Also known as Vaidyanatha the
Lord of Medicine, Rudra is the god of storms, destruction, hunting and even medicine. He is a fierce manifestation of
Shiva,
embodying both his destructive and healing aspects. His name means the
Roarer or
Howler and some might describe him as powerful, ferocious and wild but he is simultaneously known to have 1,000 different remedies in his arsenal! He is also known as a defender of livestock, especially cattle. Between his skill as a archer, being a guardian of nature and for his wild ferocity, Rudra is most associated with
Banalkar or
Lunil, Banalkar's father.
So vast are Rudra's apsects that he is sometimes divided up into 11 different Rudras, 11 avatars which manifest his immense power. Mighty, crass, frightening, untamed and fierce, Rudra is a thourough problem solver and keen archer.
It is believed that Rudra can cure diseases, Sanatanis attributing sudden recovery from illness to him. Rituals, hymns and prayers are performed to beseech him, asking Rudra to spare children or entire villages from disease! And though Rudra himself has many forms and shapes, he is also a father himself, that of the
Maruts.
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