| Rudra | |
|---|---|
 | |
|
Other Names |
Sadasiva, Mahadev |
|
First Appearance |
Hindu Mythology |
|
Created by |
Unknown |
Origin[]
Rudra is a Rigvedic deity linked to Shiva, associated with storms, wind, medicine, and hunting. The name means “the roarer” or “one who eradicates problems from their roots,” and can imply “the most severe or frightening one.” In the Rigveda, he is praised as “the mightiest of the mighty.” Rudra is a significant figure in Shaivism, appearing in the Shiva Sahasranama and the Shri Rudram hymn of the Yajurveda. He is also revered as Sadasiva (mighty Shiva) and Mahadeva, with Sadashiva regarded as the Supreme Being in the Siddhanta Shaivism tradition.
In Tibetan Buddhism, Rudra is depicted as a powerful but misguided being. Originally a monk named Tharpa Nakpo, he falls into vice, is condemned to Naraka, and after many impure lives is reborn as a three-headed demon in Sri Lanka, causing plague and famine. He becomes a lover of the rakshasa queen Krodhishvari and battles the gods, whose fear prompts the Buddhas and bodhisattvas to intervene.
Vajrasattva, his former master reborn, accompanied by Vajrapani (a reborn servant), confronts Rudra in wrathful forms—Hayagriva and Vajravarahi—using dances and battles to subdue him. In some accounts, Hayagriva even enters Rudra’s body or impersonates him, ultimately destroying, purifying, or converting him into a protector of dharma, with his army of demons given to Vajrarakshasa as attendants. Different versions include alternate wrathful emanations like Ucchusma.
Public Domain Appearances[]
All published appearances of Rudra from before January 1, 1931 are public domain in the US.
Some notable appearances are listed below:
Public Domain Literary Appearances[]
- Rig Veda
- Shiva Sahasranama
- Yajurveda
- Dasam Granth