Medicine in ancient India, Ayurveda is a wonder that is marvelled by the world even today. Ayurveda is the most ancient science of Indian medicine and lifestyle that is still in practice till date. Among the Gods worshipped by physicians in India - Lord Dhanwantari stands out for His immense contribution to the field of medicine and surgery, so too is the case of the Ashwini Kumaras who are considered the physicians of the Gods. They are well known to have performed the most complex surgeries like replacement of the Daksha’s severed head with a goat head, and also medical wonders like placing an artificial iron leg of Vishwapala, curing infertility of Vardhimati and many more. Lord Rudra - considered as the best among physicians of Vedic age is now known as Lord Shiva and His achievements in medicine are unheard by both the medical fraternity as well as people of India. This article aims at reintroducing Lord Rudra by listing the medical achievements and invaluable contributions of Lord Rudra to the field of medicine, a tribute to the Lord and the application of His contributions which is used even today.

The study undertaken has demonstrated 62 Ayurvedic formulations that are the active contribution of Lord Rudra. The mantras of Sri Rudram, a prayer to Lord Rudra has been actively used for various treatments such as reducing the stress levels and improving the cognitive performance. Also, the mantras of Sri Rudram contain innumerable formulations using Ayurvedic herbs which can be effectively tested and used till date. Lord Rudra is one of the unspoken medical geniuses whose contribution to the field of medicine is not acknowledged. His formulations and mantras are valid to date in curing various ailments. However, research must be undertaken by researchers from the disciplines of Indian History, language and medicine to further decode, standardize and use the formulations of Lord Rudra in the Sri Rudram.

Keywords: Rudra, Sri Rudram, Ayurveda, Mahamrityunjaya mantra