Rudraksha

Rudraksha or Rudraksh Beads are Divine blessings of Lord Shiva. The word Rudraksha is derived from two words ‘Rudra’ and ‘Aksha’ meaning tear drop of Lord Rudra (Shiva). Rudraksha beads are glorified in numerous ancient Vedic scriptures, their benefits, healing and mystic properties are mentioned in numerous ancient Puranas and Upanishads. Rudraksha beads have been gloried in numerous ancient texts such as Shiv Puran, Padma Puran, Ling Puran, Srimad Devi Bhagavat, and Rudraksha Jabalopanishad among others. Rudraksha beads are an excellent tool for spiritual growth and augmentation; they are a gift to the mankind from Lord Shiva Himself. They have been used by Sages, Yogis and Sadhaks since time-immemorial to aid their meditation and to grow spiritually.

What are Rudraksha Beads?

Rudraksha Beads are actually dried fruits from the Rudraksha tree. The best quality Rudraksha Beads are sourced from Rudraksha trees from the foothills of Himalayas in Nepal. Rudraksha trees are also found in other countries such as Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka and more. Rudraksha tree, whose scientific name is Elaeocarpus Ganitrus takes around 10-12 years to fully grow and start bearing fruits. Rudraksha trees first bloom with bunch of white flowers, which turn in to raw green colored fruits, which finally ripen and turn in to berry-like blue fruits. When the skin of the fruit is peeled, hard wood-like Rudraksha beads are found inside. Rudraksha beads have different number of mukhi lines also known as faces depending upon number of seeds/compartments inside the bead. They also have a natural hole. Rudraksha beads are a tool or a source to reach the higher self; they have been used since thousands of years for physical and spiritual well-being as they have the power to self-empower and self-enlighten an individual.

Rudraksha Story

The legend of Rudraksha beads is mentioned in many different scriptures with some variations. In Shiv Purana, it is stated that once Lord Shiva practiced hard meditation and penance for thousands of years with open eyes for the welfare of mankind. After which when He closed His eyes, a drop of tear fell down on the ground and from this tear drop originated the first Rudraksha tree. Another story about the origin of Rudraksha is given in the Devi Bhagwat Purana. During His battle with Tripurasura, Lord Shiva assumed His fearsome Rudra form and with His mighty weapon, the ‘Aghor’, Shiva destroyed Tripurasur and the three cities. Following the victory, Shiva closed His eyes in meditation. When He opened them again, tears of compassion fell onto the Sitsail hill in the Himalayas, and from those sacred tears, the Rudraksha tree emerged.

Types of Rudraksha

Rudraksha beads can be categorised in a few ways. Firstly they are classified according to their origin i.e. Nepal, Indonesia or India and then on their number of mukhis. Rudraksha beads have variation in the number of grooves on their surface; these variations are called mukhis or faces. Rudraksha beads with different number of mukhis are ruled by different Deities and Planets and possess different properties. Rudraksha beads range from 1 mukhi to 21 mukhi, with beads from 3 mukhi to 14 mukhi being relatively common. However, one mukhi, two mukhi and beads with higher mukhis are extremely rare and difficult to find. Other than the 1 – 21 mukhi Rudraksha beads, there are also other rarer Rudraksha beads which are available namely Trijuti Rudraksha, Gauri Shankar Rudraksha, Ganesh Rudraksha, Garb Gauri Rudraksha and Sawar Naag Rudraksha. Sometimes Rudraksha beads with still higher mukhis are also found. Rudraksha beads also vary in size and color; mostly Rudraksh beads are available in various shades of brown. The bigger the size the better and more powerful the Rudraksha beads are perceived to be.

Significance of Rudraksha

There is an entire Upanishad dedicated to significance, properties and benefits of Rudraksha beads namely Rudrakshajabala Upanishad, the said Upanishad is one of the 14 Shaiva Upanishads thus extremely holy for Shivaties and devotees of Lord Shiva. The Upanishad is in form of conversation between Kalagni Rudra (Lord Bhairava), a form of Lord Shiva and Sage Sanatkumara, where Lord Shiva divulges the secrets and benefits of the Rudraksha beads. Rudraksha beads are loved and blessed by Lord Shiva and even adorned by Him. It is stated that worship of Lord Shiva is incomplete without offering of Rudraksha beads. The Rudraksha beads have immense spiritual, therapeutic, mystic values, benefits and significance. The 1 mukhi Rudraksha bead is called as Shiv-Swarup (manifestation of Lord Shiva Himself) in Vedic texts. Other than that it is mentioned in Shiva Purana that the wearer of 108 Rudraksha beads gets himself benefit same as that of performing the Ashwamedha Yagya and the wearer of 1100 Rudraksha beads becomes Rudra (Lord Shiva) himself. In the Shiva Purana it is mentioned in details how, where and how many Rudraksha beads should be worn by Yogis for various benefits and siddhis. It is also mentioned that the Rudraksha bead is most dear to Lord Shiva and is equivalent to Shivling. Also that the Puja of Lord Shiva is incomplete without Rudrasha beads and Bilva leaves and that daan (donation) of Rudraksha beads is one of the most pious of all donations. As per Vedic scriptures when 9 number of Rudraksha beads are placed in water the water becomes as pure as Gangajal.

Rudraksha Beads Benefits

According to ancient Puranas and Upanishads Rudraksha beads are so potent that by mere sight, touch or wearing of a Rudraksha bead an individual can attain spiritual bliss. Rudraksha beads provide amazing amount of tranquillity, concentration and spiritual upliftment thus it is used by sages and sadhak in their worship and meditation routines. Different mukhi Rudraksha beads are worn for various purposes and to derive different benefits. For maximum benefits it is recommended that one wears a Rudraksha as per his Kundli and in tune with the blessings which are needed. If one is subconsciously drawn towards a particular Deity or Planet or mukhi then he should wear the said Rudraksha bead. Different mukhis provide different benefits there are some benefits that Rudraksha beads provide irrespective of their mukhis, these are mentioned below:

Scientific Study of Rudraksha Beads

Due to modern stressful and hectic life-style, effect of harmful electromagnetic fields from excessive usage of electronic gadgets and negativity all around people are discovering benefits of going back to their roots and understanding the working, benefits and significance of Yoga, Meditation, Chakra System and Energy Healing. Claims about properties and benefits are being authenticated through modern science. Numerous scientific studies have been undertaken both in India and abroad to learn more about Rudraksha beads. It has been believed that Rudraksha beads vibrate at a frequency which is synonym with human Chakras/Body. Over the years scientists such as Dr. S.P. Gupta/Dr. Suhas Rai and many more both in India and abroad have conducted studies on properties of various mukhi Rudraksha beads both its medicinal and electromagnetic properties and its effect on human body and the CNS (Central Nervous System). The electro-magnetic properties of Rudraksha beads have been scientifically proved. Some of the benefits (especially health benefits) which were thought to be mystic, occult or religious in nature have also been proved scientifically.

How to wear Rudraksha Beads

Rudraksha Beads can be worn as a single bead, combination of beads, beads bracelet or as a mala. The best day to start wearing your Rudraksha Bead or mala is on a Monday. Days such as Mahashivratri or Shivratri (monthly) or Sharwan Somvar, eclipses, solstices (Uttarayana and Dakshinayana), Poornima (full moon day), Amavasya (new moon day) are also considered highly auspicious to start wearing a Rudraksha bead or mala or combination. On the said day, early in the morning after the daily bath, keep the Rudraksha Bead or Mala in your home temple or Puja altar; purify yourself and surrounding by sprinkling Gangajal. Light and offer a oil lamp or incense sticks to the Rudraksha and sprinkle Gangajal on it. Take the bead or the mala in the cusp of your palms, hold them inside, concentrate and focus on Lord Shiva, take your Sankalp (wish) and chant Mantra || Om Namah Shivaya || 108 times. Open your eyes; sprinkle Gangajal again and wear your Rudraksha Bead or mala facing east. One can also do a small Shiv Puja or Abhishekam if possible but the said is not mandatory. Alternatively depending upon the mukhi and your love and devotion for a particular Deity or the blessings required, you may choose the appropriate day or Mantra and use the same. For e.g. if you are wearing a 7 mukhi Rudraksha Bead you may wear it on a Friday and chant Goddess Laxmi Beej mantra instead, or for a 8 mukhi Rudraksha Bead you may wear it on a Tuesday and chant Lord Ganesha mantra.

Rudraksha Energization and Puja

Rudraksha beads have the ability to hold positive energy and it’s best to energize the bead every 3-6 months. The beads get energised automatically every time you keep it on the Puja Altar while doing Shiv Puja or doing Mantra Japa while wearing the bead or by keeping it in the cusp of your palm. But every 3-6 months it is recommended that one should energize the bead using one of the below mentioned two methods:

1. Rudraksha Puja - Take your daily morning bath, keep the Rudraksha Bead or Mala on your Puja altar, purify yourself and surrounding by sprinkling Gangajal, light and show a lamp or incense sticks and sprinkle Gangajal. Take the bead or the mala in the cusp of your palms, hold them inside, concentrate and focus on Lord Shiva, take your Sankalp and chant Shiv Mantra || Om Namah Shivaya || 108 times. Open your eyes; sprinkle Gangajal again and wear your Rudraksha Bead or mala facing east. You can also do a small Shiv Puja using GangaJal, dhoop, bhasm, bel patra, incense sticks, camphor, sandal paste, milk, akshat mixed with asthagandha and ghee lamp if possible but the said is not mandatory.

2. Rudra Abhishekam - The most elaborate and best method to energise your Rudraksha bead is through Rudra Abhishekam. Clean the Rudraksha with raw milk and Gangajal. Keep the Rudraksha bead or mala at the bottom of the Shivling (Please don’t put the bead or the mala on the Shivling). Do Shiv Puja using GangaJal, dhoop, bhasm, bel patra, incense sticks, camphor, flowers, sandal paste, milk, akshat mixed with asthagandha and ghee lamp. Pour and Bath the Shivling with Gangajal, Milk and Honey along with chanting of Om Namah Shivaya or Mukhi Specific Mantra. Offer flower and Dhoop. After Completion take Rudraksha Bead or mala in your cusp of your palm and chant Om Namah Shivaya 9 times and take your Sankalp and wear the Rudraksha Bead or mala facing East.

Identification of Authentic Rudraksha Beads

Due to high popularity of Rudraksha Beads and rarity and cost of higher mukhi beads, many times gullible people are sold fake Rudraksha Beads. Many a times these fake beads are just that ‘fake’ and are made from wood, casting or plastic. Sometimes all mukhi lines from a 4 or 5 mukhi beads are scrubbed-off except one to pass it as the prized one mukhi rudraksha. Other times artificial mukhis are carved to pass lower mukhi beads as higher mukhi beads. Still other times more than one Rudraksha beads are glued together and passed on as higher mukhi beads or as Gauri Shankar or Ganesh or Trijuti Rudraksha beads. Few other times Shivling or Trishul are carved artificially on the Rudraksha so that they can be claimed are rare. The most dependable method of identification of a genuine and correct mukhi of the Rudraksha bead is through an X-ray or MRI. There are many laboratories in India that provide this service. Other than that a thorough visual inspection of the bead under magnification can give away anomalies. Then there are vague test such as copper coins test or drowning the bead in water but these are not really dependable methods to test authenticity of a Rudraksha and hence best avoided. Other than that the Rudraksha bead can be cut open to check the number of seeds (corresponding mukhis) inside but this method will destroy the bead.

Maintenance of Rudraksha Beads

Wash your Rudraksha beads with water (preferably mixed with Gangajal) and softly clean them with the help of clean toothbrush with soft bristles and oil it with sandalwood or olive oil once every two months or so.

Keep your Rudraksha beads or combination(s) at a dirt-free place, one can place the Rudraksha beads or combination(s) on their Puja temple when not in use.

Chant relevant mantra and offer incense or dhoop to your Rudraksha beads once every month Periodic Energization (every 4-6 months) of the Rudraksha beads is highly recommended to derive maximum benefits.