Rudram Multimedia

Laghunyasam: This hymn is chanted at the beginning of the yagya each day. The purpose is to invoke both the blessings and protection of the Gods so that the yagya is carried to completion without interruption or distraction. The priest recite different mantras while touching different parts of their body

Rudram: This is the main mantra hymn for Shiva which comes from the Yajur Veda. In translation it is a fascinating description of all Shiva's qualities and manifestations. It is both descriptive and devotional in tone although somewhat difficult to comprehend in places.

Chamakam: This hymn also comes from the Yajur Veda. After praising Shiva in the Rudram, we can now ask him to grant our desires. While listening you will hear the phrase "cha me kalpatam" meaning "be granted to me". The role of Chamakam in the yagya is to ask for all the material comforts to be granted to us so that we may focus on our spiritual development and achieve final liberation or moksha.

On the very last day of the yagya, Chamakam is chanted while an unbroken stream of ghee is poured into the homa fire using a special ladle called a "Vasodhara".