A Curtain Raiser: The Vedic Originals
Before I get into a discussion about the rudra-adhyāya and the ensuing vasordhāra, a brief introduction is needed on the vedic originals – brahmanaspati-vishnu-rudra – of the puranic and present day triad – brahma-vishnu-śiva.
The deities in the veda were ascribed importance based on the functions that they performed in the internal and external planes; functions that were directly causal for the psychological discipline and progression of the rśi. To that extent, the three godheads – brahmanaspati-rudra-vishnu – provided the conditions of the vedic sacrifice and assisted it from behind; unlike their more active counterparts including agni, indra, aśvin, varuna, mitra and the maruts.
brahmanaspati – the deity within us that creates by the Word (brahma) – creates the divine consciousness within us as also sends it on its way from the pathways of darkness to those of light, towards their supreme goal.
rudra – the deity within us that supplies the upward push to the divine consciousness created by brahma – is the violent force that leads the charge; intolerant of defect and crookedness, he battles against the forces of evil – vala, vritra and pani, among others, smiting them down and breaking defective formations on the journey upward. This is the violent aspect that is first propitiated in the rudra-adhyāya. rudra has an aspect that is benign, as well. Called on for aid, he heals all wounds and suffering. He is the master of the force that acts in the planes and the one who enjoys the final liberty and peace.
vishnu – the deity who sits in the plane of bliss – supplies space, the ordered movement of the planes and the ascending levels to support the creations of brahma and the actions of rudra’s force.
It is to rudra – the godhead of destruction and benevolence – that I will soon return to.
anuvāka 4.5.1 through 4.5.11 of the taittirīya samhitā deal with propitiating the destructive aspect of rudra. anuvāka 4.7.1 through 4.7.11 seeks the blessings of rudra, given to us as various vital and mental powers. anuvāka 4.7.12 through 4.7.15 deal with the birth of plenitude and all energies in us, and concludes with a prayer of thanksgiving to several deities.
Onward and upward.
PS: I remain grateful to that great teacher, śri aurobindo, whose guidance I always receive, within and from beyond.