RUDRAKSHA – TEARS OF SHIVA
The name Rudrā is one of 1008 names of the Hindu deity Shiva and the word Akśa means tears in Sanskrit. It is said that after years of meditation, tears began to fall from the eyes of Shiva in compassion for humanity, and the tears became the Rudraksha Tree.
It is said in the Rudraksha Upanishad (an ancient Hindu text that is included in the Vedas, humanities oldest spiritual and philosophical book), that those who wear the Rudraksha close to the skin will absolve their sins. The Rudrakśha Upaniśhat is one of the 108 scriptures of the Upanishad, (which are the final scriptures of the Vedas), and it says that even uttering the name itself – “Rudraksha” holds pranic and Karmic merit and wearing the beads is akin to wearing the sacred ash, Bhasma.
Rudraksha refers to a stonefruit, the dried stones of which are used as prayer beads by Hindus (especially Shaivas), as well as by Buddhists, Sikhs, and Muslims. When they are ripe, rudraksha stones are covered by an inedible blue outer fruit so they are sometimes called "blueberry beads".The rudraksha stones are produced by several species of large, evergreen, broad-leaved tree in the genus Elaeocarpus, the principal species of which is Elaeocarpus ganitrus. The stones are associated with the Hindu deity Shiva and are commonly worn for protection and for chanting mantras such as Om Namah Shivaya (Sanskrit: ॐ नमः शिवाय; Om Namaḥ Śivāya). The stones are primarily sourced from India, Indonesia, and Nepal for jewellery and malas (garlands); they are valued similarly to semi-precious stones. Various meanings and interpretations are attributed to rudraksha stones with different numbers of "faces" (Sanskrit: मुख, romanized: mukha, lit. 'face') or locules, and rare or unique stones are highly prized and valued.
Rudraksha Tree
Of the 300 species of Elaeocarpus, 35 are found in India. The principal species of this genus is Elaeocarpus ganitrus, which has the common name of "rudraksha tree", and is found from the Gangetic plain in the foothills of the Himalayas to Nepal, South and Southeast Asia, parts of Australia, Guam, and Hawaii.Elaeocarpus ganitrus trees grow to 60–80 ft (18–24 m) and can be found from sea level to 3,000 m (9,800 ft). They are evergreen trees which grow quickly, and as they mature their roots form buttresses, rising up near the trunk and radiating out along the surface of the ground. The species tends to grow in narrow spaces rather than on open ground. Its leaves resemble those of the tamarind or nux vomica but are longer.
Rudraksha Fruit
The rudraksha tree starts bearing drupes (fruit) in three to four years from germination. It yields between 1,000 and 2,000 fruits annually. These fruits are commonly called "rudraksha fruit", but are also known as amritphala (fruits of ambrosia).The pyrena of the fruit, commonly called the "pit" or "stone", is typically divided into multiple segments by seed-bearing locules. When the fruit is fully ripe, the stones are covered with a blue outer fleshy husk of inedible fruit. The blue colour is not derived from a pigment but is due to structural colouration.Rudraksha beads are sometimes called "blueberry beads" in reference to the blue colour of the fruit.
Chemical composition
Rudraksha fruits contain alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, steroids, triterpenes, carbohydrates, and cardiac glycosides. They also contain rudrakine,an alkaloid which had been discovered in rudraksha fruit in 1979.
1 Mukhi
Ruling Deity : Lord Shiva
Ruling Planet : Uranus ( All Planets )
Rashi : All
Nakshatra : All
Mantra : AUM HREEM NAMAH
Benefits : It enlightens the super consciousness. It destroys all sins and leads to Liberation. The wearer elevates in awareness.
Indonesia Bead Approx Cost : 8500
Nepal Half MoonShaped Bead Cost : 2250
2 Mukhi
Ruling Deity : Ardhanareeshwara
Ruling Planet : Moon
Rashi : Cancer - Kark
Nakshatra : Rohini, Hasta, Shravana
Mantra : OM NAMAH
Benefits : Blessed with Unity and Harmony. Maintains ONENES. Releases Fear, insecurity and attains inner happiness and fulfilment.
Indonesia Bead Approx Cost : 325
Nepal Half MoonShaped Bead Cost : 14000
3 Mukhi
Ruling Deity : God Agnidev
Ruling Planet : Sun
Rashi : Leo-Singh
Nakshatra : Krittika, Uttaraphalguni, Uttarashadha
Mantra : OM KLEEM NAMAH
Benefits : Frees from past Karma.Free from Rebirth and attains moksha. Rises and Shines to reveal his illuminated true pure self. Heals stomach and liver alignments
Indonesia Bead Approx Cost : 90
Nepal Half MoonShaped Bead Cost : 450
4 Mukhi
Ruling Deity : Guru Brihaspati
Ruling Planet : Jupiter
Rashi : Sgittarius - Dhanu, Pisces - Meena
Nakshatra : Punarvasu, Vishaka, Purvabhadrapada
Mantra : OM HREEM NAMAH
Benefits : Gains power of knowledge and creativity.Expans memory power, intelligence, vocal power, wit.Blesses with melodious Speech
Indonesia Bead Approx Cost : 60
Nepal Half MoonShaped Bead Cost : 90
5 Mukhi
Ruling Deity : Rudra Kalagni
Ruling Planet : Jupiter
Rashi : Sgittarius - Dhanu, Pisces - Meena
Nakshatra : Punarvasu, Vishaka, Purvabhadrapada
Mantra : OM HREEM NAMAH
Benefits : Enhances memory power, word power and intellect. Connects to the grace of lord Shiva.Pacifies the malefic of planet Jupiter
Indonesia Bead Approx Cost : 20
Nepal Half MoonShaped Bead Cost : 45
6 Mukhi
Ruling Deity : Lord Kartikeya
Ruling Planet : Mars
Rashi : Aries - mesha, Scorpio - Vrishchka
Nakshatra : Mrigashira, Chitra, Dhanishtha
Mantra : OM HREEM HOOM NAMAH
Benefits : Enhances will power, courage, perfection, grounding and focus. Release mental lethargy and vices of lust and ego. Increases connection with mother earth.
Indonesia Bead Approx Cost : 20
Nepal Half MoonShaped Bead Cost : 90
7 Mukhi
Ruling Deity : Mahalakshmi
Ruling Planet : Venus
Rashi : Taurus - Vrishabha, Libra - Tula
Nakshatra : Bharani, Purvaphalguni, Purvashadha
Mantra : OM HOOM NAMAH
Benefits : Blessed with Good Health, wealth and new oppourtunites.Person progresses steadily in life with name and fame and abundance.
Indonesia Bead Approx Cost : 100
Nepal Half MoonShaped Bead Cost : 495
8 Mukhi
Ruling Deity : Lord Ganesha
Ruling Planet : Ketu
Rashi :
Nakshatra : Ashvini, Magha, Mula
Mantra : OM HOOM NAMAH
Benefits : Removes obstacles, destroys evil.Brings success in all undertakings.Blessed with knowledge, wisdom and wealth.
Indonesia Bead Approx Cost : 450
Nepal Half MoonShaped Bead Cost : 3750
9 Mukhi
Ruling Deity : Goddess Durga
Ruling Planet : Rahu
Rashi :
Nakshatra : Ardra, Swathi, Shatabhisha
Mantra : OM HREEM HOOM NAMAH
Benefits : Blessed with energy, powers, dynamism and fearlessness.Offers Bhogha and Moksha.
Indonesia Bead Approx Cost : 800
Nepal Half MoonShaped Bead Cost : 8500
10 Mukhi
Ruling Deity : Lord krishna
Ruling Planet : All Planets
Rashi :
Nakshatra :
Mantra : OM HREEM NAMAH NAMAH
Benefits : Gets eternal peace.Protects one as a shield.Immense protection from negative energies.Success in court cases and land deals
Indonesia Bead Approx Cost : 1000
Nepal Half MoonShaped Bead Cost : 5800
11 Mukhi
Ruling Deity : The 11 Rudras
Ruling Planet : All Planets
Rashi :
Nakshatra : Krittika, Uttaraphalguni, Uttarashadha
Mantra : OM HREEM HOOM NAMAH
Benefits : Blesses with high level of awareness, divine consciousness, wisdom, right judgement
Indonesia Bead Approx Cost : 1500
Nepal Half MoonShaped Bead Cost : 6500
12 Mukhi
Ruling Deity : Lord Sun
Ruling Planet : Planet Sun
Rashi : Leo-Singh
Nakshatra : Krittika, Uttaraphalguni, Uttarashadha
Mantra : OM KRAUM SRAUM RAUM NAMAH
Benefits : Releases stress, anger, worries, suspicion and low self-esteem. Blessed with confidence, self-power, energy, good health and motivation in life.gets quality of Sun.Rules and Shines with brilliance, radiance and power
Indonesia Bead Approx Cost : 2100
Nepal Half MoonShaped Bead Cost : 7100
13 Mukhi
Ruling Deity : Lord Kamdev
Ruling Planet : Moon and Venus
Rashi : Taurus - Vrishabha, Cancer - Kark, Libra - Tula
Nakshatra : Rohini, Hasta, Shravana
Mantra : OM HREEM NAMAH
Benefits : Fulfills the worldly desires.Hypnotic power of attraction.Blesses with devine cherishma and immense power.Awakens many siddhis and raise kundalini energy
Indonesia Bead Approx Cost : 1800
Nepal Half MoonShaped Bead Cost : 12500
14 Mukhi
Ruling Deity : Lord Hanuman
Ruling Planet : Mars and Saturn
Rashi : Aries - mesha, Scorpio - Vrishchka, Capricorn - Makar, Aquarius - Kumbh
Nakshatra : Mrigashira, Pushya, Chitra, Anuradha, Dhanistha, Uttarabhadrapada
Mantra : OM NAMAH
Benefits : Blesses the a strong will, a brave heart and the courage to overcome all odds.Hanuman in Mind, Rama in Soul, Surrender of mind to soul, matter to spirit.Pacifies Mangal Dosha in a chart
Indonesia Bead Approx Cost : 2750
Nepal Half MoonShaped Bead Cost : 55000
15 Mukhi
Ruling Deity : Pashupatinath
Ruling Planet : Mercury
Rashi : Gemini - Mithun, Virgo - Kanya
Nakshatra : Ashlesha, Jyestha, Revati
Mantra : OM HREEM NAMAH
Benefits : helps one to liberate from all bonds, expectations, dependencies, hurt etc...Attracts abundance and fulfillment.Ability to forgive and letgo and awaks unconditional love.More compassionate and generous
Indonesia Bead Approx Cost : 5000
Nepal Half MoonShaped Bead Cost : 55000
16 Mukhi
Ruling Deity : Mahamrityunjaya
Ruling Planet : Moon
Rashi : Cancer - Kark
Nakshatra : Rohini, Hasta, Shravana
Mantra : OM HREEM HOOM NAMAH
Benefits : Nullifies the malefic effects of planet moon.Blesses with emotional stability, rational thinking etc..
Indonesia Bead Approx Cost : 8500
Nepal Half MoonShaped Bead Cost : 71500
17 Mukhi
Ruling Deity : Katyayani Devi
Ruling Planet : Saturn
Rashi : Capricorn - Makar, Aquarius - Kumbh
Nakshatra : Pushya, Anuradha, Uttarabhadrapada
Mantra : OM HREEM HOOM HOOM NAMAH
Benefits : Nullifies the malefic effects of planet saturn.Blesses with Progeny, prosperity, good luck and abundance
Indonesia Bead Approx Cost : 11500
Nepal Half MoonShaped Bead Cost : 125000
18 Mukhi
Ruling Deity : Bhumi Devi
Ruling Planet : Earth
Rashi :
Nakshatra :
Mantra : OM HREEM HOOM EKATVA RUPE HOOM HREEM OM
Benefits : Blesses with Abundance and success.Fulfilling all desires.Pacifies the imbalance of earth element and kapha dosha.Bestows the virtues of balance, grounded nature and strength to face all challenges
Indonesia Bead Approx Cost : 26400
Nepal Half MoonShaped Bead Cost : 180000
19 Mukhi
Ruling Deity : Narayana
Ruling Planet : Mercury
Rashi : Gemini - Mithun, Virgo - Kanya
Nakshatra : Ashlesha, Jyestha, Revati
Mantra : OM HREEM HOOM NAMAH
Benefits : Pacifies the malefic effects of mercury.Blesses with Good health, success in all undertakings, immense wealth and abundance in all spheres
Indonesia Bead Approx Cost : 38500
Nepal Half MoonShaped Bead Cost : 565000
20 Mukhi
Ruling Deity : Brahma
Ruling Planet : All PLanets
Rashi :
Nakshatra :
Mantra : OM HREEM HREEM HOOM HOOM BRAHMANE NAMAH
Benefits : Blessed with immense knowledge relating to arts, creation, music and sciences.Helps business, servicemen, public administrators, homemakers to achieve success in their respective fields
Indonesia Bead Approx Cost : 51000
Nepal Half MoonShaped Bead Cost : NA
21 Mukhi
Ruling Deity : Lord Kuber
Ruling Deity : KUBERA
Ruling Planet : Pluto ( All Planets )
Rashi :
Nakshatra :
Mantra : OM YAKSHAYA VAISHRAVANAYA DHANA-DHANYADI PATAYE, DHANA DHANYADI SAMRUDDHIM ME DEHI DAPAYA, SWAHA
Benefits : Blessed with immense prosperity and fulfilment of pleasures and materialistic desires.Even if a poor person wears it, he becomes rich
Indonesia Bead Approx Cost : 125000
Nepal Half MoonShaped Bead Cost : NA
Ganesh
Ruling Deity :
Ruling Planet :
Rashi :
Nakshatra :
Mantra : OM HUM NAMAH
Benefits : Attains perfection in every aspect of life
Indonesia Bead Approx Cost : 690
Nepal Half MoonShaped Bead Cost : 1100
Garba Gowri
Ruling Deity :
Ruling Planet :
Rashi :
Nakshatra :
Mantra : Om SHREE GAURI GANESHAYE NAMAH
Benefits : Awakening of divine love and unification
Indonesia Bead Approx Cost : 1800
Nepal Half MoonShaped Bead Cost : 5100
Gowri Shankar
Ruling Deity : Shiv Shakti
Ruling Planet : Venus
Rashi :
Nakshatra :
Mantra : OM AIM HREEM YUGALRUPANAYE NAMAH
Benefits : Attracts peace, harmony and abundance in the wearer's life.Cosmic consciousness awakens in the ego of seeker.Unflods the quality of unconditional love in his/her mystical heart.
Indonesia Bead Approx Cost : 2100
Nepal Half MoonShaped Bead Cost : 6500
Trijuti
Ruling Deity :
Ruling Planet :
Rashi :
Nakshatra :
Mantra : AUM
Benefits : Enhances the creation power. Empowers for great achievements and power.Makes wearer more powerfl and invincible against obstacles and dark forces.Attaracts success and fulfilllment in all aspects of life.
Indonesia Bead Approx Cost : 275000
Nepal Half MoonShaped Bead Cost : 525000
Benefits : Three beads of 5 Mukhi (Water Therapy) Rudraksha should be kept in a glass of water over night. If this water is taken in the morning on an empty stomach, it is said to be beneficial for blood pressure control and the same gives relief from general stomach disorders. Water therapy also gives relief from acidity, constipation and makes mind peaceful and calm.
Benefits : Saraswati Bandh is for children in the age group from 6 to 18 years. The combination includes two beads of 4 Mukhi and one bead of 6 Mukhi which is said to improve memory, focus, and concentration. The combination has been found to be useful in improving learning ability. It is believed to enhance insight, creativity, and expressiveness. It enhances artistic abilities and helps in the retention of information. The Saraswati Bandh Pendant is energized and blessed and is strung in red thread. It is a very popular registered trademark product of Rudralife.
Benefits : The Siddha Mala is the ultimate power accelerating combination. The Mala features beads from 1 Mukhi to 14 Mukhi along with Gaurishankar and Ganesh Rudraksha. It deepens the experience and engages in opening the spiritual channels that are connected to each bead. When worn, it serves as a healing tool and can be used for the purpose of financial growth, to achieve success and prosperity. The Siddha Mala helps gain clarity thereby helping to make quick decisions at the right time which helps in achieving financial growth. One may get everything that one aspires for: Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha by wearing the Siddha Mala. The beads in the mala help overcome obstacles bringing in abundance and prosperity, influence and attract power, soothe the mind and attain self-confidence.
Benefits : For energy, power, protection and abundance. A powerful bracelet for both materialistic comforts as well as spiritual alignment, this bracelet aligns the wearer to the Divine Mother. It is sought after by those who are seeking luck, fulfillment and divine grace in their personal and professional lives. 9 mukhi rudraksha is ruled by Shakti, the divine feminine power. She is Manifestation of Kali (protection), Saraswati ( Knowledge ) and Mahalaxmi ( Wealth). Wearer is blessed with energy, powers, dynamism, fearlessness, and abundance . Gives both Bhogha (fulfillment of materialistic desires ) and Moksha ( liberation). Removes malefics of planet Rahu.
Benefits : The Protection Bracelet is a combination made using one bead of 9 Mukhi (Devi Durga), 10 Mukhi (Lord Vishnu) and a 11 Mukhi (Hanuman) Rudraksha strung along with small size 5 Mukhi Indonesian beads and Sphatik (quartz crystal).The combination of the Protection Bracelet is believed to give protection to the wearer from negativity, evil spirits and psychic attacks. The wearer is blessed with energy, power, dynamism and fearlessness.The Protection Bracelet is believed to pacify all the nine planets and give protection while travelling and accidental deaths.
The Indra Mala is made from Rudraksha beads using 1 mukhi to 21 mukhi, Gaurishankar, Sawar, and Trijuti making it the rarest of all the Rudraksha combinations. It is strung face to face and tail to tail as mentioned in our Shastras. Moreover it is strung in gold caps and woolen spacers which are used to protect the beads as well as provide Asana (seat) to all the beads in the Indra Mala. Indra Mala symbolizes the pinnacle of achievements both in material world or the spiritual universe.According to scriptures, wearing of the Indra Mala is considered most auspicious, for people who want to reach the top levels. Indra Mala is a unique configuration which never lets wealth go away from the wearers’ family. Wealth is passed from one generation to another, and stays within the family for years to come.
1) Wearing Rudraksh First Time
Ans) Rudraksha need to be purified and energized before they are worn. This is done by chanting of Rudrabhishek and Pran-pratishtha mantras and washing the beads and offering incense, sandal paste and other offerings.Common mantra for all mukhi is "Om Namah Shivaya". Rudraksha can be taken off neck and worn again anytime while chanting these mantras a minimum of 11 times.Poojan or Energising Rudraksha should be done at regular intervals, as recommended by shastras. The shastras recommends two different vidhis for energizing Rudraksha which is being elaborated below.
Process 1 : https://youtu.be/lcTBF_SwYsM
Process 2 : https://youtu.be/gltOJsBy9Fc
2) Benefits of wearing Rudraksha
Ans) Rudrakshas (also called as Rudraksh) are very supportive in maintaining physical and mental balance. For spiritual seekers, it supports to enhance one’s spiritual growth. It’s curative properties have been utilized worldwide for a number of physical, mental and psychosomatic illnesses.
3) Who can wear Rudraksha ?
Ans) Anyone, irrespective of gender, cultural, ethnic, geographical or religious background can wear Rudraksha. They are intended for persons at any stage in life irrespective of mental and physical condition. It can be worn by children, students, the elderly and ill for many benefits.
4) How to condition a new Rudraksha ?
Ans) To condition new Rudraksha beads, immerse them in ghee (clarified butter) for 24 hours and then soak them in full-fat milk for an additional 24 hours. Wash it with water and wipe the beads with a clean cloth. Do not wash them with soap or any cleaning material. Due to this conditioning, the color of the Rudraksha may be altered and it is perfectly normal as these are natural beads. It is also normal that some color of the thread may also come out during the conditioning. Conditioning should be done every six months as explained below
5) How often should I condition a Rudraksha ?
Ans) Conditioning of Rudrakshas should be done every six months. To condition Rudraksha mala or beads, immerse them in ghee (clarified butter) for 24 hours and then soak them in full-fat milk for an additional 24 hours. Wash it water and wipe the beads with a clean cloth. Do not wash them with soap or any cleaning material.
6) When can I wear Rudraksha Mala ?
Ans) The mala can be worn all the time. You can even wear it when you sleep or shower. If you take cold water baths and are not using any chemical soap, it is especially good for the water to flow over it and upon your body. But if you are using chemical soaps and warm water, it becomes brittle and will crack after sometime, so it is best to avoid wearing it at such times.
7) Do Rudraksha always have 108 beads?
Ans) No. Traditionally, the number of beads is 108 plus one, the bindu. It’s recommended that an adult should not wear a mala with less than 84 beads, plus the bindu - but any number over that is fine! Depending on the size of the Rudraksha seeds, the mala will have varying number of beads.
8) Are the smallest Rudraksha seeds more spiritual by nature?
Ans) All Panchamukhi Rudraksha have the same quality, impact, and benefits regardless of the size. You can choose any of the seven sizes depending on your preference. The smaller beads are rare to find hence the difference in the price.
9) Can I share my Rudraksha with someone else?
Ans) No, you should not share your Rudraksha with anyone else, since the Rudraksha adapts to the wearer.
10) Are Rudraksha seeds supposed to get darker in colour the longer I wear them? Why does this happen?
Ans) Rudraksha tend to become darker with time because of the substances it absorbs; this will be a combination of the ghee, milk, and sesame oil used for periodic conditioning, as well as your natural body oil and sweat. This is a natural process; it does not have to do with sadhana or yogic practices.