What is the significance of Ati Rudra Maha Yajna

Ati Rudra Maha Yajna is the highest form of worship to ‘Lord Siva’. Sage Bodhayana identifies Japa (repetition), Homa (sacred fire), Archana, (worship), and Abhisheka (cleansing) as the rituals to offer respectful prayers to Lord Siva.

‘Japanga Rudra’ is repeated chanting of Namaka and Chamaka. “Archananga Rudra’ is done with offering ‘Bilva” leaves or even “Akshatha (sacred rice) with repeated chanting of Namaka and Chamaka. ‘Abhishekanga Rudra’ is done with offering liquids such milk, ghee, water, etc. to the ‘lingam’ with repeated chanting of Namaka and Chamaka. ‘Homanga Rudra’ is offering ghee and other materials into the sacred fire while chanting Namaka and Chamaka. Though there are several procedures, the usual and ideal procedure as suggested by Sage Shatapata in his ‘Maharnava Karma Vipaka’ is to offer one tenth of the ‘parayana’ (repeated chanting) into the ‘homa’ (sacred fire); ‘Dasamsa Paddhati’.

Ati Rudram involves chanting of 14,641 Namaka and 1,331 Chamaka. Along with offering one tenth of the parayana, that is 1,465 chantings, as Homam completes Ati Rudra Maha Yajna. Specifically, 121 ritwiks (individuals well versed with chanting) along with 15 priests (that are well versed in the homam and other rituals) will be chanting Sri Rudram 11 times a day for 11 consecutive days along with performing Abhishekam and Homam.

The entire offering is dedicated for the peace and prosperity of all the beings in all the worlds.