Rudras
Meaning
"Whatever emanates from Rudra is fraught with fear. The name itself testifies to the dangerous power implicit in it. 'Rudram' means that which induces fear. The eleven Rudras are dreadful in form. These dreadful entities enter the minds of human beings and subject them to all kinds of afflictions." Sai Baba, SS. 4/94, p. 86
Role Of The Rudras
"What are the functions of these Rudras? The Rudras, in association with the Buddhi (the intellect), enter the minds of people and cause them various types of difficulties and worries. Of these difficulties, three types arc predominant in the world. They are Adhi-bhoutika, Adhyaatmika and Adhidaivika.
'Adhibhoutika' refers to the difficulties caused by the five elements (ether, air, fire, water and earth) and the five sheaths (relating to food, life, mind, awareness and bliss). These sufferings are caused by human beings, animals, insects or other creatures.
'Adhyaatmika' refers to the sufferings caused by wind, bile and phlegm (Vaataa, Pita and kapha).
'Adhidaivika' refers to the calamities caused to man by floods and drought, storm, earthquakes and similar natural disasters.
Of all the sufferings endured by human beings, those coming under these three categories are most prominent. All other calamities are encompassed by these three.
For all these sufferings, the eleven Rudras are the cause. The whole world is permeated by the Rudras. Only 'Adhidaivika' has an element of security." Sai Baba, SS, 4/94, p. 86
The Eleven Rudras And Their Control
"Today's (23 February 1990) Shivaratri observance conveys a significant lesson. According to numerology, the three letters 'Si', 'Va' and 'Raa' make up eleven ('Si'=5, 'Va'=4 and 'Raa'=2). These eleven are known as the 'Ekaadasha Rudras', the eleven Rudras. The fourth letter 'tri' represents the combination of the first three letters, and Shivaratri is the day devoted to overcoming the eleven Rudras by adoring the Supreme Lord, who is the Master of all of them.
The Rudras turn the intellect (Buddhi) towards sensuous objects and thrust the individual in the sea of 'Samsaara' (worldly life). The Paramatma (Supreme Spirit) is the Master of the Rudras. Only the man who has conquered the eleven Rudras can expect to realise the Supreme.
Who are the eleven Rudras? They are five organs of action (Karmendriyas), the five organs of perception (Jnanendriyas) and the mind. Man must seek to control as much as possible these eleven organs. From ancient times, the sages have stressed the supreme importance of sense-control as the means to God-realisation." Sai Baba. SS, 4/90, pp. 87 & 88
"The Mahashivaratri festival has been designed to subdue these eleven Rudras. This means that by the control of the senses, the Rudras can be controlled. Control of the senses (Indriya-nigrah) is not that easy. Even if evil impulses coming from external sources are controlled, those arising from within cannot be easily controlled. But if, at least on one night out of 365 days in a year, the senses are brought under control, the peace may be experienced and the quest for liberation may be initiated. When the entire night is dedicated to the chanting of the Lord's name, one's mind, speech and senses all get centered on God. This is itself a form of self-control. At least on one day in a year, all our thoughts and words should be centered on God." ' Sai Baba, SS. 4/94, p. 86