ய ச॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நம: - salutations; ஶ்லோக்யாய - SlOkyaaya (Vedic term); சா - chaa (Vedic term); வஸான்யாய - vasaanyaaya (Vedic term); ச - and
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to what is celebrated and to what is hidden - the known and the unnoticed.
நமோ॒ வன்யா॑ய ச॒ கக்ஷ்யா॑ய ச॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நமோ - salutations; வன்யாய - vanyaaya (Vedic term); ச - and; கக்ஷ்யாய - kakShyaaya (Vedic term)
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to wilderness and to thickets/borderlands - the Lord of the untamed and the guarded.
நம:॑ ஶ்ர॒வாய॑ ச ப்ரதிஶ்ர॒வாய॑ ச॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நம: - salutations; ஶ்ரவாய - sound / echo; ச - and; ப்ரதிஶ்ரவாய - sound / echo
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to sound and to echo - to hearing and to response.
நம॑ ஆ॒ஶுஷே॑ணாய சா॒ஶுர॑தா²ய ச॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நம - nama (Vedic term); ஆஶுஷேணாய - aaSuShENaaya (Vedic term); சாஶுரதா²ய - chaaSurathaaya (Vedic term); ச - and
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to swift forces and swift chariots - the Divine as speed and momentum.
நம:॒ ஶூரா॑ய சாவபி⁴ந்த॒³தே ச॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நம: - salutations; ஶூராய - Sooraaya (Vedic term); சாவபி⁴ந்த³தே - chaavabhindatE (Vedic term); ச - and
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to the hero and to the one who breaks through obstacles.
நமோ॑ வ॒ர்மிணே॑ ச வரூ॒தி²னே॑ ச॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நமோ - salutations; வர்மிணே - armored; ச - and; வரூதி²னே - varoothinE (Vedic term)
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to the armored one and to the one well-protected by defenses.
நமோ॑ பி॒³ல்மினே॑ ச கவ॒சினே॑ ச॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நமோ - salutations; பி³ல்மினே - bilminE (Vedic term); ச - and; கவசினே - armored
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to the helmeted/protected one and to the one who wears armor.
நம:॑ ஶ்ரு॒தாய॑ ச ஶ்ருதஸே॒னாய॑ ச ॥ 6 ॥
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நம: - salutations; ஶ்ருதாய - Srutaaya (Vedic term); ச - and; ஶ்ருதஸேனாய - SrutasEnaaya (Vedic term); 6 - verse number marker
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to the renowned one and to the one with renowned forces. (End of Anuvaka 6.)
Commentary (அனுஸந்தா⁴ன):
This anuvaka continues the Vedic method of dissolving narrow identity. By saluting both ends of a spectrum, the hymn trains the mind to stop clinging to one side as "good" and rejecting the other as "bad." Life contains elders and youngsters, abundance and lack, fame and obscurity, sound and echo, protection and vulnerability. The prayer is: may all of these be held within த⁴ர்ம, and may the Divine be recognized in every layer.
There is also a subtle lesson about humility. Many of our anxieties come from resisting a phase of life - not wanting to be "small," not wanting to be "unknown," not wanting to go through "scarcity." The mantra bows to the Lord of all phases, reminding us that growth is not linear, and that the foundation (பு³த்⁴னிய) is as sacred as the visible peak. When we accept this, we become steadier and less resentful.
In practice, apply this anuvaka to transitions. If you are moving from student to employee, single to married, young to aging, or success to setback, let நம: soften resistance. Take one spectrum you are currently experiencing (for example, fast-paced days vs. slow days) and choose a grounding habit that works in both: a short daily prayer, a few minutes of breath, or a non-negotiable act of honesty. The hymn teaches: don't demand life be only one way; learn to live wisely in every season.
The கீ³தா gives a similar resilience lesson with ஶீதோஷ்ண-ஸுக-²து³:க-²தா³:: life alternates between heat and cold, pleasure and pain. This anuvaka invites the same steadiness by honoring every phase as part of a larger order. A practical habit: when a day feels "barren" (க²லா) rather than fertile (உர்வரா), don't waste it in self-complaint. Do one small duty well and one small kindness - that itself turns scarcity into strength.
Anuvaka 7
நமோ॑ து³ந்து॒³ப்⁴யா॑ய சாஹன॒ன்யா॑ய ச॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நமோ - salutations; து³ந்து³ப்⁴யாய - duMdubhyaaya (Vedic term); சாஹனந்யாய - chaahananyaaya (Vedic term); ச - and
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to the drum and to the one who cannot be resisted - power expressed as sound and command.
நமோ॑ த்⁴ரு॒ஷ்ணவே॑ ச ப்ரம்ரு॒ஶாய॑ ச॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நமோ - salutations; த்⁴ருஷ்ணவே - to the strong one; ச - and; ப்ரம்ருஶாய - pramRuSaaya (Vedic term)
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to the bold one and to the one who strikes/removes obstacles.
நமோ॑ தூ॒³தாய॑ ச॒ ப்ரஹி॑தாய ச॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நமோ - salutations; தூ³தாய - dootaaya (Vedic term); ச - and; ப்ரஹிதாய - messenger / dispatched one
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to the messenger and to the one sent forth.
நமோ॑ நிஷ॒ங்கி³ணே॑ சேஷுதி॒⁴மதே॑ ச॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நமோ - salutations; நிஷங்கி³ணே - sword-bearer, quiver-bearer; சேஷுதி⁴மதே - chEShudhimatE (Vedic term); ச - and
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to the sword-bearer and to the quiver-bearer.
நம॑ஸ்தீ॒க்ஷ்ணேஷ॑வே சாயு॒தி⁴னே॑ ச॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நமஸ்தீக்ஷ்ணேஷவே - namasteekShNEShavE (Vedic term); சாயுதி⁴னே - chaayudhinE (Vedic term); ச - and
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to the sharp arrow and to the wielder of weapons.
நம:॑ ஸ்வாயு॒தா⁴ய॑ ச ஸு॒த⁴ன்வ॑னே ச॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நம: - salutations; ஸ்வாயுதா⁴ய - svaayudhaaya (Vedic term); ச - and; ஸுத⁴ன்வனே - with a good bow
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to the well-armed one and to the one with a good bow.
நம:॒ ஸ்ருத்யா॑ய ச॒ பத்²யா॑ய ச॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நம: - salutations; ஸ்ருத்யாய - srutyaaya (Vedic term); ச - and; பத்²யாய - track / path (way)
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to tracks and to roads - to the ways by which people travel.
நம:॑ கா॒ட்யா॑ய ச நீ॒ப்யா॑ய ச॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நம: - salutations; காட்யாய - kaaTyaaya (Vedic term); ச - and; நீப்யாய - neepyaaya (Vedic term)
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to hard ground and to soft/low-lying ground - to different terrains.
நம:॒ ஸூத்³யா॑ய ச ஸர॒ஸ்யா॑ய ச॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நம: - salutations; ஸூத்³யாய - soodyaaya (Vedic term); ச - and; ஸரஸ்யாய - lake, river
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to water in streams and to lakes and ponds.
நமோ॑ நா॒த்³யாய॑ ச வைஶ॒ந்தாய॑ ச॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நமோ - salutations; நாத்³யாய - naadyaaya (Vedic term); ச - and; வைஶந்தாய - vaiSaMtaaya (Vedic term)
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to rivers and to seasonal currents and flows.
நம:॒ கூப்யா॑ய சாவ॒ட்யா॑ய ச॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நம: - salutations; கூப்யாய - koopyaaya (Vedic term); சாவட்யாய - chaavaTyaaya (Vedic term); ச - and
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to wells and to pits.
நமோ॒ வர்ஷ்யா॑ய சாவ॒ர்ஷ்யாய॑ ச॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நமோ - salutations; வர்ஷ்யாய - varShyaaya (Vedic term); சாவர்ஷ்யாய - chaavarShyaaya (Vedic term); ச - and
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to rain and to the absence of rain - to the forces behind both.
நமோ॑ மே॒க்⁴யா॑ய ச வித்³யு॒த்யா॑ய ச॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நமோ - salutations; மேக்⁴யாய - mEghyaaya (Vedic term); ச - and; வித்³யுத்யாய - rain, cloud, lightning
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to clouds and to lightning.
நம ஈ॒த்⁴ரியா॑ய சாத॒ப்யா॑ய ச॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நம - nama (Vedic term); ஈத்⁴ரியாய - eedhriyaaya (Vedic term); சாதப்யாய - chaatapyaaya (Vedic term); ச - and
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to burning heat and to sunlight.
நமோ॒ வாத்யா॑ய ச॒ ரேஷ்மி॑யாய ச॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நமோ - salutations; வாத்யாய - vaatyaaya (Vedic term); ச - and; ரேஷ்மியாய - rEShmiyaaya (Vedic term)
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to wind and to rays/light.
நமோ॑ வாஸ்த॒வ்யா॑ய ச வாஸ்து॒பாய॑ ச ॥ 7 ॥
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நமோ - salutations; வாஸ்தவ்யாய - vaastavyaaya (Vedic term); ச - and; வாஸ்துபாய - vaastupaaya (Vedic term); 7 - verse number marker
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to dwellings and to the protector of dwellings. (End of Anuvaka 7.)
Commentary (அனுஸந்தா⁴ன):
This anuvaka brings Sri Rudram into everyday geography. It salutes the things that determine whether life feels safe: communication (messengers), travel (paths), shelter (homes), and nature (water, rain, wind, lightning, sun). When these forces are supportive, life flows; when they are chaotic, we suffer. By offering நம: here, the Veda teaches that spirituality is not separate from climate, ecology, infrastructure, and community life.
There is also an inner echo. We have "storms" in the mind: flashes of மன்யு, waves of anxiety, droughts of motivation, lightning of sudden insight, winds of distraction. The same prayer that asks for balance in the outer world can be used to seek balance within: may the mind's energies become ஶிவ - supportive, not destructive.
In practice, let this anuvaka inspire both reverence and stewardship. Respect water, reduce waste, and be mindful of the ecosystems that sustain your comfort. At a personal level, create a "home" within: a stable routine, a clean space, and a few minutes of daily quiet so the inner weather is not always chaotic. A simple reflection: today, notice one natural element (sun, wind, rain, or water) and offer a brief நம: with gratitude, remembering how much of your life depends on forces you do not control.
Vedic prayers often treat the elements as living blessings. For water, a famous line is ஆபோ ஹி ஷ்டா² மயோபு⁴வ: - waters are the sources of wellbeing. Reading Sri Rudram this way naturally expands into environmental ethics: protect water, respect land, reduce reckless consumption. On the inner side, notice how your "weather" improves when your breath is steady: a few minutes of slow breathing can be like bringing gentle rain after a drought of anxiety.
Anuvaka 8
நம:॒ ஸோமா॑ய ச ரு॒த்³ராய॑ ச॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நம: - salutations; ஸோமாய - the soothing, lunar principle; ச - and; ருத்³ராய - to Rudra
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to the soothing sOma-like aspect, and to rudra.
நம॑ஸ்தா॒ம்ராய॑ சாரு॒ணாய॑ ச॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நமஸ்தாம்ராய - namastaamraaya (Vedic term); சாருணாய - chaaruNaaya (Vedic term); ச - and
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to the coppery-red one and to the rosy-red one.
நம:॑ ஶ॒ங்கா³ய॑ ச பஶு॒பத॑யே ச॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நம: - salutations; ஶங்கா³ய - SaMgaaya (Vedic term); ச - and; பஶுபதயே - to the Lord of all beings
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to the gentle, auspicious one, and to paSupati, Lord of beings.
நம॑ உ॒க்³ராய॑ ச பீ॒⁴மாய॑ ச॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நம - nama (Vedic term); உக்³ராய - fierce / awe-inspiring; ச - and; பீ⁴மாய - bheemaaya (Vedic term)
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to the fierce one and to the awe-inspiring one.
நமோ॑ அக்³ரேவ॒தா⁴ய॑ ச தூ³ரேவ॒தா⁴ய॑ ச॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நமோ - salutations; அக்³ரேவதா⁴ய - agrEvadhaaya (Vedic term); ச - and; தூ³ரேவதா⁴ய - doorEvadhaaya (Vedic term)
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to the one who strikes nearby and the one who strikes from afar - the inescapable reach of cosmic law.
நமோ॑ ஹ॒ந்த்ரே ச॒ ஹனீ॑யஸே ச॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நமோ - salutations; ஹந்த்ரே - haMtrE (Vedic term); ச - and; ஹனீயஸே - haneeyasE (Vedic term)
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to the destroyer, and to the one whose power to destroy is unsurpassed.
நமோ॑ வ்ரு॒க்ஷேப்⁴யோ॒ ஹரி॑கேஶேப்⁴யோ॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நமோ - salutations; வ்ருக்ஷேப்⁴யோ - to these forms/aspects (plural); ஹரிகேஶேப்⁴யோ - to these forms/aspects (plural)
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to the Lord present in trees, the green/tawny-haired one.
நம॑ஸ்தா॒ராய॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நமஸ்தாராய - namastaaraaya (Vedic term)
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to the "one who helps us cross" - the saving, guiding power.
நம॑ஶ்ஶ॒ம்ப⁴வே॑ ச மயோ॒ப⁴வே॑ ச॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நமஶ்ஶம்ப⁴வே - namaSSaMbhavE (Vedic term); ச - and; மயோப⁴வே - to the giver of delight and welfare
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to SaMbhava and mayO-bhava, the source of auspiciousness and wellbeing.
நம:॑ ஶங்க॒ராய॑ ச மயஸ்க॒ராய॑ ச॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நம: - salutations; ஶங்கராய - giver of welfare / maker of wellbeing; ச - and; மயஸ்கராய - giver of welfare / maker of wellbeing
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to SaMkara and mayas-kara, giver and maker of welfare.
நம:॑ ஶி॒வாய॑ ச ஶி॒வத॑ராய ச॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நம: - salutations; ஶிவாய - auspicious / even more auspicious; ச - and; ஶிவதராய - auspicious / even more auspicious
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to Siva and to the even more Siva.
நம॒ஸ்தீர்த்²யா॑ய ச॒ கூல்யா॑ய ச॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நமஸ்தீர்த்²யாய - namasteerthyaaya (Vedic term); ச - and; கூல்யாய - koolyaaya (Vedic term)
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to sacred crossings (tIrtha) and to riverbanks.
நம:॑ பா॒ர்யா॑ய சாவா॒ர்யா॑ய ச॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நம: - salutations; பார்யாய - paaryaaya (Vedic term); சாவார்யாய - chaavaaryaaya (Vedic term); ச - and
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to the farther shore and to the nearer shore.
நம:॑ ப்ர॒தர॑ணாய சோ॒த்தர॑ணாய ச॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நம: - salutations; ப்ரதரணாய - prataraNaaya (Vedic term); சோத்தரணாய - chOttaraNaaya (Vedic term); ச - and
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to crossing and to crossing-over - to the passage beyond obstacles.
நம॑ ஆதா॒ர்யா॑ய சாலா॒த்³யா॑ய ச॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நம - nama (Vedic term); ஆதார்யாய - aataaryaaya (Vedic term); சாலாத்³யாய - chaalaadyaaya (Vedic term); ச - and
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to the one who helps us swim across and to the one who moves and guides in shifting waters.
நம:॒ ஶஷ்ப்யா॑ய ச॒ பே²ன்யா॑ய ச॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நம: - salutations; ஶஷ்ப்யாய - SaShpyaaya (Vedic term); ச - and; பே²ன்யாய - PEnyaaya (Vedic term)
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to grass and to foam.
நம:॑ ஸிக॒த்யா॑ய ச ப்ரவா॒ஹ்யா॑ய ச ॥ 8 ॥
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நம: - salutations; ஸிகத்யாய - sikatyaaya (Vedic term); ச - and; ப்ரவாஹ்யாய - pravaahyaaya (Vedic term); 8 - verse number marker
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to sand and to the river's current/flow. (End of Anuvaka 8.)
Commentary (அனுஸந்தா⁴ன):
This anuvaka holds a beautiful tension: ருத்³ர is both soothing like ஸோம and fierce like உக்³ர; both gentle protector and uncompromising force of correction. That is why the hymn salutes the "near-striker" and "far-striker" - consequences can be immediate or delayed, but they are not escapable. In the same breath, the mantra salutes the saving, guiding power that helps us cross. The message is mature: reality is firm, and grace is real.
The repeated imagery of தீர்த², banks, shores, and crossing-over can be read outwardly (rivers and pilgrim crossings) and inwardly (ஸம்ஸார as a turbulent stream). To ask for உத்தரண is to ask for the strength to move beyond confusion and fear. In many traditions, தாரக means "that which ferries across"; this anuvaka hints at that liberating dimension of the Divine.
In modern life, think of "crossings" as transitions: exams, job changes, illness, grief, temptation, or moral dilemmas. This anuvaka teaches two practices: accept that actions have consequences (near or far), and lean on disciplined grace to cross. A simple exercise: when you face a difficult choice, write down (1) the near consequence and (2) the far consequence. Then ask: "What choice is ஶிவ-தரா - more auspicious - for me and for others?" Let the idea of crossing-over turn into a concrete decision.
Upanishads describe liberation as crossing sorrow: தரதி ஶோகம் ஆத்மவித் - the knower of the Self crosses grief. Sri Rudram uses the concrete language of banks, currents, and shores to make this memorable. In practice, treat each "crossing" as a chance to grow: move from panic to clarity, from blame to responsibility, from escapism to disciplined action. Even a small ritual helps: before a major transition, chant a few lines of this anuvaka and set one clear vow of அஹிம்ஸா and honesty for the journey.
Anuvaka 9
நம॑ இரி॒ண்யா॑ய ச ப்ரப॒த்²யா॑ய ச॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நம - nama (Vedic term); இரிண்யாய - dry, open land; ச - and; ப்ரபத்²யாய - prapathyaaya (Vedic term)
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to the Lord present in wilderness and in public roads.
நம:॑ கிக்³ம்ஶி॒லாய॑ ச॒ க்ஷய॑ணாய ச॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நம: - salutations; கிக்³ம்ஶிலாய - kigMSilaaya (Vedic term); ச - and; க்ஷயணாய - dwelling
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to rocky ground and to dwellings/resting places.
நம:॑ கப॒ர்தி³னே॑ ச புல॒ஸ்தயே॑ ச॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நம: - salutations; கபர்தி³னே - to the matted-haired Lord; ச - and; புலஸ்தயே - to this form/aspect
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to the matted-haired Lord and to the ever-present one who moves among all places.
நமோ॒ கோ³ஷ்ட்²யா॑ய ச॒ க்³ருஹ்யா॑ய ச॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நமோ - salutations; கோ³ஷ்ட்²யாய - gOShThyaaya (Vedic term); ச - and; க்³ருஹ்யாய - gRuhyaaya (Vedic term)
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to cowsheds and to homes.
நம॒ஸ்தல்ப்யா॑ய ச॒ கே³ஹ்யா॑ய ச॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நமஸ்தல்ப்யாய - namastalpyaaya (Vedic term); ச - and; கே³ஹ்யாய - gEhyaaya (Vedic term)
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to beds and to households.
நம:॑ கா॒ட்யா॑ய ச க³ஹ்வரே॒ஷ்டா²ய॑ ச॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நம: - salutations; காட்யாய - kaaTyaaya (Vedic term); ச - and; க³ஹ்வரேஷ்டா²ய - gahvarEShThaaya (Vedic term)
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to hard ground and to deep hollows and ravines.
நமோ᳚ ஹ்ரத॒³ய்யா॑ய ச நிவே॒ஷ்ப்யா॑ய ச॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நமோ - salutations; ஹ்ரத³ய்யாய - hradayyaaya (Vedic term); ச - and; நிவேஷ்ப்யாய - nivEShpyaaya (Vedic term)
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to lakes/ponds and to settlements.
நம:॑ பாக்³ம் ஸ॒வ்யா॑ய ச ரஜ॒ஸ்யா॑ய ச॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நம: - salutations; பாக்³ம் - paagM (object-form term); ஸவ்யாய - savyaaya (Vedic term); ச - and; ரஜஸ்யாய - dust, dust-cloud
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to dusty paths and to dust-filled places.
நம:॒ ஶுஷ்க்யா॑ய ச ஹரி॒த்யா॑ய ச॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நம: - salutations; ஶுஷ்க்யாய - SuShkyaaya (Vedic term); ச - and; ஹரித்யாய - harityaaya (Vedic term)
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to dry lands and to green, thriving lands.
நமோ॒ லோப்யா॑ய சோல॒ப்யா॑ய ச॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நமோ - salutations; லோப்யாய - lOpyaaya (Vedic term); சோலப்யாய - chOlapyaaya (Vedic term); ச - and
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to ploughed lands and to cultivated fields.
நம॑ ஊ॒ர்வ்யா॑ய ச ஸூ॒ர்ம்யா॑ய ச॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நம - nama (Vedic term); ஊர்வ்யாய - oorvyaaya (Vedic term); ச - and; ஸூர்ம்யாய - soormyaaya (Vedic term)
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to broad earth and to fertile ground.
நம:॑ ப॒ர்ண்யா॑ய ச பர்ணஶ॒த்³யா॑ய ச॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நம: - salutations; பர்ண்யாய - parNyaaya (Vedic term); ச - and; பர்ணஶத்³யாய - parNaSadyaaya (Vedic term)
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to leafy trees and to leaf-strewn resting places.
நமோ॑பகு॒³ரமா॑ணாய சாபி³க்⁴ன॒தே ச॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நமோ - salutations; பகு³ரமாணாய - paguramaaNaaya (Vedic term); சாபி³க்⁴னதே - chaabighnatE (Vedic term); ச - and
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to the one who grows and spreads, and to the one who removes obstacles and breaks down ignorance.
நம॑ ஆக்²கி²த॒³தே ச॑ ப்ரக்²கி²த॒³தே ச॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நம - nama (Vedic term); ஆக்²கி²த³தே - aakhkhidatE (Vedic term); ச - and; ப்ரக்²கி²த³தே - prakhkhidatE (Vedic term)
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to the one who pierces and to the one who pierces deeply - the cleansing force that uproots impurity.
நமோ॑ வ: கிரி॒கேப்⁴யோ॑ தே॒³வானா॒க்॒³ம்॒ ஹ்ருத॑³யேப்⁴யோ॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நமோ - salutations; வ: - to you (plural); கிரிகேப்⁴யோ - to these forms/aspects (plural); தே³வானாக்³ம் - dEvaanaagm (Vedic term); ஹ்ருத³யேப்⁴யோ - to these forms/aspects (plural)
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to you, the hill-dwelling rudras; salutations to the Rudras who dwell in the hearts of the gods.
நமோ॑ விக்ஷீண॒கேப்⁴யோ॒ நமோ॑ விசின்வ॒த்கேப்⁴யோ॒
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நமோ - salutations; விக்ஷீணகேப்⁴யோ - to these forms/aspects (plural); விசின்வத்கேப்⁴யோ - to these forms/aspects (plural)
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to those who are spread everywhere, and to those who search and sift through all things.
நம॑ ஆனிர் ஹ॒தேப்⁴யோ॒ நம॑ ஆமீவ॒த்கேப்⁴ய:॑ ॥ 9 ॥
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நம - nama (Vedic term); ஆனிர் - aanir (Vedic term); ஹதேப்⁴யோ - to these forms/aspects (plural); ஆமீவத்கேப்⁴ய: - to these forms/aspects (plural); 9 - verse number marker
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to those who do not harm, and to those who remove disease and affliction. (End of Anuvaka 9.)
Commentary (அனுஸந்தா⁴ன):
This anuvaka makes the mantra's pervasiveness concrete by naming landscapes and habitats. It is easy to feel spiritual in a quiet corner; it is harder to carry that awareness into the dusty road, the crowded settlement, the rocky ground, or the remote wilderness. Sri Rudram deliberately includes all of them, teaching that the Divine is not confined to a "nice" environment.
The climax of the anuvaka is inward: it salutes the ருத்³ரs who dwell in the "hearts of the gods." This points to a layered spiritual vision: the same power that appears as nature and geography also exists as the inner center of consciousness. The request to the "spread-out" and "searching" Rudras can be read as a prayer that the searching light of awareness find and remove hidden disease - whether physical or moral.
In practice, use this anuvaka to expand where you remember the sacred. Bring a small awareness of நம: into ordinary places: the street, the bus stop, the office corridor, the supermarket, the doctor's clinic. Also apply it inwardly: when you feel an "அமீவ" (an affliction) such as anxiety or resentment rising, pause and ask for the "aameevat" power - the capacity to heal at the root, not just to suppress symptoms.
This is again the Upanishadic lens of pervasion: ஈஶாவாஸ்யம் இத³ம் ஸர்வம். If the Divine is present in roads and wilderness, then no place is "wasted time" for awareness. Try a modern experiment: pick one recurring location that normally triggers impatience (traffic, queues, waiting rooms) and treat it as a தீர்த² - a place to practice calm. One minute of steady breath and silent நம: there can change your whole day.
Anuvaka 10
த்³ராபே॒ அந்த॑⁴ஸஸ்பதே॒ த³ரி॑த்³ர॒ன்னீல॑லோஹித । ஏ॒ஷாம் புரு॑ஷாணாமே॒ஷாம் ப॑ஶூ॒னாம் மா பே⁴ர்மாரோ॒ மோ ஏ॑ஷாம்॒ கிஞ்ச॒னாம॑மத் ।
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): த்³ராபே - O remover of suffering and decay; அந்த⁴ஸஸ்பதே - andhasaspatE (key mantra term); த³ரித்³ரன்னீலலோஹித - daridranneelalOhita (key mantra term); ஏஷாம் - of these; புருஷாணாமேஷாம் - puruShaaNaamEShaaM (key mantra term)
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): O blue-red Lord who rules even over what is feared and shadowy: do not frighten or destroy our people and animals; let none of them be lost.
யா தே॑ ருத்³ர ஶி॒வா த॒னூ: ஶி॒வா வி॒ஶ்வாஹ॑பே⁴ஷஜீ । ஶி॒வா ரு॒த்³ரஸ்ய॑ பே⁴ஷ॒ஜீ தயா॑ நோ ம்ருட³ ஜீ॒வஸே᳚ ॥
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): யா - which; ருத்³ர - O Rudra; ஶிவா - auspicious; தனூ: - tanooH (key mantra term); விஶ்வாஹபே⁴ஷஜீ - universal healer
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): O rudra, may that form of yours which is Siva, the universal medicine and the healing remedy of Rudra, bless us. With that auspicious form, be gracious to us so that we may live well.
இ॒மாக்³ம் ரு॒த்³ராய॑ த॒வஸே॑ கப॒ர்தி³னே᳚ க்ஷ॒யத்³வீ॑ராய॒ ப்ரப॑⁴ராமஹே ம॒திம் । யதா॑² ந॒ஶ்ஶமஸ॑த்³த்³வி॒பதே॒³ சது॑ஷ்பதே॒³ விஶ்வம்॑ பு॒ஷ்டம் க்³ராமே॑ அ॒ஸ்மின்னநா॑துரம் ।
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): இமாக்³ம் - this (prayer/intention); ருத்³ராய - to Rudra; தவஸே - to the mighty one; கபர்தி³னே - to the matted-haired Lord; க்ஷயத்³வீராய - to the protector who overcomes hostile force
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): To mighty rudra, the matted-haired one, the power that ends destructive pride, we offer our prayer. May all in this village - two-footed and four-footed - be nourished and free from illness.
ம்ரு॒டா³ நோ॑ ருத்³ரோ॒த நோ॒ மய॑ஸ்க்ருதி⁴ க்ஷ॒யத்³வீ॑ராய॒ நம॑ஸா விதே⁴ம தே । யச்ச²ம் ச॒ யோஶ்ச॒ மனு॑ராய॒ஜே பி॒தா தத॑³ஶ்யாம॒ தவ॑ ருத்³ர॒ ப்ரணீ॑தௌ ।
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): ம்ருடா³ - be gracious; ருத்³ரோத - rudrOta (key mantra term); மயஸ்க்ருதி⁴ - mayaskRudhi (key mantra term); க்ஷயத்³வீராய - to the protector who overcomes hostile force; நமஸா - namasaa (key mantra term)
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Be gracious to us, O rudra; make us well. We worship you with salutations. Under your guidance, may we experience the wellbeing that manu, the ancient father, sought through yaj~ja.
மா நோ॑ ம॒ஹாந்த॑மு॒த மா நோ॑ அர்ப॒⁴கம் மா ந॒ உக்ஷ॑ந்தமு॒த மா ந॑ உக்ஷி॒தம் । மா நோ॑வதீ⁴: பி॒தரம்॒ மோத மா॒தரம்॑ ப்ரி॒யா மா ந॑ஸ்த॒னுவோ॑ ருத்³ர ரீரிஷ: ।
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): மா - do not; மஹாந்தமுத - mahaantamuta (key mantra term); அர்ப⁴கம் - arbhakaM (key mantra term); உக்ஷந்தமுத - ukShaMtamuta (key mantra term); உக்ஷிதம் - ukShitaM (key mantra term)
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Do not harm our great ones or our little ones; do not harm our young or our grown. Do not strike our father or mother. O rudra, do not injure our dear bodies.
மா ந॑ஸ்தோ॒கே தன॑யே॒ மா ந॒ ஆயு॑ஷி॒ மா நோ॒ கோ³ஷு॒ மா நோ॒ அஶ்வே॑ஷு ரீரிஷ: । வீ॒ரான்மா நோ॑ ருத்³ர பா⁴மி॒தோவ॑தீ⁴ர்ஹ॒விஷ்மம்॑தோ॒ நம॑ஸா விதே⁴ம தே ।
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): மா - do not; நஸ்தோகே - nastOkE (key mantra term); தனயே - descendants; ஆயுஷி - lifespan; கோ³ஷு - cattle
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Do not harm our children, our lifespan, our cattle, or our horses. Do not slay our heroes. We, the offerers of oblations, worship you with salutations.
ஆ॒ராத்தே॑ கோ॒³க்⁴ன உ॒த பூ॑ருஷ॒க்⁴னே க்ஷ॒யத்³வீ॑ராய ஸு॒ம்னம॒ஸ்மே தே॑ அஸ்து । ரக்ஷா॑ ச நோ॒ அதி॑⁴ ச தே³வ ப்³ரூ॒ஹ்யதா॑⁴ ச ந:॒ ஶர்ம॑ யச்ச² த்³வி॒ப³ர்ஹா:᳚ ।
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): ஆராத்தே - let it be far away from us; கோ³க்⁴ன - cow-slayer; பூருஷக்⁴னே - pooruShaghnE (key mantra term); க்ஷயத்³வீராய - to the protector who overcomes hostile force; ஸும்னமஸ்மே - sumnamasmE (key mantra term)
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): May the cow-slayer and man-slayer be far from us. O destroyer of destructive heroes, may there be favor for us. Speak protection over us, and grant us shelter and wellbeing, O bearer of the bow.
ஸ்து॒ஹி ஶ்ரு॒தம் க॑³ர்த॒ஸத³ம்॒ யுவா॑னம் ம்ரு॒க³ன்ன பீ॒⁴மமு॑பஹ॒த்னுமு॒க்³ரம் । ம்ரு॒டா³ ஜ॑ரி॒த்ரே ரு॑த்³ர॒ ஸ்தவா॑னோ அ॒ன்யந்தே॑ அ॒ஸ்மன்னிவ॑பந்து॒ ஸேனா:᳚ ।
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): ஸ்துஹி - praise; ஶ்ருதம் - SrutaM (key mantra term); க³ர்தஸத³ம் - gartasadaM (key mantra term); யுவானம் - yuvaanaM (key mantra term); ம்ருக³ன்ன - mRuganna (key mantra term)
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Praise the famed one who dwells in the depths, youthful and formidable like a beast. O rudra, be gracious to the singer who praises you; may enemy forces not strike us.
பரி॑ணோ ரு॒த்³ரஸ்ய॑ ஹே॒திர்வ்ரு॑ணக்து॒ பரி॑ த்வே॒ஷஸ்ய॑ து³ர்ம॒தி ர॑கா॒⁴யோ: । அவ॑ ஸ்தி॒²ரா ம॒க⁴வ॑த்³ப்⁴ய-ஸ்தனுஷ்வ॒ மீட்⁴வ॑ஸ்தோ॒காய॒ தன॑யாய ம்ருட³ய ।
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): பரிணோ - around us/protect us; ருத்³ரஸ்ய - rudrasya (key mantra term); ஹேதிர்வ்ருணக்து - hEtirvRuNaktu (key mantra term); பரி - pari (key mantra term); த்வேஷஸ்ய - tvEShasya (key mantra term)
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): May Rudra's missile protect us on all sides; may the fierce, harmful intent pass away from us. Stay close and spread your protection; O bountiful one, be gracious to our children and descendants.
மீடு॑⁴ஷ்டம॒ ஶிவ॑தம ஶி॒வோ ந:॑ ஸு॒மனா॑ ப⁴வ । ப॒ர॒மே வ்ரு॒க்ஷ ஆயு॑த⁴ன்னி॒தா⁴ய॒ க்ருத்திம்॒ வஸா॑ன॒ ஆச॑ர॒ பினா॑கம்॒ பி³ப்⁴ர॒தா³க॑³ஹி ।
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): மீடு⁴ஷ்டம - most bountiful one; ஶிவதம - most auspicious one; ஶிவோ - SivO (key mantra term); ந: - naH (key mantra term); ஸுமனா - kindly-minded
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): O most bountiful and most auspicious one, be kindly disposed. Having placed your weapons on the highest tree, wearing your skin-cloth, come to us holding the pinAka bow - as a protector, not as a destroyer.
விகி॑ரித॒³ விலோ॑ஹித॒ நம॑ஸ்தே அஸ்து ப⁴க³வ: । யாஸ்தே॑ ஸ॒ஹஸ்ரக்³ம்॑ ஹே॒தயோ॒ன்யம॒ஸ்மன்னிவ॑பந்து॒ தா: ।
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): விகிரித³ - scatterer/disperser; விலோஹித - red-hued one; நமஸ்தே - namastE (key mantra term); அஸ்து - astu (key mantra term); ப⁴க³வ: - bhagavaH (key mantra term)
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): O braided-haired, red-hued Lord, salutations to you. May your thousand weapons fall away from us, not upon us.
ஸ॒ஹஸ்ரா॑ணி ஸஹஸ்ர॒தா⁴ பா॑³ஹு॒வோஸ்தவ॑ ஹே॒தய:॑ । தாஸா॒மீஶா॑னோ ப⁴க³வ: பரா॒சீனா॒ முகா॑² க்ருதி⁴ ॥ 1௦ ॥
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): ஸஹஸ்ராணி - thousands; ஸஹஸ்ரதா⁴ - in countless ways; பா³ஹுவோஸ்தவ - baahuvOstava (key mantra term); ஹேதய: - weapons; தாஸாமீஶானோ - taasaameeSaanO (key mantra term)
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Your arms are thousands; your weapons are thousands. O Lord, turn their faces away from us. (End of Anuvaka 10.)
Commentary (அனுஸந்தா⁴ன):
This anuvaka is where the tone becomes intensely personal. After saluting ருத்³ர in many forms, the devotee now asks for direct protection: for family, cattle, livelihood, health, and peace in the community. The prayer is not "world-denying"; it is a prayer for a life in which த⁴ர்ம can be lived without constant fear. The central insight is beautiful: the same power that can destroy is also the deepest medicine (விஶ்வாஹ-பே⁴ஷஜீ). What we fear can also become what heals, when aligned with the right order.
Notice how the hymn asks for both outer and inner safety. It asks for the village to be அனாதுர (not afflicted) and புஷ்ட (thriving), and it asks for the "thousand weapons" to be turned away. These are images for all forms of harm: disease, violence, accidents, and also the sharpness of speech and thought. The request "place your weapons on the highest tree" is a powerful symbol: let the destructive potential be stored away; let the Lord approach as protector.
In modern life, this anuvaka can be practiced as a daily "safety and healing" prayer. Use it when you feel anxious about health, family, or community conflict. The practical application is also ethical: if you carry "weapons" (authority, sharp words, money, influence), learn to place them aside when they are not needed. Be firm when protection is required, but don't carry aggression into every conversation. A simple exercise: before difficult meetings, set an intention - "May my power become ஶிவ - healing and fair" - and choose one action that reduces harm (listen first, speak calmly, refuse gossip, or offer help).
Many lines here are framed as "do not harm" - மா நோ வதீ⁴: (may you not strike us) - and they quietly align protection with ethics. The closing of சமகம் will explicitly seal this with மா ஹிம்ஸீ:, but the spirit is already here: ask for safety so you can live த⁴ர்ம, not to enable arrogance. When you chant this anuvaka, consider offering it for someone else too: a sick friend, a stressed parent, a community in conflict. Turning prayer outward is one way to make the "universal medicine" (விஶ்வாஹ-பே⁴ஷஜீ) active through compassion.
Anuvaka 11
ஸ॒ஹஸ்ரா॑ணி ஸஹஸ்ர॒ஶோ யே ரு॒த்³ரா அதி॒⁴ பூ⁴ம்யா᳚ம் । தேஷாக்³ம்॑ ஸஹஸ்ரயோஜ॒னேவ॒த⁴ன்வா॑னி தன்மஸி ।
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): ஸஹஸ்ராணி - thousands; ஸஹஸ்ரஶோ - sahasraSO (key mantra term); யே - those who; ருத்³ரா - rudraa (key mantra term); அதி⁴ - abiding in
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): There are countless rudras spread across the earth. Their bows are "a thousand yojanas away" - meaning: may their power be far from us in the sense of harm.
அ॒ஸ்மின்ம॑ஹ॒த்ய॑ர்ண॒வே᳚ந்தரி॑க்ஷே ப॒⁴வா அதி॑⁴ । நீல॑க்³ரீவா: ஶிதி॒கண்டா᳚²: ஶ॒ர்வா அ॒த:⁴, க்ஷ॑மாச॒ரா: ।
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): அஸ்மின்மஹத்யர்ணவேந்தரிக்ஷே - asminmahatyarNavEMtarikShE (key mantra term); ப⁴வா - forms of Bhava; அதி⁴ - abiding in; நீலக்³ரீவா: - blue-necked forms; ஶிதிகண்டா²: - white-throated forms
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): In this vast ocean of antarikSha (mid-space), bhava abides; the blue-necked, white-throated Sarvas move on the earth and below it.
நீல॑க்³ரீவா: ஶிதி॒கண்டா॒² தி³வக்³ம்॑ ரு॒த்³ரா உப॑ஶ்ரிதா: । யே வ்ரு॒க்ஷேஷு॑ ஸ॒ஸ்பிஞ்ஜ॑ரா॒ நீல॑க்³ரீவா॒ விலோ॑ஹிதா: ।
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நீலக்³ரீவா: - blue-necked forms; ஶிதிகண்டா² - SitikaNThaa (key mantra term); தி³வக்³ம் - divagM (key mantra term); ருத்³ரா - rudraa (key mantra term); உபஶ்ரிதா: - upaSritaaH (key mantra term)
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Blue-necked and white-throated rudras dwell in heaven too; and those Rudras who reside in trees - tawny and red-hued - are also saluted.
யே பூ॒⁴தானா॒மதி॑⁴பதயோ விஶி॒கா²ஸ:॑ கப॒ர்தி³ன:॑ ।
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): யே - those who; who; பூ⁴தானாமதி⁴பதயோ - bhootaanaamadhipatayO (Vedic term); விஶிகா²ஸ: - viSikhaasaH (Vedic term); கபர்தி³ன: - kapardinaH (Vedic term)
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to the matted-haired, warrior-like lords of beings.
யே அன்னே॑ஷு வி॒வித்⁴ய॑ந்தி॒ பாத்ரே॑ஷு॒ பிப॑³தோ॒ ஜனான்॑ ।
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): யே - those who; who; அன்னேஷு - annEShu (Vedic term); விவித்⁴யந்தி - vividhyaMti (Vedic term); பாத்ரேஷு - paatrEShu (Vedic term); பிப³தோ - pibatO (Vedic term)
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to those who move among food and among people who drink from vessels - present in everyday life and sustenance.
யே ப॒தா²ம் ப॑தி॒²ரக்ஷ॑ய ஐலப்³ரு॒தா॑³ ய॒வ்யுத:॑⁴ ।
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): யே - those who; who; பதா²ம் - pathaaM (object-form term); பதி²ரக்ஷய - pathirakShaya (Vedic term); ஐலப்³ருதா³ - ailabRudaa (Vedic term); யவ்யுத:⁴ - yavyudhaH (Vedic term)
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to those who guard paths upon paths - protectors of travellers.
யே தீ॒ர்தா²னி॑ ப்ர॒சர॑ந்தி ஸ்ரு॒காவ॑ந்தோ நிஷ॒ங்கி³ண:॑ ।
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): யே - those who; who; தீர்தா²னி - teerthaani (Vedic term); ப்ரசரந்தி - pracharaMti (Vedic term); ஸ்ருகாவந்தோ - sRukaavaMtO (Vedic term); நிஷங்கி³ண: - niShaMgiNaH (Vedic term)
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to those who roam sacred crossings and holy places, carrying offerings and weapons - fierce yet sanctifying.
ய ஏ॒தாவ॑ந்தஶ்ச॒ பூ⁴யாக்³ம்॑ஸஶ்ச॒ தி³ஶோ॑ ரு॒த்³ரா வி॑தஸ்தி॒²ரே । தேஷாக்³ம்॑ ஸஹஸ்ரயோஜ॒னேவ॒த⁴ன்வா॑னி தன்மஸி ।
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): ய - ya (key mantra term); ஏதாவந்தஶ்ச - as many as these; பூ⁴யாக்³ம்ஸஶ்ச - and even more; தி³ஶோ - in the directions; ருத்³ரா - rudraa (key mantra term)
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): As many as these, and even more, the Rudras stand spread through all directions. May their bows (their capacity to harm) be kept far away from us.
நமோ॑ ரு॒த்⁴ரேப்⁴யோ॒ யே ப்ரு॑தி॒²வ்யாம் யே᳚ந்தரி॑க்ஷே॒ யே தி॒³வி யேஷா॒மன்னம்॒ வாதோ॑ வ॒ர்ஷ॒மிஷ॑வ॒ஸ்தேப்⁴யோ॒ த³ஶ॒ ப்ராசீ॒ர்த³ஶ॑ த³க்ஷி॒ணா த³ஶ॑ ப்ர॒தீசீ॒-ர்த³ஶோ-தீ॑³சீ॒-ர்த³ஶோ॒ர்த்⁴வாஸ்தேப்⁴யோ॒ நம॒ஸ்தே நோ॑ ம்ருட³யந்து॒ தே யம் த்³வி॒ஷ்மோ யஶ்ச॑ நோ॒ த்³வேஷ்டி॒ தம் வோ॒ ஜம்பே॑⁴ த³தா⁴மி ॥ 11 ॥
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நமோ - salutations; ருத்⁴ரேப்⁴யோ - to these forms/aspects (plural); யே - those who; who; ப்ருதி²வ்யாம் - pRuthivyaaM (object-form term); ந்தரிக்ஷே - MtarikShE (Vedic term)
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to the rudras on earth, in mid-space, and in heaven - whose food is wind and whose arrows are rain. Salutations to them in all directions (east, south, west, north, and upward). May they be gracious and bless us. And may the hostility we carry - and those who carry hostility toward us - be offered into Rudra's consuming power, so enmity is ended. (End of Anuvaka 11.)
Commentary (அனுஸந்தா⁴ன):
This final anuvaka universalizes the prayer. The hymn has moved from pacifying anger, to saluting ருத்³ர in society and nature, to asking for healing and protection. Now it expands into a cosmic map: earth, mid-space, heaven; oceans of space; trees; paths; sacred crossings; directions. The message is: there is no "outside" to the Divine. If we can remember that, fear reduces, because we stop imagining that we are alone in a hostile universe.
The challenging line is the closing: "the one we hate and the one who hates us - we place in your jaws." Taken literally, it sounds aggressive. Spiritually, it can be read as a surrender of த்³வேஷ itself. We offer our enmity into Rudra's fire so it is consumed and transformed. This is consistent with the larger movement of Sri Rudram: not denial of intense forces, but purification of them into ஶிவ.
In daily life, this anuvaka is a practice of de-personalizing conflict. When someone hurts you, the mind wants to freeze them into "enemy." The mantra invites a different move: offer the heat of hatred to the Divine and let it burn as clarity, not revenge. A practical exercise: when you feel hostility, write one sentence describing the behavior (not the person) that upset you, and one sentence describing the boundary you need. Then act from that boundary calmly. Let Rudra "consume" the hatred, while you keep the discernment.
The ஶ்வேதாஶ்வதர உபனிஷத்³ again supports this reading with ஏகோ ஹி ருத்³ரோ ந த்³விதீயாய தஸ்து²:. When the One is everywhere, holding on to hatred becomes self-poisoning. The anuvaka's cosmic sweep (earth, அந்தரிக்ஷ, தி³வ், the ten directions) can be turned into a daily meditation: feel space around you, bow inwardly with நம:, and let the nervous system relax. From that calmer place, even difficult conversations become more possible.
Concluding Mantras 1
த்ர்ய॑ம்ப³கம் யஜாமஹே ஸுக॒³ந்தி⁴ம் பு॑ஷ்டி॒வர்த॑⁴னம் । உ॒ர்வா॒ரு॒கமி॑வ॒ ப³ந்த॑⁴னான்ம்ரு॒த்யோர்மு॑க்ஷீய॒ மாம்ருதா᳚த் ।
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): த்ர்யம்ப³கம் - three-eyed Lord (Siva); யஜாமஹே - we worship; we offer; ஸுக³ந்தி⁴ம் - sugaMdhiM (object-form term); புஷ்டிவர்த⁴னம் - increaser of nourishment and strength; உர்வாருகமிவ - urvaarukamiva (Vedic term)
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): We worship the three-eyed Lord, fragrant and life-nourishing. May we be released from the bondage of death like a ripe cucumber is freed from its stem - and may we not fall away from immortality.
யோ ரு॒த்³ரோ அ॒க்³னௌ யோ அ॒ப்ஸு ய ஓஷ॑தீ⁴ஷு॒ யோ ரு॒த்³ரோ விஶ்வா॒ பு⁴வ॑னா வி॒வேஶ॒ தஸ்மை॑ ரு॒த்³ராய॒ நமோ॑ அஸ்து ।
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): யோ - who; that; ருத்³ரோ - rudrO (Vedic term); அக்³னௌ - in fire, in waters, in herbs; அப்ஸு - in fire, in waters, in herbs; ய - we worship
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to that rudra who is in fire, in waters, in herbs - who has entered and pervaded all worlds.
தமு॑ ஷ்டுஹி॒ ய: ஸ்வி॒ஷுஸ்ஸு॒த⁴ன்வா॒ யோ விஶ்வ॑ஸ்ய॒ க்ஷய॑தி பே⁴ஷ॒ஜஸ்ய॑ । யக்ஷ்வா᳚ம॒ஹே ஸௌ᳚மன॒ஸாய॑ ரு॒த்³ரம் நமோ᳚பி⁴ர்தே॒³வமஸு॑ரம் து³வஸ்ய ।
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): தமு - tamu (Vedic term); ஷ்டுஹி - ShTuhi (Vedic term); ய: - who; that one; ஸ்விஷுஸ்ஸுத⁴ன்வா - sviShussudhanvaa (Vedic term); யோ - who; that
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Praise that rudra with the excellent bow, the Lord of medicine. We worship him for wellbeing and clarity, honoring him with salutations - the Divine praised by all.
அ॒யம் மே॒ ஹஸ்தோ॒ ப⁴க॑³வான॒யம் மே॒ ப⁴க॑³வத்தர: । அ॒யம் மே᳚ வி॒ஶ்வபே᳚⁴ஷஜோ॒யக்³ம் ஶி॒வாபி॑⁴மர்ஶன: ।
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): அயம் - ayaM (object-form term); மே - to me; ஹஸ்தோ - hastO (Vedic term); ப⁴க³வானயம் - bhagavaanayaM (object-form term); ப⁴க³வத்தர: - bhagavattaraH (Vedic term)
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): May this hand of mine be blessed; may it become even more blessed. May this be a universal medicine - a healing touch that is Siva.
யே தே॑ ஸ॒ஹஸ்ர॑ம॒யுதம்॒ பாஶா॒ ம்ருத்யோ॒ மர்த்யா॑ய॒ ஹந்த॑வே । தான் ய॒ஜ்ஞஸ்ய॑ மா॒யயா॒ ஸர்வா॒னவ॑ யஜாமஹே ।
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): யே - those who; who; தே - to you; ஸஹஸ்ரமயுதம் - sahasramayutaM (object-form term); பாஶா - paaSaa (Vedic term); ம்ருத்யோ - from death / immortality
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Those thousand and ten-thousand nooses of death that bind mortals - by the power of yaj~ja and grace, we loosen and remove them all.
ம்ரு॒த்யவே॒ ஸ்வாஹா॑ ம்ரு॒த்யவே॒ ஸ்வாஹா᳚ ।
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): ம்ருத்யவே - mRutyavE (Vedic term); ஸ்வாஹா - svaahaa (Vedic term)
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Offerings are made, surrendering the fear of death into the sacred fire.
ஓம் நமோ ப⁴க³வதே ருத்³ராய விஷ்ணவே ம்ருத்யு॑ர்மே பா॒ஹி ॥
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): ஓம் - auspicious seal of completion; நமோ - salutations; ப⁴க³வதே - to the blessed Lord; ருத்³ராய - to Rudra; விஷ்ணவே - viShNavE (Vedic term)
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Salutations to the blessed rudra and viShNu: protect me from death.
ப்ராணானாம் க்³ரந்தி²ரஸி ருத்³ரோ மா॑ விஶா॒ந்தக: । தேனான்னேனா᳚ப்யாய॒ஸ்வ ॥
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): ப்ராணானாம் - praaNaanaaM (object-form term); க்³ரந்தி²ரஸி - granthirasi (Vedic term); ருத்³ரோ - rudrO (Vedic term); மா - maa (Vedic term); விஶாந்தக: - viSaaMtakaH (Vedic term)
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): O rudra, you are the "knot" of the life-forces; do not sever me. Be nourished by this offering/food.
நமோ ருத்³ராய விஷ்ணவே ம்ருத்யு॑ர்மே பா॒ஹி ॥
Meaning (பதா³ர்த²): நமோ - salutations; ருத்³ராய - to Rudra; விஷ்ணவே - viShNavE (Vedic term); ம்ருத்யுர்மே - mRutyurmE (Vedic term); பாஹி - paahi (Vedic term)
Translation (பா⁴வார்த²): Again, a direct plea: protect me from death.
Commentary (அனுஸந்தா⁴ன):
These concluding mantras gather the heart of Sri Rudram into one intense prayer: freedom from fear and bondage. The famous த்ர்யம்பக³ mantra is often chanted for health, but its deeper intention is liberation from the "bondage of death" - not only physical death, but the constant anxiety and clinging that make life small. The image of the ripe உர்வாருக naturally releasing is a reminder: true release is not violent; it is ripeness and letting-go.
The hymn also makes a profound ecological and spiritual claim: ருத்³ர is in fire, waters, and herbs. That means the forces that sustain life - heat, fluids, medicine, growth - are sacred. When the hand is described as விஶ்வபே⁴ஷஜ ("universal medicine"), it is a call to become a healer in the world: to use our abilities to reduce suffering, not to increase it.
In modern practice, these mantras can be used in three ways: (1) as a prayer for health and resilience during illness or stress, (2) as a meditation to release fear of loss and death, and (3) as an ethical reminder to live in a way that reduces harm. A simple daily application: before sleep, repeat the core intention in your own words - "May I act so that my life becomes a healing touch; may fear be loosened; may I live with courage and த⁴ர்ம."
The imagery also invites a shift from self-protection to healing service. When we say அயம் மே ஹஸ்தோ ப⁴க³வான், we are not only asking for personal blessing; we are consecrating action. This resonates with the Upanishadic ideal of fearlessness (அப⁴யம்) and the yogic ideal of non-harming: let your hands be helpful. In modern terms: volunteer, care for elders, support someone in crisis, and let speech become medicine. A life that becomes "universal remedy" is one of the deepest ways to honor Sri Rudram.
Concluding Mantras 2
ஸதா³ஶி॒வோம் ।
ஓம் ஶாந்தி:॒ ஶாந்தி:॒ ஶாந்தி:॑ ।
The triple ஶாந்தி: is traditionally understood as peace at three levels: within oneself (அத்⁴யாத்மிக), in the world of beings and relationships (அதி⁴பௌ⁴திக), and in the larger forces beyond our control like nature and fate (அதி⁴தை³விக). Ending with threefold peace reminds us that prayer is incomplete if it does not settle the mind, heal relationships, and restore harmony with the world.
In daily use, this closing can be a short reset. Say ஶாந்தி: once for your body (tension, illness), once for relationships (conflict, misunderstanding), and once for the wider world (uncertainty you cannot control). If you end your Rudram recitation before sleep, let the last repetition be slower and softer, as if you are laying down the "weapons" of the day. That is how the ritual turns into rest and inner healing.