Rudraksha - The Divine Bead

Shiva Purana describe Rudraksha's origin as Lord Shiva's tears . He had been meditating for many years for the welfare of all creatures. On opening the eyes, hot drops of tears rolled down and the mother earth gave birth to Rudraksha trees. Lord Siva has many aspects indicated by His 1,008 names Lord Siva is responsible for creation, evolution and dissolution. Lord Siva dances creation out of existence at the end of time and then after an appropriate time He destroys the silence itself by dancing and the activity of His dance gives rise to the appearance of Narayana and causes creation again.

Through the grace of Lord Siva we are able to come to a state where we stop identifying with the Relative aspect of ourselves and come to know our true identity as one with the Absolute. This is the death of death itself. This is immortality. It is the total destruction of all limitation and all sorrow in our lives and this miracle can only be brought about by the power of Lord Siva. That is why He is called Lord Siva the Auspicious One . He destroys our limitations and our fears. He is the very embodiment of total kindness. He is the Lord of Yogis presiding over Transcendental Knowledge. Om Nama Sivaya.

Lord Siva is also known as Rudra and the Lord of Tears . The meaning of the name Rudra is traceable to the Vedas and said to be derived from rud (dravayita) he who drives away sin or suffering .

Eight different aspects of nature are the direct manifestations of Rudra and they are Earth, Water, Fire, Air, Space, The Sun, The Moon and the Life Force. Anything good and auspicious, anything that keeps us healthy and happy and anything that helps us attain freedom from pain and misery is Rudra.

Sri Rudram is one of the five scriptural texts chosen by the ancients for constant repetition and meditation. The five are the Upanishads of one's own Sakha, The Bhagavad Gita, The Vishnu Sahasranama, Sri Rudram and Purusha Suktam.

Vedic Literature states

As by pouring water at the root of a tree, all its branches are nourished, by pleasing Sri Rudra through Rudrajapa , all the Devas are pleased. One attains Bhukti and Mukti, enjoyment of life as well as freedom from the ills of the world by the chanting of Sri Rudram with devotion

To the Rudra who is in fire, who is in water, who is in trees and plants, who has entered into the entire universe, to that Rudra let our salutations go

Vedic Literature shows that the Rudraksa Bead was created from the tears of Rudra, the fierce form of Lord Siva thus endowing it with medicinal and Spiritual Powers. Each of the many types of Rudraksa Beads has a governing Diety and specific powers and properties.

Two of the most important rules to be observed in the Asta avarana that are the eight aids or protections are the uttering of the five syllables formula or Mantra that is Namah Sivaya and the wearing of the Sacred Rudraksha.

Rudraksha as found in Nature

Rudraksha beads are a plant product, containing carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen and trace elements in combined form. The percentage compositions of their gaseous elements were determined by C-H-N Analyzer and by Gas chromatography. The result shows that Rudraksha beads consist of 50.031 % carbon, 0.95% nitrogen, 17.897% hydrogen and 30.53% oxygen.

Rudraksha is a large evergreen broad-leaved tree. Its scientific name being Elaeocarpus ganitrus, the family is tiliaceae. Altitude-wise, its habitat starts from seacoast and goes up to 2,000 meters. Geographically it is found growing naturally and abundantly in tropical and subtropical areas. The trees are perennial in habitat. The trees are almost 50ft to 200ft in height. According to old mythology " Siva Purana" that the favorites of Lord Siva, Rudraksha trees grow in Gouda Land which in present era is the area of the Gangetic Plain on the southern border area of Asia to the foothills of great Himalaya and middle area of Nepal. Thus, starting from Manila , passing through Myanmar , plains as well as low hills, its habitat extends to Bengal , Assam and adjoining northeastern states, Bangladesh , Bhutan , Nepal .In present era Rudraksha trees are basically localized in Nepal and the southern part of Asia . Although Rudraksha are grown and found in Nepal but these are mainly localized to eastern part of Nepal due to climatic suitability.

Rudraksha Plant Elaeocarpus is a large genius of evergreen trees. It has nearly 36 sister species, including Rudraksha. All trees bearing white flowers with fringed petals developing into drupaceous fruit resembling olive. The main trunk of rudraksha tree is cylindrical. Its section is circular. Bark is grayish white and rough in texture with small vertical lenticels and narrow horizontal furrows. The branches of Rudraksha spread in all directions are such a way that when growing in natural habitat, the crown takes the shape of a pyramid. The leaves of rudraksha are shining green above and dull coriaceous below. The flowers are ovoid, conical, elongate, nearly 1 to 2 cm in diameter. These appear in April-May. The fruit is globose and drupaceous having a fleshy exterior. The beads inside are hard and tubercled. The fruit starts appearing in June and ripens by august to October. Farming of Rudraksha is a difficult process due to its slow sprouting from the beads, which usually takes about 1 to 2 years, depending on the humidity of soil. Rudraksha is basically grown in subtropical climatic region with temperature ranges from 25to 30degree centigrade. Once Rudraksha are planted it starts giving fruit after 7 years and thereafter for long time. In the single tree Rudraksha beads comes in all different faces at the same time but higher mukhis or faces are vary rare to find where most of Rudraksha beads are five faces Rudraksha beads come in seasonal pattern every year around mid august to mid October from the tree. The Himalayan Beads simply seem to be larger, heavier and more powerful due to the environment they grow in. So it is a certainty that environment and specifically the location of the Rudraksa Trees play a key role in their growth. Rudraksha tree are easy to grow and once established, a rudraksha tree will last for years with a little care.

Importance of Rudraksha

"Mlechkhho Vaapi chandalo Yukto Va sarvapaatakai, Rudraksha Dharayedyastu Sa Rudra Natra sanshaya".

The men who are Mlechchha, chandaal (impious and inhumane) or he who is full of all kinds of vices get the form of Lord Rudra. There is no suspicion about it.
"Dhyaan dharan Heenoapi Rudraksham Dharaya Budhah,
Sarvapaap Vinirmukto sa yaati, Paramam gatim."

A man with meditation and perseverance and a wise man who wears Rudraksha gets rid of all the sins and attains the supreme goal of the human life.
"Shiva Poojayam Asya Mala Dharana ma vashyakam".

It means that Rudraksha mala must be worn at the time of worshipping Lord Shiva.
"Rudraksha Kewalam Waapi Yatra Kutra Mahamate,
Sumantrakam Wa Mantren Rahitam Bhava Varjitam"

"Yo Wa ko Wa naro Bhaktya Dharyellajjayaapi Wa,
Sarvapaap Vinirmukta Samyagjnanam An Wapnuyaat"

Rudraksha can be worn by chanting mantra or without chanting it, with reverence or without it, with devotion or without it, with shame or without same i.e. with whatsoever procedure a man who wears Rudraksha gets rid of all kinds of sins and gets knowledge well.
"Shiva bhaktya shantaya dadyadrudrakshashuttaman,
Tasya Punyaphal syantam nacha ha vaktumats the
Dhritrudraksha kanthaya yastvanna sam pryachchhatitri
Saptakula mudadhritya Rudraalokam sa gachchhati."

A Shiv bhakta i.e. devotee of Lord Shiva should be given Rudraksha for peace. The limitlessness of the result of its virtues cannot be described. A man, who gives food to the wearer of Rudraksha, reaches Rudraloka i.e. the kingdom of Lord Rudra after providing salvation to seven orders of his ancestors.
If the wearer of the Rudraksha dies, he does not take another birth; he reaches the kingdom of Rudra . If a man, who is wearing Rudraksha around the neck or an arm, dies, he lives in the kingdom of Rudra after providing salvation to 21 orders of his ancestors.
A man who wears Rudraksha with Pearls, Coral, Crystal , Silver, Gold or other precious stone, takes the form of Lord Shiva. The devotee, who worships Lord Shiva in the form of Rudraksha devotedly, becomes a king in spite of being poor.
"Arudrakshadharo Bhootwa yadyat Karmach Vaidikam,
Karoti Japahomaadi tat sarwe nisphalam bhavet"

A man who perform Vedic rituals, chanting mantras, yajnas etc without wearing Rudraksha, gets no virtue or fruit.
"Snane dane jape home vaishvadeva surarchne,
Prayashchite tatha shraadhde deeksha kaale visheshatah,
Arudraksha Dharo Bhootwa yat kimchit karma vaidikim,
Kurvan viprastu Mohen NarakepatatiDhruwam."

Failing to wear Rudraksha, a man who performs religious deeds/bathing, worshipping gods Vishwadeva to perform the penitence (repent) and shraadhda karmas (deeds for bygone souls), at initiation, falls prey to innocence and worldly attachment and at last falls into hell i.e. his down-fall comes. It is the reason why a man should wear Rudraksha while performing religious activities.
The wearer of Rudraksha not only makes Lord Shiva happy but also pleases Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu, Ganesh, Kaartikey, Durga, Indra, Aditya and the ruling deities of the nine planets.
No men, seers and scholars are tired of describing the importance of Rudraksha. Rudraksha is very much dear to Lord Shiva. No body can imagine the image of Lord Shiva without Rudraksha. Seeing, chanting and worshipping Rudraksha burns all the sins to ashes. A man can feel unlimited pleasure only by seeing Rudraksha. The wishers of devotion and salvation should wear it after purifying themselves. Mainly the devotees of Lord Shiva must wear it because it removes their numerous pains, sorrows, and calamities. Rudraksha fulfills all the wishes. It is peerless in the universe. It is the dearest ornament to Lord Shiva.
If an innocent, un devoted and immoral man wear Rudraksha with love and faith, he gets rid of all sins and attains the supreme goal. As long as a man keeps wearing Rudraksha, he does not fear untimely death. He cannot die without completing his span of life. At the time of death he gets the true knowledge of Lord Shiva and His abode too. One should wear Rudraksha by all bits of efforts.
Mankind has worn Rudraksha Beads for thousands of years for good health, religious
attainment through Japa and Shakti (power) and for the fearless life.

Wherever Rudraksha is worshipped the Goddess of wealth always stays there.

One can escape from untimely death by wearing Rudraksha

Rudraksha assists in awakening of Kundilini (the self pleasure point).

Rudraksha is helpful for worldly and heavenly attainments.

Rudraksha can make the whole family live together in peace and harmony.

Rudraksha is best known for its biomedical properties and in controlling stress, hypertension and blood pressure.

Rudraksha help increase Self-power and invoke Self-love. They also enhance the Charisma of the wearer.

Rudraksha can cure various dangerous diseases like small pox, epilepsy, whooping cough etc, and heal the most poisonous wounds, if used as a prescription, in a specified method.

It gives peace of mind to the wearer, stimulates the mind and sharpens the intellect.

Properties of Rudraksha

The beneficial powers of Rudraksha are by virtue of its Electrical and Magnetic Properties.

Electrical Properties -The ability to send out subtle electrical impulses & Inductive vibrations and act as a Dielectric as in a capacitor to store electrical energy.

Our Human body, The Central Nervous System, Autonomous, Sympathetic & Para sympathetic Nervous System and Various other Organ systems in toto can be considered a complex Bio Electronic circuit.

Constant pumping of blood by the heart, blood circulation, the transmission of various impulses -Touch, Noise, Smell, Sight, Taste to the brain and the continuous movement of Neurons and Neurotransmitters in the brain and Nervous system generates electrical impulses. This is termed as Bioelectricity. This flow of Bioelectricity facilitates movement of information from the brain to various parts of the body and back. What we feel, think, hear, taste, see. Perceive all depends on the subtle flow of Bioelectric current. This flow of Bioelectric current is occurs due to the existence of potential differences or the different energy levels between different parts of the body.

As long as the flow of Bioelectricity is smooth the body functions normally and we have the feeling of being in control.

But there is a third element to the Body and Brain Bio Electronic circuit Interface, that of the mind. Any activity that can produce stress or maladjustment can throw the streamlined activity, the Electronic circuit of the Body& Mind out of gear. Human beings and all living beings are prone to stress continuously in the continuous fight for survival and prosperity.

In modern age with intense competition the Stress levels have increased tremendously. Almost every individual has problems of Stress and Stress related ailments like insomnia, alcoholism, depression, Maladjustments, heart diseases, skin diseases etc. Any Doctor will confirm that almost 95% of the ailments are Psychosomatic or Stress related (i.e.) originating from Mind. When there is Stress or Maladjustment corresponding Stress signals are sent to the Central Nervous systems, there is an increased activity or abnormal of Neurons and Neuro transmitters. The magnitude of change will depend on the cause and specific case. When such a thing occurs and it occurs continuously, streamlined flow of electrical signals throughout the Mind-Body interface is disrupted and it makes us feel uncomfortable and we are not able to act with our full efficiency. Our Blood circulation becomes Non-ideal and we feel various illnesses. Unfortunately this happens all the time.

Rudraksha beads act as a Stabilizing Anchor. Rudraksha beads' electrical property can be broadly categorized into

1) Resistance- There is continuous and subtle flow of bioelectrical signal throughout the body due to potential difference between parts of the Body. Rudraksha beads of particular Mukhis or Facets have a definitive Factor of Resistance. It is measured in Ohms. When these beads resist the flow of bioelectrical impulses a specific ampere of current flow is generated depending on the factor of resistance. This acts in tandem with heartbeat, streamlining it and sending out specific impulses to brain. These impulses stimulate certain positive brain chemicals. Making us feel better, more confidants, poised and more energetic. It has been observed that specific Mukhis or Facets of Rudraksha beads send out specific signals acting on a particular brain chemical and thereby by effecting specific positive changes in personality. It is well proven that the state of mind and our personality is governed almost completely by the Brain, it’s functioning and that of Central Nervous System
2) Capacitance or the Dielectric Properties -Rudraksha beads act as dielectric (i.e.) as a storage of electrical energy. This property of Rudraksha makes it capable in stabilizing and anchoring the Bioelectric current. The values are measured in units of Farad. This property is very helpful in controlling hyperactivity, palpitations of heart, streamlining heartbeat etc. Due to stress when there is increased physical activity heart beats faster and the overall activity of hormones and nervous system increases. This causes increased energy levels or increase in potential difference. As a result of this the magnitude of the Bioelectric Current increases. Rudraksha beads acting as Dielectric store this excess Bioelectric Energy, thereby streamlining the overall activity to Normalcy.
3) Inductance -Rudraksha beads by it have permanent magnetic properties. They have been observed to send out Inductive vibrations with frequencies measured in units of Henry (Volt Seconds/Ampere). This perhaps is the reason why people have felt better even when Rudraksha beads do not touch them physically.
Magnetic Properties -Rudraksha beads have Both Paramagnetic and Diamagnetic with the most important property of Dynamic Polarity We all are most probably aware of the beneficial healing properties of magnets. Magnetic Healing is becoming extremely popular off late and everyone who have been using magnets for healing have been getting the benefits and found overall betterment and rejuvenation. Rudraksha beads retain most of the properties of Magnets but it is unparallel in one aspect, that of the ability to change it's polarity or the Property of Dynamic Polarity. The basic way of healing is based on the fact that the when the passage of arteries and veins which carry blood to and from Heart to all the parts of the body is blocked or reduced due to variety of reasons, various illnesses creep. Blood carries oxygen and energy to various parts of the body and cleanses it off waste materials. Any disruption of the smooth flow of Blood circulation is bound to cause illnesses.

We experience pain and uneasiness due to improper blood circulation. Every cell in the blood as well as the Arteries and veins are charged either positively or negatively. Magnets have the poles Positive (+) and Negative (-).

When magnets are passed on various parts of the body the opposite poles of the magnets and that of cells get attracted and there is an expansion of the passage .The Arteries and veins open up to facilitate streamlined blood circulation. When there is a streamlining of blood circulation most of the illnesses get automatically healed and we feel better and rejuvenated.

But with magnets the polarity is fixed. When magnets are brought near a particular part of the body it opens up only those sections of veins and arteries where there is a matching of polarities hence complete healing and streamlining of blood circulation cannot be ensured. We experience healing and feel better but we can still go much further with Dynamic Polarity of Rudraksha beads.

Rudraksha has the ability to Change it's polarity-The property of Dynamic Polarity. This in turn is by virtue of its property, Diamagnetism. Diamagnetism is termed as the ability of any material to acquire temporary magnetic property in presence of an external magnetic field. The polarity of the charge induced is opposite to that of the external field inducing the charge. Blood circulation and heart beat automatically induces a magnetic field around the body and particularly the heart Region. Bioelectricty automatically gives raise to Biomagnetism Depending on the polarity of the Induced magnetic field. Rudraksha bead acquires a polarity that is opposite of the inducing field. As a result of this the opening up the passages of Arteries and Veins are far better than that of magnets. Much better healing and rejuvenation is experienced.

Various Literatures mention of powerful Anti Ageing properties of Rudraksha beads

This is mainly because of the Dynamic Polarity of the Rudraksha a bead thus the healing powers of Rudraksha are far superior to that of Magnets. In some sense Rudraksha beads can be termed to have some additional life or Intelligence as against Magnets.

Blessings of Rudraksha

Choose an auspicious day and time for blessings.

The wearer, his Guru or a priest may do blessings.

After bath, with a pure mind and body arrange the items for blessings.

Punchgavya – Mix of Cow’s dung, urine, milk, ghee and curd. In absence use Punchamrit, which is mix of unboiled milk, honey, sugar, ghee and curd.
Water mixed with Ganges water in an achamani pot with Kusha grass for sprinkling and a spoon.
9 leaves of peepal tree arranged on a plate.
Plate for offerings to be placed during Puja.
Dhoop, Incense sticks
Camphor and lamp
Sandal paste, Aromatic oil.
Rice grains mixed with asthagandha.
Ghee lamp (one wick)
Offerings - Cloth, Flower, Fruit, Betel nut - Paan, Coconut

Sit on an Asan facing east.

Wash Rudraksha with Punchagavya or Punchamrit.

Then wash with water mixed with Ganges water.

Place Rudraksha in a plate with 9 leaves of Peepal tree. Place an empty plate in front of this plate for offerings.

Chant 3 times

"Om Namah Shivaya"

Sprinkle water over yourself and all items of Puja

"Om Apavitrah Pavitro Va Sarva Vastan Gatopi Va

Yah Smaret Pundari Kaksham Sa Bahya Bhyantarah Shuchih"

Translation

May all things unholy become holy,

may all lower tendencies depart,

just as soon as we transcend

may within and without be purified!)

"Om Gurubhyo Namaha

Om Ganeshaya Namaha

Om Kula Devatabhyo Namaha

Om Ishta Devatabhyo Namaha

Om Mata Pitribhyam Namaha

Translation

I bow to guru

I bow to Ganesha

I bow to the family deity

I bow to my personal deity

I bow to my parents

Place water on right hand with spoon of Achamani and sip after each of these 3 mantras
"Om Keshavaya Namaha

Om Narayana Namaha

Om Madhavaya Namaha"

Place water on right hand and pour on ground:

"Om Govindaya Namaha"
Do three short rounds of pranayama breaths.

"Om Pranavasya Parabrahma Rishihi Paramatma Devata

Daivi Gayatri Chandaha

Pranayamae Viniyogaha"

Sprinkle water on Rudraksha with Kusha grass from Achamani

Om Sadyojaatam Prapadyaami Sadyojataajava Namo Namaha

Bhave Bhavenaati Bhave Bhavasvamaam Bhavodbhavay Namaha

Take a flower and dip in Sandal paste and aromatic oils and touch on the beads
Om Vamdevaya Namah, Jyeshthaay Namah, Shreshthay Namah, Rudraay Namah, Kaalay Namah, Kala Vikarannaay Namah, Bal Vikaranaay Namah, Balaay Namah Bala Pramathanaay Namah, Sarva Bhoot Damanaay Namah, Manomanaay Namah.
Offer Dhoop to the rudraksha beads

"Om Aghorebhyo Ghorebhyo Ghor Ghor Tarebhayaha

Sarvebhya Sarva Sharvvebhyo Namaste Astu Rudra Roopebhyaha"

Again take a flower and dip in Sandal paste and touch on beads

"Om Tatpurushaaya Vidmahe Mahadevaay Dheemahi

Tanno Rudraha Prachodayaat"

Chant Eeeshan mantra

Om Eeshaanah Sarvavidyaanam Eeshwar Sarvabhootaanaam
Brahmaadipati Brahmanaadhipati Brahma Shivome Astu Sadaa Shivom

Chant Pranpratishtha mantra (Life giving mantra). Offer rice to plate before rudraksha while chanting this.

Om aam hreem krom yum rum lum vum shum shum sum haum hum sah asya malaya prana eha prana.

Om aam hreem krom yum rum lum vum shum shum sum haum hum sah asya malaya jeeva eha sthitha

Om aam hreem krom yum rum lum vum shum shum sum haum hum sah asya malaya sarveindrayani vagmansyachakshu shodragranapadani ihevagatya sukham chiram thithantu swaha.

Chant these next mantras and give the offerings or give rice to the plate in front of Rudrakshas:

(Offering ____ to the lotus feet of Shiva Maha Devaya, I bow)

(Invocation) Avahanam Samarpayami Sri Shiva Maha Devaya Charana Kamalebhyo Namaha

(Seat) Asanam Samarpayami Sri Shiva Maha Devaya Charana Kamalebhyo Namaha

(Cloth) Vastram Samarpayami Sri Shiva Maha Devaya Charana Kamalebhyo Namaha

(Sandalwood or scent) Chandanam Samarpayami Sri Shiva Maha Devaya Charana Kamalebhyo Namaha

(Rice) Akshatan Samarpayami Sri Shiva Maha Devaya Charana Kamalebhyo Namaha

(Flower) Pushpam Samarpayami Sri Shiva Maha Devaya Charana Kamalebhyo Namaha

(Dhoop) Dhupam Samarpayami Sri Shiva Maha Devaya Charana Kamalebhyo Namaha

(Ghee lamp) Deepam Samarpayami Sri Shiva Maha Devaya Charana Kamalebhyo Namaha

(Water drink) Achamaniyam Samarpayami Sri Shiva Maha Devaya Charana Kamalebhyo Namaha

(Fruit) Naivedyam Samarpayami Sri Shiva Maha Devaya Charana Kamalebhyo Namaha

(Water Drink) Achamaniyam Samarpayami Sri Shiva Maha Devaya Charana Kamalebhyo Namaha

(Betel nut - Paan) Tambulam Samarpayami Sri Shiva Maha Devaya Charana Kamalebhyo Namaha

(Coconut) Shri Phalam Samarpayami Sri Shiva Maha Devaya Charana Kamalebhyo Namaha

Burn Camphor and circle it clockwise 3x in front of plate and chant:

Karpura Shivam Karuna Vataram Samsara Saram Bhujagendraharam

Sada Vasantam Hridaya Ravinde Bhavam Bhavani Sahitam Namami

Translation

White as camphor and kindness incarnate, the very form of Brahman consciousness, you Shiva ever dwell in my heart. I bow to you

Chant Gayatri mantra 3 times
Om Bhur Bhuvah Swaha

Om Tat Savitur Varenyum Bhargo Devasya Dhimahi Dhiyo Yonaha Prachodayat

Chant Surya mantra 3 times

Om Bhu Om Bhuvaha Om Swaha Om Maha Om Janaha Om Tapaha Om Satyam

Repeat and touch each after each mantra, right eye, left eye, forehead

Om Apo Jyothi

Raso Amtritam
Brahma Bhu Bhuvaha Swarom

Chant Mahamrityunjaya mantra 5 times and offer rice to a plate before rudraksha after each round

Om Haum Joom Sah

Om Bhur Bhuvaha Swaha

Om Triambakam Yajamahey

Sungandhim Pushti Vardanam

Urvar Ukamiva Bandhanan

Mrityor Muksheeya Mamritat

Om Swaha Bhuvaha Bhu Om Sah Joom Haum Om

Chant Beeja mantra 9 times each

Om Namah Shivaya

Om Hreem Namah

Om Namah

Om Kleem Namah
Om Hreem Namah

Om Hreem Hum Namah

Om Hum Namah

Om Krom Srom Rom Namah

Bow or supplicate, then chant this last prayer:

Om Purnamada purnamidam purnath purnamudyachite
Purnasya purnamadaya purna mevaya shishyate

Om Shanti Shanti Shanti

Identification of Rudrakshas

Rudraksha are available from 2 mukhi till 27 mukhis. The five-faced Rudraksha are found easily and abundantly. One faced Rudraksha round variety has never been found till date and is thus a myth. A variety of Rudraksha called 1 mukhi half moon is thus sold in its place, which is genuine, and belongs to a family tree of rudraksha. This bead is found easily and price is also not high. However there are suppliers who sell this half moon variety also at exorbitant prices taking advantage of the rarity of round 1 mukhi rudraksha. Round 1 mukhi rudraksha however is the most highly sold bead and is faked in many forms by unscrupulous suppliers. Many of these beads are made from berries and betel nuts and Areca nuts. Some have a stem implanted in them artificially to give a real look. Also some suppliers sell fake 1 mukhis, which have Serpent, Trishul, Lingam etc carved on them. A real Rudraksha does not have these markings. Rudraksha having 2,3,4,6 and 7 faces are found abundantly and hence their prices are not high. Fake rudraksha are made by carving extra lines in these lower mukhi beads to obtain the rare and higher priced higher mukhi beads. Also some scrupulous people fake Gauri Shankar Rudraksha by gluing together two Rudraksha beads. But these can be again detected by little experience and awareness. Please note that the idea of informing about Fake Rudraksha is not to scare away people, but to make them aware. Genuine rudraksha sold are also available in plenty naturally. But it is the greed of suppliers to make more money that forces them to deal in fake beads. Also in the case of rare Rudraksha beads of higher mukhis fakes are sold by such suppliers to satisfy the increasing demand of these beads.

It is not very difficult to recognize a real Rudraksha. On account of its increasing importance and price, it is made artificially also and these artificial Rudrakshas are also being sold in market. Artificial Rudraksha used to be made long ago by using wild berry seeds or nuts or wood. But now this is an outdated technique and the Nepal suppliers of today are making these by carving out extra lines in a lower mukhi bead to get a higher mukhi bead, or hiding extra lines to obtain a rare lower mukhi bead and even by gluing together parts of rudraksha beads to obtain another rudraksha. Thus these fake rudraksha look externally like real rudraksha and thus have to be examined more carefully. But in these artificial Rudraksha, no facet can be made as real as the ones that are in the genuine ones and can easily be detected by an experienced eye. Here the facet (Mukh) means deep lining from the upper part to the lower part of Rudraksha. Looking at these deep linings-facets one can recognize real Rudraksha. One needs to use magnifying glass for this purpose and examine for artificially carved lines (which are generally very sharp) and glued surfaces on the bead.

There are many other criteria written to recognize Rudraksha, such as the sinking and floating of Rudraksha in the water and revolving between two coins. But it is not a correct criterion. Even an unripe but genuine Rudraksha may float in the water, and a non genuine ones made out of wood impregnated with lead or by tampering a real rudraksha may sink. Therefore, we should not bother about these suspicions and false notions. The Rudraksha should be brought from a genuine supplier who is accountable to the people, and who would accept returns. Buying rudraksha is like buying Gems in which buyers buy from a trusted supplier only and thus buyers needs to consult other previous buyers for the genuine suppliers and their experience of dealing with them, before taking a decision to purchase these beads.

Another thing to be noted is that rudraksha being a natural product; it is available in many qualities from low, medium, high to collector. A buyer should avoid low quality beads, which are lightweight, have broken surfaces and are unshapely and have extremely dry surface. These beads rarely provide any effect. One should go for rudraksha, which are heavy, bright, lustrous, and shapely and emit a positive vibration.

FAQ's

How do we choose a good rudraksha?
Many get confused with the shape and size of rudraksha. One should not seriously worry about it. Just see that the Mukhi is well defined, corns and contours are natural, and there are no cracks near the central hole. The bead has to be lustrous and healthy and devoid of deep cracks and insect holes.

How do the beads work?
The beads are ancient Vedic beads of power and they work by Touch, Sight, Worship or Possession. So you may wear them or hold them or keep them in your pocket or altar for worship.

Do rudraksha suit all skins?
Rudraksha is hot in nature. Some people cannot wear it. Their skin shows signs of allergy. In that case you may keep the beads in Puja room and offer daily prayers

People ask, "Can ladies wear?”
Yes, they can. According to our holy books, Rudraksha can be worn at all times by everybody.

"Is it that only Hindus can wear?"
No, All can wear. Ancient texts have not limited wearing of these beads to any caste, religion or sex. Some ancient texts also talk of animals wearing them and achieving salvation.

"Non - Veg and alcohol have become the part of our food. Are we therefore disqualified to wear Rudraksha?"
Make Rudraksha a part of your body. Your faith will bring grace in your life. Slowly you will find that you are moving away from non - Veg and alcohol.

"What is the life of Rudraksha beads?"
Could be any number of years. If well protected, can be passed on from generation to generation

"Can we wear in ring"?
No, Please avoid. Hands get dirty often. Purity of the bead gets affected

"Does it bring luck?"
Yes, Shiva Purana specially describe that Lakshmi stays where Rudraksha is.

"What are the mythological merits?"
Shiva Purana describe Rudrakshas origin as Lord Shiva's tears. He had been meditating for many years for the welfare of all creatures. On opening the eyes, hot drops of tears rolled down and the mother earth gave birth to Rudraksha trees.

"Does it have any medical use?"
Yes, Rudraksha is classified as a seed of ELAEOCARPACEAE family and has many medicinal properties. It is widely used in preparation of Ayurvedic medicines.

"Is it true that Rudraksha controls blood pressure?"
Yes, Take a glass of water. Dip few beads of five Mukhi rudraksha in it, preferably after sun set. Drink it when you get up in the morning, before any other intake. Do not use copper glasses.

"Does Rudraksha help Sudden Nervousness?"
Yes. Keep a big avla size 6 Mukhi Rudraksha with you. Whenever you feel nervous due to sudden shock and feel cold, just hold it tight in your right palm for ten minutes. You will regain your confidence and body will start warming up.

"Can children wear One Mukhi rudraksha?"
I would say 'No'. We must avoid. One Mukhi rudraksha needs high degree of self-control which growing children may not be able to cope up. Children however respond very well to other lower mukhi rudraksha.

"Can the family members keep interchanging Neck Malas, Japa Malas or Rudraksha beads?"
No. There is a relationship between the wearer and Rudraksha, which is very private and must not be shared. But it can be willed and passed on to the next generation.

"What is the significance of 15 to 21 Mukhis?"
Shastras do not describe. They are very rare to find, yet available. They are considered to be very auspicious and lucky.

"We read in Puranas that Rudraksha are to be worn in different numbers on the different parts of the body like head, neck, both wrists, both fore arms, waist, abdomen etc. What is the purpose?"
Yes. It is true for those who desire to acquire Special Siddhis. The number of beads is very important when wearing on different parts of the body like 27 or 54 or 108 for neck, 32 for throat, 6/11/15 for arms, 5 for waist etc.

"Is Rudraksha therapy effective?"
Yes. Very much. Only the therapist should be a well-experienced person. Rudraksha beads work on physical, emotional and planetary and karmic levels to heal a person and this kind of healing is most deep-rooted.