Vedic Mythology c5.s2.t4.19

c5.s2.t4.19

The etymology of the word *rudra* is somewhat uncertain as regards the meaning. It is generally derived from the root *rud*, to cry, and interpreted as the Howler¹⁷. This is the Indian derivation¹⁸. By GRASSMANN¹⁹ it is connected with a root *rud* having the conjectural meaning of ‘to shine’ or, according to PISCHEL, ‘to be ruddy’²⁰. Rudra would thus mean the ‘bright’ or the ‘red one’²¹.