Difference Between Siva and Rudra

Siva vs Rudra

Siva and Rudra are the two names of Hinduism‘s supreme deity. Siva is his benevolent manifestation signifies everything that is good. Whenever mankind desires peace and harmony to prevail, it is a good idea to invoke his blessings, for he will usher in goodness and award off all evil. However, he has an angry and destructive side to him – that of Rudra. Sometimes it becomes necessary to destroy in order to renew. Rudra destroys so that there may be a renewal. If we see sin all around us we call upon Rudra to destroy and rid mankind of it, so that there is a new beginning.

Siva in his peaceful manifestation will be found seated serenely with consort goddess Parvati in his abode on Mount Kailash. Rudra on the other hand will appear dancing angrily in a cremation ground setting. Siva is the holder and nurturer of the universe till the time of the next cycle of creation, which is necessarily preceded by destruction brought about by Rudra. Out of the 75 times that this deity is mentioned in the ancient Hindu treatise Rig Veda, the name Siva is mentioned 18 times. The rest of the times he is referred to as Rudra.

As Siva the deity is kinder and peaceful, and loves to help his devotees. Rudra on the other hand is a terrible manifestation and his devotees are in perpetual dread of his wrath. Rudra is really an early form of Siva. He was the God of the storm and in the Sanskrit language, Rudra means the wild one. Siva became the better known face of the deity, and he is often pictured in familial bliss sitting next to his wife and sons.

Siva and Rudra as a matter of fact underscore the basic philosophy of Hinduism-duality.

• Good follows evil.
• After darkness is light.
• After life is death.
• This is the eternal cycle of karma.
• Life leads to death which in turn leads to life.

Siva facilitates life so that one can one day die. Rudra on the other hand facilitates death so that one may be born again.

Summary:
1. Siva is the benevolent manifestation of God and signifies everything that is good. The angry and destructive side of God is Rudra.
2. Siva in his peaceful manifestation will be found seated serenely with consort goddess Parvati in his abode on Mount Kailash. Rudra on the other hand will appear dancing angrily in a cremation ground setting.
3. Siva is the holder and nurturer of the universe till the time of the next cycle of creation, which is necessarily preceded by destruction brought about by Rudra.
4. Of the 75 times that this deity is mentioned in the ancient Hindu treatise Rig Veda, the name Siva is mentioned 18 times. The rest of the times he is referred to as Rudra.
5. As Siva the deity is kinder and peaceful, and loves to help his devotees. Rudra on the other hand is a terrible manifestation and his devotees are in perpetual dread of his wrath.
6. Siva facilitates life so that one can one day die. Rudra on the other hand facilitates death so that one may be born again.

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