Rudraksha, the most celebrated esoteric accessory of spiritual seekers has been used extensively since time immemorial. Botanically known as Elaecarpus Ganitrus Roxb, Rudraksha are the dried seeds of a tree, which grows in select locations of South East Asia, predominantly in the upper Himalayan mountain range of the Indian subcontinent bordering Nepal. A few Rudraksha trees have also been sighted in parts of the Velliangiri Mountains, in the Western Ghats.
The word Rudraksha literally means “tears of Shiva”. There are many legends in Indian scriptures and mythology that describe the divine origin of the Rudraksha tree. According to one legend, Shiva sat in meditation for many millennia with his eyes closed. Upon opening his eyes, he shed tears of ecstasy, which fell to the earth and became the holy Rudraksha tree. Rudraksha beads were Shiva’s gift to the world.
Benefits of Rudraksha
Rudraksha's curative properties have been utilized worldwide for a number of physical, mental and psychosomatic illnesses. They are very supportive for maintaining physical and mental balance. They aid in creating an atmosphere conducive for a restful sleep in unfamiliar environments.
For spiritual seekers, Rudraksha plays a supportive role in enhancing one’s spiritual growth. Some of the esoteric benefits ascribed to Rudraksha include enhancement of intuition, infusion of tranquility of the mind, assistance in meditation, purification of the aura, cleansing of the seven chakras, formation of a protective sheath around a person, providing protection against injury or negative and distorted energies, and development of dispassion and detachment.
Who can wear a Rudraksha?
Anyone, irrespective of gender, cultural, ethnic, geographical, or religious background can wear Rudraksha. Rudraksha can be worn by children, students, the elderly, ill etc. for special benefits. They are intended for persons at any stage in life irrespective of mental and/or physical condition.
Conditioning of 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. Wipe the beads with a clean cloth, but do not wash them with soap. Conditioning should take place every six months.
How to wear Rudraksha?
Here are certain precautions to be taken when it comes to Rudraksha:
1. Rudraksha must be worn after Siddhi (method of purification & charging with Mantra), performing the prayers and ritual rites for its sanctification and Hawanet etc. It should be worn on an auspicious day, Monday or Thursday.
2. Rudraksha Mantra is to be chanted daily 9 times while wearing in the morning and after removing before going to bed. Rudraksha must be removed before going to sleep and must be kept at the puja place.)
3. Always keep your Rudraksha clean. Dust and dirt can settle in the pores of the bead. Clean these as frequently as possible with something with soft, fine bristles. After cleaning, wash your Rudraksha with some blessed holy water. This helps maintain its sanctity.
4. Always keep the Rudraksha oiled. After regular cleaning, oil the bead and treat it with incense. This is important, especially when you are not using the bead for sometimes, or storing it for a while.
5. Rudraksha is hot in nature. Don't wear any gold, silver or thread chain. Keeps the beads in Puja room and offer daily Namaskars.
6. Many get confused with the shape and size. 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. Normally the buyer gets a feel when Rudraksha is kept in the palm. He/She feels that this is the one which was wanted.
These are some general rules which are respected by the wearers of Rudraksha. In Indian tradition, there are more rigorous customs when it comes to rudraksha. For example, the wearer of the Rudraksha shouldn't eat non-vegetarian food and shouldn't take alcohol, or wear it while having sex.
