Ekadash Rudra- The Eleven Rudra Avatar

Lord Shiva, from the Trinity, is worshipped as the destroyer and the transformer. The  fierce & destructive side of Lord Shiva is known as Rudra, in which Rudra’s anger destroys harmful things. This destruction allows for renewal and a fresh start.

Rudra means “who eradicates problems from their roots”

.There is only one Lord Rudra, but for the welfare of the world he takes many names, avatars and forms. In the Shata-Rudra Samhita of the Shiva Purana, Mahadev’s 11 Rudra Avatars are mentioned with great respect & devotion.

 Ekadash Rudra

There are mainly eleven Rudras, also called ‘Ekadash Rudra’. Each avatar serves as a reminder of the diverse ways in which the divine presence manifests in the world.

According to the Shiv Puran, once the devtas & Lord Indra were defeated by the demons and were thrown out of Amaravati, the city of gods. They came to the ashram of their father Maharshi Kashyap, a learned Rishi and asked him for a solution. Maharshi Kashyap, a devotee of Lord Shiva, assured the devtas that he would remove their problems. Maharishi Kashyap went to Kashi, the city of Shiva and performed tapa and meditation

Pleased by his Tapasya, Shiva granted him a boon. Maharishi Kashyap then pleaded with Shiva to help the devtas, by incarnating as his son and ending the torments of the demons. Shiva granted his wish, to offer justice to the devtas and take the place in the city as their protector. Lord Shiva incarnated in the form of eleven Rudras from the womb of Kashyap’s wife Surabhi. They are considered different aspects of Shiva’s destructive power, embodying his fierce and wrathful nature.

These 11 Rudras were meant to help maintain balance in the universe by destroying evil and allowing for renewal. They defeated the demons in the war and gave Indra back the kingdom of heaven.

 Names of Ekadash Rudra

There is a difference in the names of Ekadash Rudras in various Puranas and texts. In the Upanishads, the eleven Pranas (ten senses and mind) have been called ‘Ekadash Rudra’ which are ‘Spiritual Rudra’.

According to the Shiva Puran (by Gita Press, Gorakhpur) the eleven names of Rudra are:

1. 𝑲𝒂𝒑𝒂𝒍𝒊 – associated with the cremation grounds, a stark reminder of the cycle of life and death.
2. 𝑷𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒂𝒍 – associated with the Pingala Nadi, one of the three main channels of the subtle body in yoga, representing solar energy. Pingal is the golden-yellow form of Shiva, symbolizing the sun and the life-giving energy it provides
3. 𝑩𝒉𝒆𝒆𝒎 – embodies immense strength and power, capable of destroying evil and protecting righteousness. Bhim is often invoked for courage and protection against adversaries.
4. 𝑽𝒊𝒓𝒖𝒑𝒂𝒌𝒔𝒉𝒂 – often associated with spiritual insight and the ability to perceive beyond the physical realm
5. 𝑽𝒊𝒍𝒐𝒉𝒊𝒕 – The name itself mentions a bright red color or the color of a burning fire. It is associated with the element of fire and the transformative power of destruction and renewal
6. 𝑺𝒉𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒂 A majestic warrior carrying weapons, Shasta is a Vedic name
7. 𝑨𝒋𝒂𝒑𝒂𝒂𝒅 signifies the nurturing and protective qualities of Shiva. Also called Ajaa Eka Paada, meaning- he who stands on one leg.
8. 𝑨𝒉𝒊𝒓𝒃𝒖𝒅𝒉𝒏𝒚𝒂 is believed to be the protector against storms and other such unforeseen natural calamities.
9. 𝑺𝒉𝒂𝒎𝒃𝒉𝒖 meaning “the beneficent,” This gentle avatar of Shiva is often associated with peace, compassion and the bestowal of blessings.
10. 𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒅 the fierce & a wrathful avatar represents the power to overcome and destroy evil forces.
11. 𝑩𝒉𝒂𝒗 meaning “existence” or “being,” Bhava signifies the continuity and presence of divine energy in every aspect of the universe.

These 11 Rudras are often invoked to remove obstacles, destroy negativity and protect the righteous.

Disclaimer: Information in this article is based on verified mentioned sources. The views expressed in this article reflect the author’s personal understanding and interpretation.

The author is a Reiki Grandmaster, Author, Numerologist, Researcher, Counselor, Crystals & Spiritual Guide, Switchwords Practitioner.