Sri Rudram (Namakam)

This is the mighty Sri Rudram - a Vedic hymn dedicated to the terrifying aspect of Lord Shiva - taken from the Taittiriya Samhita of Krishna Yajurveda. The text is important in Shaivism and is well-known as a strong prayer of breaking contracts, of protection, and transmutation of denser energies. Sri Rudram is also famous for mentioning the sacred mantra Shaivite "Aum Namah Shivaya". It also contains the Mantra "Aum namah bhagavate rudraya" and the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra. Shri Rudram consists of two chapters, Namakam and Chamakam. The Namakam describes the name or epithets of Rudra, which is an aspect inducing fear of Shiva. In addition, the devotee asks that the benevolent aspect of Shiva be invoked, instead of the terrible aspect of Rudra, in addition to requests for forgiveness of sins. Prem offers the first part of the hymn, the Namakam. May you receive blessings of healing, liberation, and transmutation.