[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Reference works](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference) › [A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879) › c5.1693.2 # A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c5.1693.2 A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c5.1693.2 - **Language:** English ### [c5.1693.2](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879.c5.1693.2) He is “dark, black, destroying, terrible.” He is the “fierce god,” who is besought to betake himself elsewhere, “and not to assail mankind with consumption, poison, or celestial fire.” The Brāhmanas tell that when Rudra was born he wept, and his father, Prajāpati, asked the reason, and on being told that he wept because he had not received a name, his father gave him the name of Rudra (from the root rud, ‘weep’). They also relate that at the request of the gods he pierced Prajāpati because of his incestuous intercourse with his daughter. In another place he is said to have applied to his father eight successive times for a name, and that he received in succession the names Bhava, Sarva, Pasupati, Ugradeva, Mahāndeva, Rudra, Īsāna, and Asani. In the Upanishads his character is further developed. He declares to the inquiring gods, “I alone was before (all things), and I exist and I shall be. No other transcends me. I am eternal and not eternal, discernible and undiscernible, I am Brahma and I am not Brahma.” Again it is said, “He is the only Rudra, he is Īsāna, he is Maheswara, he is Mahādeva.” “There is only one Rudra, there is no place for a second. He rules this fourth world, controlling and productive; living beings abide with him, united with him. At the time of the end he annihilates all worlds, the protector.” “He is without beginning, middle, or end; - [Previous: c5.1693.1](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879.c5.1693.1) - [Next: c5.1693.3](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879.c5.1693.3) - [Up: c5.1693](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879.c5.1693) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879.c5.1693.2](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879.c5.1693.2) · Pramāṇa