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In Vedic scriptures, Rudras are described as loyal companions of Rudra, who later was identified with Shiva. They are considered as divine aids, messengers and forms of Rudra. They are fearful in nature. The Shatapatha Brahmana mentions that Rudra is the prince, while Rudras are his subjects. They are considered as attendants of Shiva in later ...
A god named Rudra is mentioned in the Rig Veda. The name Rudra is still used as a name for Shiva. In RV 2.33, he is described as the 'Father of the Rudras', a group of storm gods. [55] Hymn 10.92 of the Rigveda states that the deity Rudra has two natures, one wild and cruel (rudra), and another that is kind and tranquil (shiva). [56]
Rudra's identification with Shiva was put in writing for the first time in Shvetashvatara Upanishad and later in Yajurveda linked Taittiriya Samhita (S.4.5.1), in the Shata Rudriya section. The Vajasneya samhita (S. 3.63) also co-equals Shiva with Rudra by citing the mantra, “tam Shiva namasi”, meaning “I bow to you, Shiva”.
Here Rudra-Shiva is identified as the creator of the cosmos and liberator of Selfs from the birth-rebirth cycle. The Svetasvatara Upanishad set the tone for early Shaivite thought, especially in chapter 3 verse 2 where Shiva is equated with Brahman: "Rudra is truly one; for the knowers of Brahman do not admit the existence of a second".
As Brahma/Sadyojata, Shiva creates. As Vishnu/Vamadeva, Shiva preserves. As Rudra/Aghora, he dissolves. This stands in contrast to the idea that Shiva is the "God of destruction." Shiva is the supreme God and performs all actions, of which destruction is only but one. Ergo, the Trimurti is a form of Shiva Himself for Shaivas.
His five deeds, known "Panchakrityas" (five holy acts), are assigned to Panchamurti, his five aspects, viz., Brahma, Vishnu, Rudra, Mahesvara and Sadasiva (Mahesvara and Sadashiva are forms of Shiva, Rudra is also refers as Shiva ). Creation, Preservation, Destruction, Obscuration and Grace are done by these five manifestations respectively.
Those who worship Shiva, are worshipping Vishnu. [12] Rudra is full of Vishnu and Brahma. [12] Uma is same as Vishnu. [12] The masculine is Shiva, asserts the text, and the feminine is Bhavani (Uma). [13] What moves in the universe, is just Rudra-Uma manifestation, and what does not move in the universe is also just Rudra-Uma manifestation ...
Ajaikapada is described as a Rudra in the Linga Purana too. [9] [13] In most cases Shiva is the governing deity of the Rudras, including Aja-Ekapada. [9] Ekapada icons are found in most of the important Shiva temples in South India, [14] "in some place or the other", at least carved on a pillar. [4]