Rudraksha

Rudraksha is commonly used to mean the seeds of the rudraksha tree, Elaeocarpus ganitrus and some other species of Elaeocarpus.


The Rudraksha is a large evergreen broad-leaved tree which grows in the area from the Gangetic Plain to the foothills of the Himalayas. Rudraksha trees are also found in middle areas of Nepal. Rudraksha seeds are covered by an outer shell of blue color when fully ripe, and for this reason are also known as blueberry beads. The blue colour is derived not from pigment but is structural.Rudraksha is also used for treatment of various diseases in traditional Indian medicine.


In Sanskrit rudraksha literally means "the eye of Rudra" or "red-eyed", from rud, "to cry," and aksha, meaning "eye". In one story by Śaivites, God himself (Śiva) shed a tear, on viewing the misfortunes of humanity. This single tear became the first Rudraksha tree, and a sign of his compassion. In another story, while destroying the asura fortress of Tripura (mythology), the seeds from Lord Siva's eyes emerged to form rudraksha. Rudraksha literally stands for the eyes of Lord Shiva implying that it was "pleasant to the eyes of Lord" (Shiva), and hence it is named in his honour. The seeds have been traditionally considered sacred, and are said to have diverse mystical powers, including being an amulet against evil.

Rudraraka beads are the material from which sacred garlands (108 beads in number) or rosaries are made. In essence, rudraksha is a Saivite rosary. They are used for japa mala. Rudraraka is a common aid to worship in Śaivism. Rudraksha mala are worn by Hindu monks, and many devotees wear a single bead hung from their neck. The use of rudraraksha can distinguish denomination amongst Hindus. Some Vaishnavites use beads made of tulsi while Saivites use rudraraksa. One Vaishnavite text, the Padma Purana, declares that the 5th Rudraksha (which represents Rudra or Shiva Himself) is the most important for wearing on the earth. [1] In Tantric Buddhism rudraksha beads are sometimes used for the practice of wrathful deities.

In ancient Indian culture, yogis divided food into three categories - Positive Pranic, Negative Pranic and Neutral/Zero Pranic. When the Rudraksha mala is being held above the foods, it will allegedly rotate clockwise for positive Pranic, anticlockwise for negative Pranic and in a pendulum action for zero Pranic foods.

There are different varieties of Rudraksh available, and these are classified according to the number of grooves in the Rudraksh: Pachamukhi (5 faces), Dwi Mukhi (2 faces), Eka mukhi (1 face) etc. Each one has its own particular properties when worn by an individual. Rudraksh is capable of holding the energy of the person who is wearing it, unlike Spadika (which has only a cooling effect on the body) or any other seed. There is a prevalent myth that Rudraksh should not be worn by consuming non-vegetarians, couples, or women during menstruation - but this is spurious. Anyone can wear it any time.

The Rudraksh seeds are brittle in nature and so it should be protected from chemicals and toileteries. Wearing Rudraksha mala cleanses a person's aura.




Origin & Myths


Rudraksha has its etymological origin in the Sanskrit words, Rudra and Aksha. Rudra is another name for Lord Shiva, and aksha means teardrop. Mythological tales have it that the Rudraksha plant was born out of Lord Shiva’s tear drops. Ancient scriptures, such as Shiva Purana, Padma Purana and Srimad Bhagavad mention the greatness and wonderful powers of Rudraksha. For thousands of years, they have adorned the bodies of sages and saints leading a fearless life in far-flung frontiers, seeking enlightenment and liberation.


According to the Ayurvedic medical system, wearing Rudraksha can have a positive effect on the heart and nerves, and relieve the wearer from stress, anxiety, depression, palpitations and lack of concentration. It is also known for its anti-ageing effect, and electromagnetic and inductive properties. People with high blood pressure have been found to have benefited from the use of Rudraksha seeds.

While all types of rudrakshas are considered to be auspicious,each has its distinct nature and boon-giving ability as follows: 14-mukhi Rudraksha is said to awaken the sixth-sense organ by which the wearer foresees future events. It is supposed to be a very powerful antidote for Saturnine miseries and provides miraculous cures for several ailments. Fourteen face (Chaturdasha mukhi) Rudraksha are the best known remedy to cope with Vedic astrology's "Sade Sati" or Saturn lunar transits.

5-mukhi Rudraksha is the form of Rudra named Kaalagni. By wearing its mala the wearer’s mind is supposed to remain peaceful. It is accepted that the wearer of 5-faced Rudraksha mala never suffers untimely death