Rudrakshas - Born of Tears But Spilling Smiles
Rudra is the name of Lord Shiva. Aksha means "tear". It is said that the plant of Rudraksha is originated from the tear drops of Lord Shiva. As per the Vedic scriptures Rudraksha can nullify the effects of malefic planets to a great extent. No other necklace or bead is so auspicious and powerful as a Rudraksha.
This article is based on personal experiences of many years and the authentic shastras like Rudrakha Jabala Upanishad, Padma Purana, Shiv Purana and Devi Purana. The benefits of this miraculous plant have been flowing to the users/wearers from the time immemorial. In the passage of time, many plants, animals, birds etc., have appeared in the universe and disappeared for ever. e.g., many years before dinosaurs and snakes with multiple hoods lived on the earth and then disappeared forever. But it is astonishing that the Rudraksha tree has been continuing ever since it has grown in Himalayan regions of India, Nepal, Indonesia, Java and Jakarta. The tree is as big as banyan tree. It takes 15 to 18 years to take full shape.
Rudraksha is a fruit which is covered with pulp and a thin outer skin. The fruit has one to twenty one mukha [face] and seeds inside. The skin is green in colour like banana skin. But when plucked from the tree and allowed to remain as it is, the colour of the skin becomes black. For every mukha, tree is different. Like any other fruit tree, 20% production is inferior, 60% is average and 20% is the best. The best quality of Rudraksha is available at a pretty high price.
The shastras speak of four colours of Rudraksha like white, red, yellow and black. Unfortunately, this cannot be verified as the natural colour which emerges after the removal of skin and the pulp is generally light brown or the colour of dust. The traders apply preventive dyes, chemicals or mustard oil to store safely from the attacks of white ants.
The common buyer is interested to know its genuineness and conducts certain tests which in fact lead him nowhere. The common tests are:
1. Water Test: The Rudraksha bead is put in a glass containing water. If it floats, the buyer rejects, not knowing the fact that lighter density is the cause of floating.
2. Copper Coins Test: The bead is held in between two copper coins. The buyer watches the rotation. Some beads show a slight movement, sometimes to the right and at other times to the left. The buyer selects the bead which moves to the right. Here, once again he is not aware of the chemistry of the bead. Each bead has some magnetic and electric power, hence the movements take place.
3. Milk Test: When Milk is poured on it, the bead is expected to stand on its base! Some people dip the bead in a glass of milk and try to find the effect. If milk remains unchanged even after 48 hours the bead is considered good.
All these tests are just hearsay and do not prove the genuineness of the bead. Breaking is the only test which can show the natural seeds in the womb of Rudraksha fruit. One may wonder how we can break and buy too. Obviously it is not possible. The only answer is that you should buy from a reliable source and not from the roadside sellers. Beware of the artificial items being sold in the market. Some sellers sell fake Rudraksha which are normally pressed in dies. The raw material used is the pulp of the Rudraksha. They also engrave Om, Shiva Linga with Yoni, Trishul etc. These signs are easily made on two mukhi [Almond shaped].
Now let us see the effect/merits of each mukha on the wearer/worshipper of Rudraksha:
1. ONE MUKHI [FACE]:
Mantra: Om Hreeng Namah!
Being the King of all mukhis, it represents Pure Consciousness. The wearer gains both, Bhoga and Moksha. He lives a life of Raja Janak. He enjoys all the comforts at his command and still remains unattached. This is very ideal for Doctors as it helps to find correct diagnosis and success in surgery.
2. TWO MUKHI [FACE]:
Mantra: Om Namah!
This represents Ardhanareshwar and blesses the wearer with "UNITY". It could be related to Guru-Shisya, parents-children, husband-wife or friends. Maintaining ONENESS is its peculiarity.
3. THREE MUKHI [FACE]:
Mantra: Om Kleeng Namah!
This represents "Fire" God. The way fire consumes everything and remains pure, the wearer too gets free from sins or wrongs of his life and returns to purity when blessed. This is ideal for those who suffer from inferior complexes, subjective fear, guilt and depression.
4. FOUR MUKHI [FACE]:
Mantra: Om Heerang Namah!
This represents God Brahmaji. The wearer gains power of creativity when blessed. This is very effective for students, scientists, researchers, scholars, artists, writers and journalists. This increases memory power.
5. FIVE MUKHI [FACE]:
Mantra: Om Hreeng Namah!
This represents Lord Shiva, the symbol of auspiciousness. The wearer of this Rudraksha Face Mala gains health and peace. This monitors blood pressure and cardiac ailments. The mala must be worn inside so as to touch the body and not as an alankar outside the body. Five Mukhi Mala is also used for Japa.
6. SIX MUKHI [FACE]:
Mantra: Om Hreeng Humg Namah!
Represents God Kartik [Muruga] when invoked blesses with wisdom. Increases intelligence and gives steady mind. Good for managers, businessmen, executives, journalists and editors. Six Faces governs genital organs.
7. SEVEN MUKHI [FACE]:
Mantra: Om Humg Namah!
This represents Goddess Mahalakshmi. When invoked showers, plenty of money. It is said that this is not to be worn on the body, but to be kept in cash box.
8. EIGHT MUKHI [FACE]:
Mantra: Om Humg Namah!
This represents Lord Ganesha. When worn showers Riddhis and Siddhis. Removes all obstacles and bring success in all undertakings.
9. NINE MUKHI [FACE]:
Mantra: Om Hreeng Humg Namah! This represents Shakti. When invoked the mother Goddess blesses with lot of energy and powers which are useful to live a life of success.
10. TEN MUKHI [FACE]:
Mantra: Om Hreeng Namah!
This represents Lord Vishnu. When invoked, the family will be nourished endlessly generation after generation.
11. ELEVEN MUKHI [FACE]:
Mantra: Om Hreeng Humg Namah!
This represents Lord Hanuman. When invoked, blesses with wisdom, right judgement, powerful vocabulary, adventurous life and success. Above all, it also protects you from accidental death. You become fearless. It also helps in Meditation.
12. TWELVE MUKHI [FACE]:
Mantra: Om Krown Kshown Rown Namah!
This represents Lord Sun. When pleased, the wearer becomes a ruler. Good for ministers, politicians, administrators, businessmen and executives.
13. THIRTEEN MUKHI [FACE]:
Mantra: Om Hreeng Namah!
This represents Lord Indra. When invoked, showers all possible comforts of life one can ever desire.
14. FOURTEEN MUKHI [FACE]:
Mantra: Om Namah!
It is a divine gem. When used properly, with grace of God, your third eye of wisdom starts functioning. You can predict future events. Your judgement will hardly fail.
15. FIFTEEN to TWNETY ONE MUKHI [FACE]:
No Mantra.
Rishis of the yore advise us to keep these at Puja altar and earn the grace of Lord Rudra who brings prosperity to entire family.
16. GAURI SHANKAR:
Mantra: Om Gaurishankaraya Namah!
Blessings of Purusha and Prakriti are bestowed upon the wearer. [Also bestows Good Luck, Wealth, Intelligence and all comforts.]
17. GAURI PATH:
Mantra: Sarva Mangala Mangalye, Shive Sarvartha Sadhike. Sharanye Triyambake Gouri, Narayani Namostute!
This is the house of Mother Gouri. The unmarried girls invoke Devi and are blessed to get husband of their choice.
In general the wearer and the worshipper of Rudraksha is blessed with prosperity, peace and health.
Yet there are certain precautions to be taken such as:
a) Smokers, drunkards, non-vegetarians and those who enjoy sex unlawfully must not wear. But someone who desires seriously to come out of these unwanted habits and live a life of purity can wear and may find themselves free after 41 days. This has happened to many, It may happen to you also, if you will strongly.
b) Mala that we wear in neck, is made of 108 or 54 Beads. Japa mala could be small as 27 or 18 Beads. Do not use neck mala as japa mala or vice versa.
c) Do not wear mala when you go to bed. It is a myth that by wearing in the night, you get good sleep or wonderful dreams. On the contrary, you may get horrible dreams if mala gets tight on your neck. The beads also break under pressure. It is best to keep mala under your pillow.
d) Clean your mala/beads regularly after an interval of 15 days. Dip in luke warm water. Add a little liquid soap. Keep for about half an hour. Remove and just wipe with soft cloth. Do not rub strongly or use wire brushes.
e) Before wearing, take mala or bead to a Shiva temple. Offer "Rudra Abhishek" and then start wearing. Monday and thursday are considered auspicious days.
f) Since Rudraksha is very divine and pure in its nature, it should be held in gold. Exceptions are permitted. Silver or strong RED/BLACK thread is fine.
g) Many astrologers have also worked on Rudraksha. They suggest "Mukhi" based on Birth Rasi and Nakshatra. However one should wear according to the needs/desires to be fulfilled.
h) Some astrologers suggest to wear Rudraksha according to ruling planet as under:
Ruling Planet - Mukhi to Wear
Sun - One or Tweklve Mukhi
Moon - Two Mukhi
Mars - Three Mukhi
Mercury - Four Mukhi
Jupiter - Five Mukhi
Venus - Six Mukhi
Saturn - Seven or Fourteen Mukhi
Rahu - Eight Mukhi
Ketu - Nine Mukhi
Note: Ten and Eleven Mukhis are not under any planetary effect.
i) 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 near the central hole. Normally the buyer gets a feel when Rudraksha is kept on the palm. He/She feels that this is the one which was wanted. Smaller size is considered to be very auspicious.
j) Rudraksha is hot in nature. Some people just can not wear it. Their skin shows sign of allergy. They can never wear any gold, silver or thread chain. So better not to use. Keep the beads in puja room and offer daily namaskars.
k) Can Ladies wear? Yes, they can; barring those 4-5 days when nature is at work.
l) Is it that only Hindus can wear? No, all can wear. Sun, Moon, Stars, Rivers and Plants have no Religion.
m) What is the life of a Rudraksha Bead? It could be any number of days. It well protected, can be passed on from generation to generation.
n) Can we wear in Ring? No, please avoid. Hands get dirty often. Purity of the beads gets affected.
o) Does it bring luck? Yes, Shiva Purana specifically describes that Lakshmi stays where Rudraksha is.
p) What are the mythological merits? Shiva Purana describes the origin of Rudraksha as the tears of Lord Shiva. 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.
q) 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.
r) Is it true that Rudraksha controls Blood Pressure? Yes, take a glass of water. Dip two pieces of Five Mukhi Beads in it, preferably after sun set. Drink it when you get up in the morning, before any other intake. Do not use copper glasses.
s) Does Rudraksha help "sudden nervousness"? Yes, keep a big avla size 5 Mukhi Rudraksha Beads 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 confidence and body will start warming up.
t) Can Children wear One Mukhi ? Preferably no; we must avoid. One Mukhi needs high degree of self control which growing children may not be able to cope up.
u) Can the family members keep inter-changing neck mala, japa mala or Rudraksha Beads? No. There is a relationship between the wearer and the Rudraksha, which is very private and must not be shared. But it can be willed and passed on to the next generation.
v) Should we wear Rudraksha on body when we go to cremation ground? No, one should not wear.
w) Non-vegetarian and alcohol have become the part of food for many of the people. Are they therefore disqualified to wear Rudraksha? Make Rudraksha as a part of your body. Your faith will bring Grace into your life. Slowly you will find that you are moving away from non-vegetarian and alcohol. Try. Qualification will come to you.
x) What is the significance of 15 to 21 Mukhis? Shastras do not describe. These are very rare to find, yet available. They are considered to be very auspicious and lucky.
y) 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, abdomen etc., What is the purpose? Yes. It is true for those who desire to acquire Sidhis. One should learn from Sidha Purusha or a Yogi, else one may look like a clown and get nothing.
z) Is Rudraksha Therapy effective? Yes, very much. Only the therapist should be a well experienced person.
[Excerpts from the Booklet Published by Central Chinmaya Mission Trust, Mumbai]
This article is based on personal experiences of many years and the authentic shastras like Rudrakha Jabala Upanishad, Padma Purana, Shiv Purana and Devi Purana. The benefits of this miraculous plant have been flowing to the users/wearers from the time immemorial. In the passage of time, many plants, animals, birds etc., have appeared in the universe and disappeared for ever. e.g., many years before dinosaurs and snakes with multiple hoods lived on the earth and then disappeared forever. But it is astonishing that the Rudraksha tree has been continuing ever since it has grown in Himalayan regions of India, Nepal, Indonesia, Java and Jakarta. The tree is as big as banyan tree. It takes 15 to 18 years to take full shape.
Rudraksha is a fruit which is covered with pulp and a thin outer skin. The fruit has one to twenty one mukha [face] and seeds inside. The skin is green in colour like banana skin. But when plucked from the tree and allowed to remain as it is, the colour of the skin becomes black. For every mukha, tree is different. Like any other fruit tree, 20% production is inferior, 60% is average and 20% is the best. The best quality of Rudraksha is available at a pretty high price.
The shastras speak of four colours of Rudraksha like white, red, yellow and black. Unfortunately, this cannot be verified as the natural colour which emerges after the removal of skin and the pulp is generally light brown or the colour of dust. The traders apply preventive dyes, chemicals or mustard oil to store safely from the attacks of white ants.
The common buyer is interested to know its genuineness and conducts certain tests which in fact lead him nowhere. The common tests are:
1. Water Test: The Rudraksha bead is put in a glass containing water. If it floats, the buyer rejects, not knowing the fact that lighter density is the cause of floating.
2. Copper Coins Test: The bead is held in between two copper coins. The buyer watches the rotation. Some beads show a slight movement, sometimes to the right and at other times to the left. The buyer selects the bead which moves to the right. Here, once again he is not aware of the chemistry of the bead. Each bead has some magnetic and electric power, hence the movements take place.
3. Milk Test: When Milk is poured on it, the bead is expected to stand on its base! Some people dip the bead in a glass of milk and try to find the effect. If milk remains unchanged even after 48 hours the bead is considered good.
All these tests are just hearsay and do not prove the genuineness of the bead. Breaking is the only test which can show the natural seeds in the womb of Rudraksha fruit. One may wonder how we can break and buy too. Obviously it is not possible. The only answer is that you should buy from a reliable source and not from the roadside sellers. Beware of the artificial items being sold in the market. Some sellers sell fake Rudraksha which are normally pressed in dies. The raw material used is the pulp of the Rudraksha. They also engrave Om, Shiva Linga with Yoni, Trishul etc. These signs are easily made on two mukhi [Almond shaped].
Now let us see the effect/merits of each mukha on the wearer/worshipper of Rudraksha:
1. ONE MUKHI [FACE]:
Mantra: Om Hreeng Namah!
Being the King of all mukhis, it represents Pure Consciousness. The wearer gains both, Bhoga and Moksha. He lives a life of Raja Janak. He enjoys all the comforts at his command and still remains unattached. This is very ideal for Doctors as it helps to find correct diagnosis and success in surgery.
2. TWO MUKHI [FACE]:
Mantra: Om Namah!
This represents Ardhanareshwar and blesses the wearer with "UNITY". It could be related to Guru-Shisya, parents-children, husband-wife or friends. Maintaining ONENESS is its peculiarity.
3. THREE MUKHI [FACE]:
Mantra: Om Kleeng Namah!
This represents "Fire" God. The way fire consumes everything and remains pure, the wearer too gets free from sins or wrongs of his life and returns to purity when blessed. This is ideal for those who suffer from inferior complexes, subjective fear, guilt and depression.
4. FOUR MUKHI [FACE]:
Mantra: Om Heerang Namah!
This represents God Brahmaji. The wearer gains power of creativity when blessed. This is very effective for students, scientists, researchers, scholars, artists, writers and journalists. This increases memory power.
5. FIVE MUKHI [FACE]:
Mantra: Om Hreeng Namah!
This represents Lord Shiva, the symbol of auspiciousness. The wearer of this Rudraksha Face Mala gains health and peace. This monitors blood pressure and cardiac ailments. The mala must be worn inside so as to touch the body and not as an alankar outside the body. Five Mukhi Mala is also used for Japa.
6. SIX MUKHI [FACE]:
Mantra: Om Hreeng Humg Namah!
Represents God Kartik [Muruga] when invoked blesses with wisdom. Increases intelligence and gives steady mind. Good for managers, businessmen, executives, journalists and editors. Six Faces governs genital organs.
7. SEVEN MUKHI [FACE]:
Mantra: Om Humg Namah!
This represents Goddess Mahalakshmi. When invoked showers, plenty of money. It is said that this is not to be worn on the body, but to be kept in cash box.
8. EIGHT MUKHI [FACE]:
Mantra: Om Humg Namah!
This represents Lord Ganesha. When worn showers Riddhis and Siddhis. Removes all obstacles and bring success in all undertakings.
9. NINE MUKHI [FACE]:
Mantra: Om Hreeng Humg Namah! This represents Shakti. When invoked the mother Goddess blesses with lot of energy and powers which are useful to live a life of success.
10. TEN MUKHI [FACE]:
Mantra: Om Hreeng Namah!
This represents Lord Vishnu. When invoked, the family will be nourished endlessly generation after generation.
11. ELEVEN MUKHI [FACE]:
Mantra: Om Hreeng Humg Namah!
This represents Lord Hanuman. When invoked, blesses with wisdom, right judgement, powerful vocabulary, adventurous life and success. Above all, it also protects you from accidental death. You become fearless. It also helps in Meditation.
12. TWELVE MUKHI [FACE]:
Mantra: Om Krown Kshown Rown Namah!
This represents Lord Sun. When pleased, the wearer becomes a ruler. Good for ministers, politicians, administrators, businessmen and executives.
13. THIRTEEN MUKHI [FACE]:
Mantra: Om Hreeng Namah!
This represents Lord Indra. When invoked, showers all possible comforts of life one can ever desire.
14. FOURTEEN MUKHI [FACE]:
Mantra: Om Namah!
It is a divine gem. When used properly, with grace of God, your third eye of wisdom starts functioning. You can predict future events. Your judgement will hardly fail.
15. FIFTEEN to TWNETY ONE MUKHI [FACE]:
No Mantra.
Rishis of the yore advise us to keep these at Puja altar and earn the grace of Lord Rudra who brings prosperity to entire family.
16. GAURI SHANKAR:
Mantra: Om Gaurishankaraya Namah!
Blessings of Purusha and Prakriti are bestowed upon the wearer. [Also bestows Good Luck, Wealth, Intelligence and all comforts.]
17. GAURI PATH:
Mantra: Sarva Mangala Mangalye, Shive Sarvartha Sadhike. Sharanye Triyambake Gouri, Narayani Namostute!
This is the house of Mother Gouri. The unmarried girls invoke Devi and are blessed to get husband of their choice.
In general the wearer and the worshipper of Rudraksha is blessed with prosperity, peace and health.
Yet there are certain precautions to be taken such as:
a) Smokers, drunkards, non-vegetarians and those who enjoy sex unlawfully must not wear. But someone who desires seriously to come out of these unwanted habits and live a life of purity can wear and may find themselves free after 41 days. This has happened to many, It may happen to you also, if you will strongly.
b) Mala that we wear in neck, is made of 108 or 54 Beads. Japa mala could be small as 27 or 18 Beads. Do not use neck mala as japa mala or vice versa.
c) Do not wear mala when you go to bed. It is a myth that by wearing in the night, you get good sleep or wonderful dreams. On the contrary, you may get horrible dreams if mala gets tight on your neck. The beads also break under pressure. It is best to keep mala under your pillow.
d) Clean your mala/beads regularly after an interval of 15 days. Dip in luke warm water. Add a little liquid soap. Keep for about half an hour. Remove and just wipe with soft cloth. Do not rub strongly or use wire brushes.
e) Before wearing, take mala or bead to a Shiva temple. Offer "Rudra Abhishek" and then start wearing. Monday and thursday are considered auspicious days.
f) Since Rudraksha is very divine and pure in its nature, it should be held in gold. Exceptions are permitted. Silver or strong RED/BLACK thread is fine.
g) Many astrologers have also worked on Rudraksha. They suggest "Mukhi" based on Birth Rasi and Nakshatra. However one should wear according to the needs/desires to be fulfilled.
h) Some astrologers suggest to wear Rudraksha according to ruling planet as under:
Ruling Planet - Mukhi to Wear
Sun - One or Tweklve Mukhi
Moon - Two Mukhi
Mars - Three Mukhi
Mercury - Four Mukhi
Jupiter - Five Mukhi
Venus - Six Mukhi
Saturn - Seven or Fourteen Mukhi
Rahu - Eight Mukhi
Ketu - Nine Mukhi
Note: Ten and Eleven Mukhis are not under any planetary effect.
i) 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 near the central hole. Normally the buyer gets a feel when Rudraksha is kept on the palm. He/She feels that this is the one which was wanted. Smaller size is considered to be very auspicious.
j) Rudraksha is hot in nature. Some people just can not wear it. Their skin shows sign of allergy. They can never wear any gold, silver or thread chain. So better not to use. Keep the beads in puja room and offer daily namaskars.
k) Can Ladies wear? Yes, they can; barring those 4-5 days when nature is at work.
l) Is it that only Hindus can wear? No, all can wear. Sun, Moon, Stars, Rivers and Plants have no Religion.
m) What is the life of a Rudraksha Bead? It could be any number of days. It well protected, can be passed on from generation to generation.
n) Can we wear in Ring? No, please avoid. Hands get dirty often. Purity of the beads gets affected.
o) Does it bring luck? Yes, Shiva Purana specifically describes that Lakshmi stays where Rudraksha is.
p) What are the mythological merits? Shiva Purana describes the origin of Rudraksha as the tears of Lord Shiva. 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.
q) 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.
r) Is it true that Rudraksha controls Blood Pressure? Yes, take a glass of water. Dip two pieces of Five Mukhi Beads in it, preferably after sun set. Drink it when you get up in the morning, before any other intake. Do not use copper glasses.
s) Does Rudraksha help "sudden nervousness"? Yes, keep a big avla size 5 Mukhi Rudraksha Beads 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 confidence and body will start warming up.
t) Can Children wear One Mukhi ? Preferably no; we must avoid. One Mukhi needs high degree of self control which growing children may not be able to cope up.
u) Can the family members keep inter-changing neck mala, japa mala or Rudraksha Beads? No. There is a relationship between the wearer and the Rudraksha, which is very private and must not be shared. But it can be willed and passed on to the next generation.
v) Should we wear Rudraksha on body when we go to cremation ground? No, one should not wear.
w) Non-vegetarian and alcohol have become the part of food for many of the people. Are they therefore disqualified to wear Rudraksha? Make Rudraksha as a part of your body. Your faith will bring Grace into your life. Slowly you will find that you are moving away from non-vegetarian and alcohol. Try. Qualification will come to you.
x) What is the significance of 15 to 21 Mukhis? Shastras do not describe. These are very rare to find, yet available. They are considered to be very auspicious and lucky.
y) 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, abdomen etc., What is the purpose? Yes. It is true for those who desire to acquire Sidhis. One should learn from Sidha Purusha or a Yogi, else one may look like a clown and get nothing.
z) Is Rudraksha Therapy effective? Yes, very much. Only the therapist should be a well experienced person.
[Excerpts from the Booklet Published by Central Chinmaya Mission Trust, Mumbai]
