All You Need To Know About Rudraksha
Rudraksha (also called as Rudraksh) are dried seeds of a tree, which grows in select locations of South East Asia, botanically known as Elaeocarpus Ganitrus. It is also called “Tears of Shiva” and there are many legends connected to Lord Shiva that describe its origin. The word Rudraksha comes from "Rudra" (name of Shiva) and "Aksha" meaning tears.
What are the benefits of wearing a Rudraksha?
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.
Who can wear Rudraksha?
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. Please see question 5 below.
How to choose the bead size of a Panchamukhi Mala (varies between 5 mm to 8 mm)?
They are of the same quality; it is just that it's a question of convenience. The smaller ones cost more simply because the rudraksha is not plucked from a tree, they wait for it to fall down, fully ripe and fall down. So, it is much harder to pick up the smaller beads in the mountain so they cost more; otherwise they're about the same.
What are the benefits of each type of Rudraksha?
Rudraksha offered by us are carefully selected, checked for quality and consecrated. The benefits of each type are mentioned below:
- Panchamukhi: These are five-faced Rudraksha which can be worn by anyone above 14 years of age. It helps cultivate inner freedom and purity.
- Dwimukhi: These are two-faced Rudraksha intended for married persons. It is supportive for marital relationships and should be worn by both husband and wife.
- Shanmukhi: These are six-faced Rudraksha intended for children below 14 years of age. It aids in proper physical and mental development.
- Gowri Shankar: These are beads which look like two beads fused together and can be worn by anyone above 14 years of age. It aids in prosperity and balancing of Ida and Pingala Nadis (energy channels) and activates the seven chakras.
· How to condition a new Rudraksha?
· 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.
· 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.
When can I wear Rudraksha Mala?
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.
Are the smallest Rudraksha seeds more spiritual by nature?
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.
Can I share my Rudraksha with someone else?
No, you should not share your Rudraksha with anyone else, since the Rudraksha adapts to the wearer.
How should I store my Rudraksha if I take it off during Hatha Yoga practices?
It’s best to store Rudraksha in a silk cloth or in a copper vessel. Remember, copper can oxidize milk products so you should not use a copper vessel while conditioning the Rudraksha.
Should the bindu on the Panchmukhi mala be positioned in a certain spot on the neck?
The bindu on a Panchmukhi mala doesn’t have to be positioned at any particular part of your neck – when you walk, sleep, do your sadhana, your Rudraksha will shift. It is best to reposition the bindu to be at the center of your chest, but once you start to move again, so will the bindu. This is okay.
How can we tell if a Rudraksha has lost its vibrancy?
Rudraksha have a certain quality by nature, so it is important to wear them on the body in a way that treats the Rudraksha with respect and care. Rudraksha should not be worn like jewelry and kept aside later. When a person decides to wear a Rudraksha, it should become like a part of them.
If someone decides not to wear their Rudraksha for an extended period of time, it should be kept in a silk cloth, preferably in a pooja room.
There are certain situations that are not conducive for Rudraksha. For example, if Rudraksha are kept on a cement floor for a full 48-day mandala or longer, it should not be used. Conditioning will not help in reversing this process. A Rudraksha in this state should be buried in the soil, if possible, or offered to a body of water, like a river or a well.
If a few beads of the mala break, do I need to buy a whole new mala?
Cracked beads on a Rudraksha mala should be removed, as their energy will be altered and may not be conducive to the wearer. Individual beads need not be replaced as long as the total bead count on the mala is 84, plus the bindu, for people who are age 14 or older. Any number above this is fine to wear for those who are 14 years or older.
To remove the cracked beads, the mala can be opened and re-strung. When re-threading, any bead can act as the bindu – it doesn’t have to be the one that was originally used. People under the age of 14 should only wear the Shanmukhi Rudraksha.
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