Sri Rudram and Lord Narasimha

Sri Rudram has been described by some of the Vedic scholars as "Yajusham Saaram," or the essence of the entire Yajur Vedam. It has 169 Manthrams, organized in eleven Anuvakaas or chapters. Sri Rudram is also known RudrOpanishad and Sata Rudreeyam. The latter name is associated with the fact that the Upasana Moorthy of Sri Rudram is praised in all the 101 branches (Sakas) of Yajur Vedam as inferred from the comment of Sri Bhatta Bhaskara, a celebrated commentator (Bhashyakarar) of Sri Rudram. Besides Sri Bhatta Bhaskara, Sri Sayana, Sri Abhinava Sankara and, most recently, Brahma Sri Mutthu Krishna Sastrigal have written commentaries on Sri Rudram. Brahma Sri Sastrigal's commentary is in Tamil and was published approximately Fifty-five years ago as a Hitha Bhashini release from Tanjavoor. Sri Sayana's commentary, on the other hand, dates back to the era of the Vijaya Nagara empire. The Abhinava Sankara's Bhasyam includes the listing of appropriate Rishis (Sages), Chandas (Meters) and Devathaas (Godheads) for each of the 169 Manthras as required for the individual Veda Mantrams . The present commentary in English is based on the above original sources in general and on Brahma Sri Mutthu KrishNa Sastrigal's commentaries in particular. The purpose of adding yet another commentary on Sri Rudram is to address the needs of overseas Residents of Indian origin, who worship Lord Siva at the many Hindu Temples and in their own homes across the landscape of the many continents. It is sincerely hoped that this publication would serve the goals of gaining a fuller appreciation by them of the majesty and beauty of Sri Rudram as a Veda BhAgam . As a Sri VaishNavan and a Prapannan totally committed to Kaayika, Vaachika and Maanasa Kaimkaryams to Sriman NaarAyaNan, I have been moved by the Prapatti made by Sri Rudran to His Supreme Master, Sriman NarAyaNan in the Mantra Raaja Padha StOtram and in AhirBudhnya Samhita .Lord Sri Rudra-Sivan is recognized and revered as a Parama Bhaagavta, Prapannan and a Sarvajn an by ParamaikAnti Sri VaishNavaas including Swamy Desikan . Sri Rudran emphasises in His SaraNAgathi that He is a dhAsabhUtan (liege) of Sri Lakshmi Narasimhan .