Fate can be broadly classified into two categories: durbala vidhi meaning weak karma phalam and prabala vidhi meaning strong karma phalam. When the issue 'can fate be changed by prayer' is raised, we must first clarify what type of fate is meant - durbala or prabala. Durbala vidhi can be weakened or even totally eradicated by prayer while prabala vidhi cannot be changed by prayer. However prayer will give us the strength to face adversity. Thus prayer works in twofold manner. As our vidhi is mitigated, we must become purer and purer.

Since our karma or actions are not uniform, the results of our actions will also not be uniform. As an example, consider the chanting of Rudram. We can chant Rudram once, eleven times, one hundred and twenty one times or more. The manner or quality of the chanting itself varies. Thus an action varies, both quantitatively and qualitatively. Consequently fate or karma phalam also varies, quantitatively and qualitatively. This applies to all our actions - religious or secular.

As stated above, prayer mitigates or destroys durbala vidhi and gives us the strength and immunity to bear prabalavidhi. We can choose any prayer for chanting. Chanting Shatarudriyam (Rudram) is especially potent and efficacious. Kaivalya Upanishad discusses the benefits of chanting this prayer - ' he who studies the Shatarudriyam is freed from sins arising from all commissions and omissions. Therefore, he gains his refuge in the One who is Truth Consciousness - Siva, the Supreme Self'. Thus chanting Rudram is a powerful prayaschith.

It is important that we chant Rudram properly. Improper chanting will not only not give us any benefit but may engender paapam. However not knowing the proper method of chanting need not discourage us since the scriptures have prescribed a 'short - cut'. One mantra that occurs in the middle of Rudram says 'nama sivaaya'. The scriptures say chanting 'nama sivaaya' is equivalent to chanting the entire Rudram.

Chanting Rudram will give us aapelshika shanti (relative shanti) or peace of mind and ultimately will give us aatyantika shanti ( absolute shanti) or moksha. Kaivalya Upanishad says 'we should repeat this (Rudram) always or atleast once (a day)'. Chanting Rudram on Sivarathri is especially powerful and beneficial. So on this auspicious Sivarathri day, let us chant Rudram all night or as much as we can.

Back