What is Rudraksha ?

In Hindu religion, the Lord Shiva is the one of the most worshipped and revered deity. The ancient Hindu scriptures and belief consider Lord Shiva in the form of ‘Arupa’, the one who is the source of ‘Consciousness’ or the source of all creation including all divinity, hence Lord Shiva is called ‘Mahadev’. By virtue of being the source of all, Lord Shiva is believed to be the creator, the protector and also the destroyer also, when he is in a state of anger. Hence, Lord Shiva is believed to exist in various forms and derives 1008 names. Among these is the name of ‘Rudra’.

Rudraksh, is a Sanskrit word, which is actually a combination of two words ‘Rudra’, the ‘Lord Shiva’ and the other part is ‘Aksh’ which means a tear. As per the Mythological belief it is said that once Lord Shiva was in a deep meditation for 1000 years to gain divine powers and energy. As Lord Shiva opened his eyes after 1000 years of meditation, tears started to flow out of his eyes. These tears, when fell on the earth and took the form of Rudraksh seeds bearing trees. Hence, the Rudraksh seeds are believed to be directly derived from Lord Shiva himself, and therefore are packed with immense divine power, energy and are very auspicious in nature, which have the capability to bestow the wearer directly with the blessings of Lord Shiva.

It is also believed as per one more mythology, that Lord Shiva got very disturbed by knowing the people who take birth undergo various treacheries of life since they have to perform all the activities and live life slated for them based on their Karma, and even then there in not a surety that they would attain salvation or ‘Moksha’. Seeing this, Lord Shiva’s eyes were filled with tears which fell on the earth to take the form of Rudraksh seed bearing trees.

As per science, Rudraksh seeds come from the tree called the Elaeocarpus Ganitrus. These trees are blessed with life and remain evergreen throughout the year. These trees are mostly found in the Himalayas in parts of India and Nepal. Some other countries including Indonesia, Myanmar, islands of Java & Sumatra also are home to these trees. 65 to 70 % trees are believed to be found in Indonesia, about 20% trees are in Nepal and only about 5% of these trees are found in India, which comprise of about 35 species of these trees out of about 300 total species that exist.

Rudraksh seeds naturally exist in various forms based on the number of vertical lines or clefts that appear on its surface, and these are called number of ‘Mukhi’. The Rudraksh seed has the same no of compartments inside it as the number of mukhi. For the purpose of classification of the Rudraksh beads, the numbers and appearance of these ‘Mukhi’ are counted, and accordingly, the Rudraksh with a single line is called ‘Ek Mukhi’, with two lines are called ‘Dwi Mukhi’, with three lines called ‘Tri Mukhi’ and so on. 

Rudraksh beads have a great Astrological significance since these are believed to carry the divine power and energy of the Lord Shiva. Their divine power and astrological importance is based of their types related to the Mukhi and the one which are rare in nature carry the highest Astrological significance, as the numbers of Mukhi of a bead increases, the rarer it becomes. Very Rudhraksh beads with 1 to 14 Mukhi are commonly available, however, beads that are 15 Mukhi and more are rare. It is believed that Rudraksh beads with 1 to 38 mukhi do exist in nature, though are very difficult to be found. A very rare 27 Mukhi Rudhrakh has been found in Nepal, which is considered the rarest one.

Astrological Significance of Rudraksha

Rudraksha, believed to being directly derived from Lord Shiva, has immense spiritual as well as Astrological significance. It is believed to be energy packed source of the divine power of the Lord Shiva himself, and thereby being used as part of powerful Astrological remedies where the native is in need of the blessings of Lord Shiva. Such Astrological remedies have been in use since ancient times and proved to be very precise, beneficial and effective.

Various Types of Rudraksha

Ek Mukhi Rudraksha

Most versatile Rudhraksha is the Ek Mukhi Rudraksha whose ruling deity is Lord Shiva. It is linked with all the planets in Astrology. This Rudraksha is considered effective in curing mental problems like stress or anxiety, and believed to lead the wearer towards Salvation or ‘Moksha’.

Dwi Mukshi Rudraksha

The ‘Ardnareshwar’ form of Lord Shiva is the Dwi Mukshi Rudraksha’s ruling deity, while Moon is its ruling planet. This rudraksha is thought to have a force that strengthens husband-and-wife bonds. This has been recommended by astrologers to mitigate the negative effects of the moon during its dasha. This rudraksha promotes mental well-being and has proved to be helpful and successful in treating emotional instability.

Tri Mukhi Rudraksha

The Tri Mukhi Rudraksha is linked to the ‘Agni’ or Fire, and Mars is its ruling planet. This Rudraksha relates with the past-life dosha and is helpful in overcoming it. This is extremely helpful in warding off the negative impacts of Mars during its dasha. It has been discovered that the Tri Mukhi Rudraksha is helpful in treating several conditions relating to the skin, blood pressure, and the liver.

Chaar Mukhi Rudraksha

Brahspati is the ruling deity for this Rudhraksha, hence it is said to be extremely holy. Jupiter is this Rudraksha’s governing planet. This Rudhraksha bestows a wealth of knowledge upon the user. It strengthens and stabilises the mind while also enhancing mental perception. It is also considered to be beneficial for enhancing verbal and written expressiveness.

Panch Mukhi Rudraksha

Jupiter is the Panch Mukhi Rudraksha’s governing planet, and it is connected to Lord Shiva’s Rudra form. This has been found to be quite helpful in defending against Jupiter’s negative effects during its dasha. It is an extremely effective mental stimulant that increases one’s memory and intelligence.

Cheh Mukhi Rudraksha

The ruling deity of this Rudraksha is Kartikeya, the older brother of Lord Ganesha and the son of Lord Shiva. This Rudraksha’s governing planet is Venus. This Rudraksha is highly effective in warding off the negative effects of Venus during its dasha. This bestows good luck to the bearer in the form of financial benefits and gains in real estate. It bestows inner fortitude, willpower, and self-assurance on the wearer.

Sapta Mukhi Rudraksha

The Sapta Mukhi Rudraksha is associated with riches, and Goddess Laxmi is its ruling goddess. This Rudraksha is meant to shield the user from the negative influences of Venus because Venus is its governing planet. It grants the wearer great wealth gains, financial success, and fame. It is also employed to promote general well-being.

Ashta Mukhi Rudraksha

Lord Ganesha is the ruling deity of the Ashta Mukhi Rudraksha. This Rudraksha’s governing planet is Ketu, the ominous planet. The purpose of this Rudraksha is to shield the user from all obstacles in life and aid in conquering them. This bestows riches, money, and good health on the wearer.

Nau Mukhi Rudraksha

The goddess Durga is this Rudraksha’s ruling deity, while Rahu, the shadow planet, is its ruling planet. This Rudraksha is extremely potent and aids the wearer in finding redemption or Moksha in life. It grants the user great strength and vitality, enabling them to succeed in life and feel competitive.

Dus Mukhi Rudraksha

The protector and preserver of life, Lord Vishnu, is the presiding deity of the Dus Mukhi Rudraksha. This Rudraksha is regarded as a highly strong Rudraksha since it is regulated by every planet. It assists in shielding the person from the negative impacts of every planet. This shields the user from any losses and has been proved to be particularly helpful in obtaining favourable rulings in court cases. 

Gyarah Mukhi Rudraksha

Lord Hanuman is the presiding deity of the Gyarah Mukhi Rudraksha. The user of this powerful Rudraksha benefits from having good control over their senses. This may be used to shield oneself from danger and to ward against the negative impacts of all the planets. It aids in conquering daily obstacles and provides the wearer a smooth existence.

Barah Mukhi Rudraksha

Sun is the ruling god of this Rudraksha. This Rudraksha gives the wearer great leadership abilities and authority. It also gives the wearer vitality and increases his self-confidence.

Terah Mukhi Rudraksha

This Rudraksha’s presiding deity is Kamdev, the Love God, and Venus is its ruling planet. The wearer of this rudraksha is blessed with great success in daily tasks. It strengthens bonds between family members, especially those with the spouse, and promotes peace, love, and harmony in the home.

Chaudah Mukhi Rudraksha

Lord Hanuman Ji is the Chauda Mukhi Rudraksha’s presiding deity, while Mars or Mangal is the ruling planet. This Rudraksha is extremely helpful during the Mangal dasha and guards the user from its negative consequences. It bestows great inner power, bravery, and fearlessness upon the wearer. It has been considered effective for strengthening your resolve and commitment to take on obstacles in life.

Pandra Mukhi Rudraksha

Lord Pashupatinath is this Rudraksha’s ruling god, and Mercury is its governing planet. It makes the wearer’s heart and intellect pure and bestows spiritual blessings. It creates steadiness in a person’s life and promotes satisfaction. The wearer quits chasing the worldly pleasures because he feels fulfilled.

Solah Mukhi Rudraksha

Lord Shiva in the form of Mahamrityunjay is the ruling deity of this Rudraksha, while the Moon is its ruling planet. It is said that wearing this Rudraksha is comparable to reciting the Mahamrityunjay Mantra 1,25 lakh times every day. This Rudraksha, which has been blessed by Lord Shiva, guards the user against any potentially dangerous evil energies. The dread of dying is the largest worry that may befall anyone, and this Rudraksha provides comfort from this anxiety. It also makes the wearer courageous and brave.

Satrah Mukhi Rudraksha

The goddess Katyayani, one of the incarnations of goddess Durga, is the patron deity of this Rudraksha. This Rudraksha’s governing planet is Shani or Saturn. This potent Rudraksha bestows wealth and success upon the wearer. It bestows the user with unexpected increases in riches, enhances income and is in charge of bringing a variety of worldly delights.

Atharah Mukhi Rudraksha

The Atharah Mukhi Rudraksha is extremely uncommon and typically difficult to locate. Goddess Bhumi, commonly known as the Earth, is this Rudraksha’s presiding deity, and the Earth is also this Rudraksha’s ruling planet. This rudraksha transforms the wearer into a very submissive and modest spirit while also bestowing enormous wealth, primarily in the form of land, and abundant good fortune.

Unnees Mukhi Rudraksha

Lord Narayana is the governing god and Mercury is the governing planet of this Rudraksha. The user of this rare rudraksha is shielded from the negative influences of the planet Mercury during its dasha. It grants the user a happy, easy life and the power to triumph over obstacles or foes.

Bees Mukhi Rudraksha

The Bees Mukhi Rudraksha is extremely rare, and Lord Brahma is its governing god. The wearer of this Rudraksha is shielded from the negative effects of all the planets and is connected to all of them. It increases one’s knowledge and learnings, sharpens one’s abilities, and inspires great innovation in one’s profession. For those in administrative roles, it is quite helpful and brings them success.

Ekees Mukhi Rudraksha

This is an extremely rare Rudraksha, and Lord Kuber, the Wealth God, is its presiding deity. Venus is the rudraksha’s ruling planet. The wearing of this rudraksha is said to be bring enormous fortune, become wealthy, and get all materialistic pleasures and luxury, among other things. The individual feels quite stable and happy in life.  

Trijuti Rudraksha

The Rudraksha known as the Trijuti is composed of three Rudraksha beads that are found together on the tree itself. Given its extreme rarity, this bead commands a high price. It is thought to unite the trinity of Lords—Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh—into a single bead, making it extremely powerful and sacred. This Rudraksha unites the wearer to the trinity of Lords, bestowing upon them the vast beneficial energies of all the deities, immense gains, prosperity, and success in life, as well as a very joyful and easy existence. Every planet serves as its governing planet.

Gauri Shankar Rudraksha

Another rare Rudraksha variant shows the union of Lord Shiva as the male portion and Goddess Parvati or the Shakti as the feminine part by fusing two Rudraksha beads naturally. Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are this Rudraksha’s presiding deities, while the Moon is its ruling planet. The user of this extremely potent rudraksha is shielded from all bad and negative energy.  This is highly helpful in enhancing the couple’s relationship.

Ganesha Rudraksh

This Rudraksha is essentially a Chah (six) Mukhi with an uncommon protrusion on one of its sides giving it the look of Lord Ganesha’s trunk. It is thought to be extremely potent in eradicating all obstacles that one could experience in life and fostering development and success. Lord Ganesha is the rudraksha’s governing god, while Rahu, the ominous planet, is its governing planet. This Rudraksha bestows upon the user the ability to speak effectively and to express oneself artistically.

Rudraksha Mala or Nakshatra Mala

The Nakshatra Mala is a necklace that has one Rudraksha of each size, ranging from one mukhi to twenty-seven mukhi. This Rudraksha necklace is thought to be extremely powerful and energetic to shield the user from all the negative effects of any planets and promote a peaceful and contented existence. When it contains all of the high-quality, pure Rudraksha seeds, it is thought to even cost up to Rs 40 Crores since it includes some extremely rare Rudraksha as part of the combo.

Religious Significance of Rudraksh

Rudraksh is regarded as extremely lucky and sacred because of its intimate and profound connection to the Lord Shiva. Given that it is said to be endowed with tremendous divine power and has a major spiritual and religious significance, wearing it in whatever form is subject to a strict set of rules. Rudraksh can be worn without astrological restrictions, but due to the energy and spirituality it carries, it should only be done so with an astrologer’s consultation. It is believed that wearing a Rudraksh will help the user find redemption and will provide them blessings from Lord Shiva, who will also purify them of all sins by fending off evil spirits.

Regulations to be followed by the wearer of Rudraksh

The wearer of a rudraksh must abide by particular rules and regulations since it is a highly precious and divine object. Following must be adhered to while wearing Rudraksha :-

•       It must only be worn during the day or while engaging in your daily activities; at night, it must be stored in your home’s “puja sthan,” a sacred location.
•  The Rudraksha wearer must be extremely pure from the inside out, hence they must live a “satvik” lifestyle and abstain from alcohol intake and non-vegetarian foods.
•       Wearer must refrain from sexual activity when wearing a rudraksh.
•     Wearer must always be honest with everyone, including himself, and must never engage in any criminal activity.
• The Rudraksha should be removed for the course of the menstrual cycle and then put back on.    This is especially important for female wearers.
•  Since the Rudraksha is strongly associated with Lord Shiva, it is seen to be highly clean and sacred.
•  It must be energised before wearing it by reciting the beej mantra of the relevant Rudraksha the Lord Shiva mantra, “Om Namah Shivay.” 

Conclusion

The Rudraksha is a very potent and revered gift that Lord Shiva bestows upon his devotees. Wearing a Rudraksha is thought to release one from the sins and wrongdoings they may have committed in both this life and previous lives. It is a way of life that the wearer is expected to adhere to strict rules. The 21 Mukhi Rudraksha, which may cost up to Rs 50 Lakh depending on its rarity and purity, is one of the most expensive and difficult to obtain rudrakshas. Rudraksha of Indonesian and Nepalese origin is said to be of excellent grade and hence more expensive.