All Rudra Avatars of Lord Shiva: Everything You Should Know
Rudra avatars of Lord Shiva are one of the most fascinating parts of Hindu Mythology. We all may know Lord Shiva, whom we dearly call Mahadev, as the destroyer in the holy trinity. But, he is also the locus point of boundless energy, justice and compassion.
Lord Shiva has many forms, but the 11 Rudra Avatars of Lord Shiva are considered to be extremely powerful. They together represent his different moods and cosmic functions. Did you know that the 11 Rudra Avatars of Lord Shiva are also called Ekadasha Rudras? As per the Vedic traditions, Shiva manifested these Rudras so that he could defeat demons, shield and protect the gods and maintain the much-needed universal balance.
What does ‘Rudra’ mean?
In literal translation, Rudra means the one who roars or cries fiercely. According to the Shiva Purana, the Rudras came into existence from Surabhi. She was the wife of Kashyapa. Later, the Rudras went with them to many wars and assisted them in defeating demons with their unmatched valour.
Let’s together learn about the Rudra avatars of Lord Shiva and understand the significance of each one.
11 Rudra Avatar of Lord Shiva
When the Devas, who were headed by Lord Indra, were thrown out of Amaravati ( the city of gods) by the demons, they had no place to go. Then they went to Kashyapa and asked him for a solution. Kashyapa saw the conditions and went straight to the city of Shiva, known as Kashi and did tapasaya.
Pleased by his Tapasaya, Shiva blessed him with a boon. Then the Sage pleaded with him to help the gods who are in trouble by incarnating as his son. Shiva agreed, and that’s how 11 Rudra Avatars were born.
The 11 Rudras are Kapali, Pingal, Bheem, Virupaksha, Vilohita, Shashtra, Ajapaad, Ahirbudhnya, Shambhu, Chand, and Bhava.
1. Kapali (कपाली)
If we look for the literal meaning of Kapali, it says “the one who is holding the skull or Kapala” in his hands. Kapali Rudra of Shiva is a strong reminder to all of us that every ending leads to a new beginning. It shows how transient the nature of life and death is. When we see him holding the skull in his hands, it is a symbol of acceptance of death and not being afraid of it. This Kapali form is associated with the cremation grounds.
2. Pingala (पिङ्गल)
Pingala is the symbol of energy, fire, and intensity. It also represents the Pingala Nadi, which is one of the three channels that run from our spine to the brain. Vitality, solar energy, and dynamic life force (prana) are the highlights of this form.
3. Bhima (भीम)
Bheem Rudra, which means mighty and enormous, is considered to be the most powerful warrior form of Lord Shiva. This avatar is all about strength and fearlessness and shows Shiva as the protector of Dharma, who removes any kind of fear from his beloved devotees’ lives.
As per the Vedic rituals, in order to gain physical prowess, the Bheem Rudra Homa is a ritual sacrifice performed.
4. Virupaksha (विरूपाक्ष)
Virupaksha means the one who has multidimensional vision and awareness. This avatar represents Mahadev’s cosmic vision that has the ability to see beyond the physical world. He can look into the present, past, and future. Virupaksha is also described as the divine holding 16 weapons that include Shula, Damru, Khadaga, Ankusha, Sarpa, Chakra, Gada, and Akshamala (right hands) and Khetaka, Khatvanga, Shakti, Parashu, Tarjani, Ghata, Ghanta, and Kapala (left hands).
5. Vilohita (विलोहित)
Vilohita stands for sacrifice and blood. Lohit means red. This form embodies the intense role of Shiva, where he destroys evil to restore balance.
6. Shastra (शास्त्र)
This avatar is the embodiment of divine wisdom and scripture. Shastra Rudra is revered as the teacher and protector of truth and righteousness (Dharma).
7. Ajapada (अजपाद)
This Rudra form represents the omnipresent aspect of Shiva. This Rudra form also shows Mahadev’s deep connection with meditation and austerity. Aja is known as someone who is not born, is formless, and defies the rules of life and death. He is also called Ajaa Eka Paada, which means someone who stands on one leg.
8. Ahirbudhnya (अहिर्बुध्न्य)
Shiva in this form is believed to be the protector against storms and other unforeseen natural calamities. This avatar is linked with the serpent of the cosmic oceans. In Vedic tradition, he is the symbol of the primal waters through which life takes birth and the hidden wisdom & power that sustains the universe.
9. Shambhu (शम्भु)
This form of Shiva is kind-hearted and blesses his beloved devotees with peace and prosperity. If you search the meaning of Shambhu, it means the source of happiness. Many textual traditions believe that Shambhu is one of the first deities that was worshipped as the originator of creation.
10. Chanda (चण्ड)
The word Chand stands for ferocious. This fierce form of Lord Shiva destroys arrogance, injustice, and ignorance. He is the guidance against any form of evil and is often invoked to eliminate negativity and protect devotees during times of crisis.
11. Bhava (भाव)
Bhava means existence or becoming. This form signifies that Shiva is the only reality, the reason, and the support of everything that is there in the universe. As per the Atharvaveda, Bhava is known as the ‘King of all beings’, and Bhava is invoked by the devotees of Shiva for fertility and prosperity.
FAQs on Rudra Avatars of Lord Shiva
1. How many Rudra avatars are there?
There are 11 Rudra Avatars of Lord Shiva with different cosmic functions and energies.
2. Why did Lord Shiva take Rudra Avatars?
According to many sacred Hindu writings, the 11 avatars of Rudra were born to end the oppressions of demons on the planet and paradise and to balance the forces of the universe.
3. What is the meaning of the word ‘Rudra’?
Rudra means “the roarer” and the one “who removes misery”.