Sri Rudram: Namakam & Chamakam in Rudrabhishekam
Sri Rudram Namakam & Chamakam
The Sri Rudram at the heart of Rudrabhishekam — the Namakam and Chamakam, their meaning, and how they are chanted.
Sri Rudram — Namakam & Chamakam
The mantra at the heart of Rudrabhishekam is the Sri Rudram from the Krishna Yajur Veda, in two parts. Namakam (so called for its repeated “namo… namah”) glorifies Rudra by his countless names and forms. Chamakam (for its repeated “cha me”) asks Shiva to grant every blessing, material and spiritual.
The most famous verse
Shivataraya cha”
“Namaste Rudra Manyava
Utota Ishave Namah”
Salutations to Shiva, the auspicious, and to the ever-more-auspicious; salutations to your anger, O Rudra, and to your arrow.
How they work together
The Namakam offers reverent surrender to Rudra in all his forms; the Chamakam then voices the devotee’s prayers — for health, progeny, prosperity, knowledge and liberation. Recited together during the abhishekam, they make the ritual complete. Karishye’s purohits chant with correct svaram. See the scales and the procedure.
Book Rudrabhishekam with Karishye
Verified Telugu purohits, the Sri Rudram (Namakam & Chamakam) chanted with correct svaram, and the complete eco-friendly abhishekam dravyas included — for healing, protection and the grace of Lord Shiva, across Telangana & Andhra Pradesh.
Frequently asked questions
Q.What is the Sri Rudram?
A hymn to Rudra from the Krishna Yajur Veda, in two parts — Namakam (glorifying Shiva’s names) and Chamakam (prayers for grace) — chanted during Rudrabhishekam.
Q.What is the difference between Namakam and Chamakam?
Namakam offers reverent salutations to Rudra in all his forms; Chamakam asks Shiva to grant blessings, both material and spiritual.
Q.Can the Sri Rudram be chanted at home?
It is widely chanted, but the abhishekam recitation is best done by purohits trained in correct svaram; Karishye’s purohits do so.