The Sacred Power of Rudraksh Mala

Highlights of the blog:

• The Story of Rudraksh
• Symbolism of the Rudraksh Beads
• Science Confirms What Sages Knew
• Why Rudraksh Matters In Modern Living
• Five-Mukhi Rudraksh

A rare seed that holds the secrets of the universe. One of the few trees with numerous references in scriptures and legends. For centuries, sages and yogis have worn Rudraksh beads, honouring them as sacred and spiritual. Used for mantra chanting and progressing on a spiritual journey, Rudraksh beads are a manifestation (ansh) of Lord Shiv's energy. These beads are a tool for fearlessness, inner awakening, and liberation.

Let us find out more about the importance of a Rudraksh.

The Story of Rudraksh

(The blue berries of the Rudraksh tree contains the sacred beads)

The word Rudraksh comes from 'Rudra,' the fierce form of Lord Shiv and 'Aksha,' meaning eyes or tears. Rudraksh, thus, refers to the eyes or tears of Lord Shiv, symbolising protection and divine grace. It is Mahadev's favourite bead. With the contact and jap of these sacred beads all sins get removed. In the 25th chapter of the Shiv Puran, a conversation between Mahadev and Ma Parvati reveals the importance of the Rudraksh Mala through the below verse.

rudrā kṣaṃ yasya gātreṣu lalāṭe tu tripaṃḍrakam
sacāṃḍālopi saṃpūjyassarvavarṇottamottamaḥ
- Vidyesvara Samhita, Shiv Puran

(Whosoever wears Rudraksh over his body and the Tripundra on his forehead is worthy of respect.)

Lord Shiv revealed to Ma Parvati that, after penance for thousands of years, he was so overwhelmed with the desire to help the world that the tears of his penance trickled from his half-closed eyes. They fell to the ground, giving birth to the sacred Rudraksh tree. The seeds of this tree formed the Rudraksh beads.

Rudraksh seeds are covered with a blue outer husk when fully ripe. The Rudraksh fruit, known as Amritphal (the Fruit of Nectar), is a sacred blue berry whose hard inner seeds form the Rudraksh beads. Also known as the Blueberry Ash tree, the Rudraksh tree is found in the Himalayan foothills, India, Nepal, Indonesia, and many parts of South and Southeast Asia.

Symbolism of the Rudraksh Beads

(Rudraksh beads in varying sizes and shades)

The conversation between Lord Shiv and Ma Parvati in the Shiv Mahapuran provides a detailed explanation about the importance of Rudraksh beads. Over time, people gained from this knowledge, and began to use Rudraksh. Let us review these divine qualities of these sacred beads.

A Universal Jap Mala

Lord Shiv tells Ma Parvati that Rudraksh beads can be used to chant the holy names of any deity. They are especially dear to the Panchyatan Gods, the five deities, namely Lord Ganesh, Lord Surya, Devi Ma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Shiv.

Path To Salvation

Chanting the names of Lord Shiv with Rudraksh and wearing them can remove a Sadhak's sins and lead to moksh (liberation).

Benefits Of Different Types Of Rudraksh Beads

Further, Lord Shiv describes the different types of Rudraksh beads and the deity associated with each. The Rudraksh comes in different mukhis, or faces, ranging from 1 face to 21 faces. Of these 1 to 14 faced Rudraksh beads are easily available. Each has its significance.

Here are some of the major Rudraksh beads and their significance.

• 1 mukhi (one-faced): Lord Shiv is the presiding deity of this Rudraksh. It brings vairagya and awareness of the supreme consciousness.
• 2 mukhi (two-faced): Ardhanarishwar, the combined form of Shiv and Shakti, is the presiding deity of this Rudraksh. It brings unity and harmony and represents the Guru-disciple relationship.
• 5 or Panch mukhi (five-faced): Kalagni Rudra is the presiding divinity of this Rudraksh. It enhances our inner awareness, leading us to our Higher Self.
• 9 mukhi (nine-faced): Goddess Durga is the presiding divinity of this Rudraksha. It represents power and dynamism and helps us gain both, worldly enjoyments and liberation.
• 12 mukhi (twelve-faced): The sun is the presiding deity of this Rudraksha. It brings radiance and power, helps us get rid of low self-esteem, leading to self-motivation.

Science Confirms What Sages Knew

(Wearing Rudraksh helps balance body's energy points)

Since ancient times, Rudraksh beads have been valued for their healing and spiritual benefits.

Many Ayurvedic texts state that Rudraksh beads heal on an emotional, physical, material, mental, and spiritual level. They are said to be useful in treating many chronic ailments, including lung, skin, and brain-related disorders. Yogis used them to purify their aura and balance the body's centres, or chakras.

Groundbreaking work by Dr. Suhas Rai at IIT in the 1960s helped further understand the mystery behind these 'energy-stabilisers.' The Rudraksh possesses bio-electromagnetic and paramagnetic properties. At a subtle level, the presence of these properties and chemicals (like tannins and flavonoids) in the beads activates the body's energy field and brings about immense positive changes.

Thus, when worn in the neck touching the skin, especially close to the heart or pulse points, these beads influence our body's electrical activity. This interaction sends waves to the brain that release happy hormones.

In a nutshell, Rudraksh has the following benefits:

• It affects the central nervous system, reduces stress, anxiety, and depression.
• It stabilises the heartbeat, regulates blood pressure, and circulation.
• It stimulates the mind and strengthens the intellect.

(Source: Bhaskar, L.A. et al. Samarth Institute of Pharmacy, Pune (2023). Scientific Research on Elaeocarpus Ganitrus (Rudraksha) for its Medicinal Importance. International Journal of Advanced Research in Science, Communication and Technology (IJARSCT), Volume 3, Issue 2)

Why Rudraksh Matters in Modern Living

(Rudraksh beads help uplift the seeker to the Alpha state)

Our brain works with five main types of waves: Delta, Theta, Alpha, Beta, and Gamma. Among these, Alpha waves are linked to deep relaxation, reduced stress, emotional balance, better learning, and creativity.

Rudraksh beads are believed to help the wearer reach this Alpha state—a calm yet alert mind that encourages mindfulness, creativity, and clear awareness.

Spiritual and yogic traditions say that Rudraksha helps quieten unnecessary thoughts, and keep us grounded in the present.

When the body and mind are in this state, we become stronger and more resilient—physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Did You Know?

Rudraksh beads darken over time due to natural body oils and environmental factors. It also means that the beads are merging with our individual energy and vibrations.

Panch-Mukhi Rudraksh

(Wearing Rudraksh beads benefits all Sadhaks)

According to Shiv Puran, the Panchmukhi Rudraksh is the form of Lord Kala-Agni Rudra. It delivers all liberation and fulfills all wishes. The Panchmukhi Rudraksh is highly revered for its ability to balance the five elements, or Panchmahabhootas—earth, water, fire, air, and ether—that exist both in the universe and within our bodies. By wearing this bead, one can harmonise these natural forces, promoting overall health, mental clarity, and inner balance.

For those seeking an authentic and spiritually powerful mala, Sadhana Shop offers Panchmukhi Rudraksh Malas.

Whether you are a seasoned practitioner or someone beginning their spiritual journey, a Panchmukhi Rudraksh mala can be your trusted companion for mindfulness, meditation, and inner balance.

FAQs

What are the benefits of wearing the Rudraksh mala for men?

Rudraksh beads help to establish a balance of the body's energetic field. Wearing them enhances concentration, reduces stress and brings a sense of inner peace in the body. It is also highly beneficial for men to wear the Rudraksh mala. It supports emotional balance and aids in spiritual growth. Thus, anyone wearing the Rudraksha mala experiences its positive effects.

yuva vrddhothava vipro grhasto vanaprasthakah
rudraksadhari sarvesam sivatulyo behaved dhruvam
(Source: Vidyesvara Samhita, Shiv Puran, Chapter 25, Verse 11)

Meaning: Whether young or old, a Brahmin, a householder or living in the forest – one who wears Rudraksh becomes equal to Lord Shiv.

What are the rules for wearing a Rudraksh mala?

There are certain guidelines for wearing the Rudraksh mala. By following these rules, one can benefit from the sacred energy of these beads.

Some rules are as mentioned below.

• Maintain mental purity and observe cleanliness while wearing Rudraksh.
• Wear the Rudraksh mala on an auspicious day. You can wear them on Monday or during Brahma Muhurta. Before wearing the mala, purify it with milk or water and energise it by chanting the mantra, Om Namah Shivaya.
• It is advisable to consult an expert as rules for wearing different types of Rudraksh may vary.
• It is recommended that an adult should not wear a mala with less than 84 beads (including the bindu). Any number above this is considered appropriate. Depending on the size of the beads, the total number of beads in a mala may vary.
• One should not share their Rudraksh with another person, as it adjusts itself to the energy of the wearer.

How to identify a genuine Rudraksh?

The scriptures such as the Rudraksh Jabal Upanishad, Shiv Puran and Padma Puran do not suggest any laboratory tests in the modern sense. Instead, they describe the natural characteristics of an authentic Rudraksh.

rekhabir vibhaktam bijam drdham svabhavam tatha
na krtimam na bhinnam syat rudraksam tu subhapradam
(Source: Vidyesvara Samhita, Shiv Puran)

Meaning: A genuine Rudraksh is naturally formed, firm in nature, and has clear, natural lines (mukhis). It is neither artificial nor broken – such a Rudraksh bestows auspicious results.

One can identify a real Rudraksh bead at home by following these steps.

Step 1: Examine the Rudraksh in bright light with a magnifying glass.

Step 2: Notice the lines (or mukhis). They should be

• Continuous from one pole (top) to the other pole (bottom).
• Naturally irregular, not uniformly machine-made.
• Slightly varying in depth, like the natural lines on a tree bark.
• Natural and organic in feel, not like plastic or resin.

Common signs of a fake Rudraksh include:

• Grooves of uniform depth.
• Lines that suddenly begin or end.
• Visible tool marks.

It is often said, "a real Rudraksh sinks in water while a fake one floats". This is a myth. The density of Rudraksh beads varies depending on its place of origin (such as Nepal or Indonesia). The reason why some authentic Rudraksh beads may float is due to internal air pockets.

In case you want complete certainty of the authenticity, then follow these steps:

• Carefully observe the flowing of the lines or grooves.
• Check the weight and natural feel of the bead.
• Send it for an X-ray certification.

By following the above three steps, more than 99% of fake Rudraksh beads can be identified.