STARSORB: Rudraksha

Introduction

Rudraksha word is related to Hindu Religion. Rudraksha tree and seed both are called Rudraksha. In Sanskrit Rudraksham means Rudraksha fruit as well as Rudraksha tree.

One who removes darkness or ignorance Rudraksha meaning-the eye of Rudra [Shiva] is considered to be the most potent manifestation of the Cosmic Force. Hence Rudraksha is the object of veneration and also the source to reach the higher self. Rudraksha is often believed to symbolize the link between the earth and the heaven. These beads are the seeds of the Rudraksha fruit obtained from Rudraksha trees. The Rudraksha tree is botanically known as ELAEOCARPUS GANITRUS ROXB. Its English name is UTRASUM BEAD TREE.

From ancient times, the power of Holy Rudraksha beads have been scripted in various religious texts like ShivmahaPurana, Shreemaddevibhagwat, Padma Purana, ling Purana etc.

For thousands of years Rudraksha beads have been worn by mankind for good health, religious attainment through Japa and Shakti (power) and for fearless life. Saints and sages roaming in forests have lived healthy, fearless and a full life by wearing Rudraksha and its Mala. There is no saint, God incarnation, who can be identified without these vibrant Rudraksha beads or Mala. Since ages Rudraksha have been tested and worn by Yogis and Saints and they found these beads to be very useful for excellent health and spiritual attainments. The power of Rudraksha is felt quickly and effectively by the persons who are devoted to religion, have strong belief in God and surrender to complete Vedic life style. Others who are Gurumukhi (blessed by Spiritual master) feel the Rudraksha effects very quickly and effectively. The common mass can get best results if they tend to adopt the Vedic life style and do regular Japa Practices.

Rudraksha, which is a divine form of Lord Shiva, has enormous hidden power and can be invoked by Yogic Practices and Mantra power. This Rudraksha is closest to Shiva's heart. It is extremely sacred. It is said that by the virtue, touch and worshipping of Rudraksha brings about destruction of all evils.

Rudraksha is a fruit, which is covered with pulp and a thin outer skin. The skin is green in color like banana skin. But when plucked from the tree and allowed to remain, as it is, the colors of the skin become blackish blue. The diameter of the seed is up to 1 inch (2.54 cm) and is nearly round in shape. There are clefts called Mukhi on the surface of the beads. The number of Mukhi on the surface of a Rudraksha beads helps in determining its quality. According to the number of Mukhi the Rudraksha bead ranges from single face to a several faced bead. Asians have used Rudraksha beads traditionally. Asian Yogis and Monks found that merely wearing the Rudraksha beads gave them astonishingly tremendous amount of tranquility, concentration that helped them meditate for a long period of time with spectacular control over their mind.

Rudraksha as per Ayurveda strengthens the body constitutions. It removes the blood impurities, bacteria inside as well as outside human body. Rudraksha cure headache, cough, paralysis, blood pressure, heart disease and maternity problems. Rudraksha invokes a power in the body which fights against all disease, so it improves overall health. Rudraksha rosary is used for Japa which increases spiritual power and confidence to move successfully in all directions of life. Therefore Rudraksha seed are found useful both for health and spiritual attainments.

Legends
Rudraksha subsist by the tear of lord Siva. According to the religious text Devi Bhagwat Puran there was a Demon known as Maya who was very strong and had divine energy and power. Due to these qualities he became proud and started to trouble deities and sages. No one was able to defeat this strong demon in war. He built three towns of three different metals. Towns were built by gold, silver and iron. These towns were non-destroyable and known as Tripur. After ruling these towns by him and his two brothers he was known as Tripurasur. He started crusade against gods and easily own battle against god's king Indra. He looted angles, power and treasure of god and ruled Eden. Being helpless and powerless Indra and other gods went to beg help from Bramha. Lord Bramha gave advice to them that he could not beat Tripurasur and went to beg help from Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu also told them that he also cannot beat Tripurasur and suggested them to beg help from god's god Shiva. All gods including Bramha Vishnu went to beg help from lord Shiva to destroy Tripurasur and his non-destroyable towns.
Bramha, Vishnu and all gods started to state their grief to lord Shiva and prayed to ruin Tripurasur and his towns. Shiva as always ready to help his devotees reveal all gods that he will ruin Tripurasur. He ordered to build a special chariot to executed demon Tripurasur. Chariot was made of earth; wheel was made of sun and moon, Lord Vishnu himself became arrow of Shiva's arch and the lord Bramha drove chariot.
After the completion of the chariot Lord Shiva lead with Bramha, Vishnu, Indra and all gods to battle and destroy Tripur. He reached the place where he can destroy Tripur by one arrow. In that time Shiva took Rudra (anger) pose. When he was ready to burst the arrow all gods became so happy and start to pray. Lord Shiva execute arrow and ruin Tripur and demolish all devil.
After the demolition of Tripur lord Shiva, Bramha, Vishnu, Indra and other gods went to Himalayas to get rest. Lord Shiva closed his eyes and meditated for some time. When he opened his lotus shaped eyes tears fell from them on the earth. Those tears decent over Sitsail hill. Sometime after those tears became rudraksha trees. The fruits that grow on this tree are known as Rudraksha Beads.

Identify Rudraksha
Are there any definitve Tests...?
Unfortunately, no. There are no definitive tests to test the authenticity of a Rudraksha except the discerning eye of an expert. When looking at the bead carefully, you'll find various deep dug lines separating the various faces of the Rudraksha bead. Ironically, humans have known to use their 'extreme skill' and try to 'carve' lines into the Rudraksha or 'wipe' them off, in order to change the faces or 'Mukhis' of the bead... i.e. 'alter' it according to their demands. It is extremely difficult to tell a genuine and a spurious Rudraksha apart, but the discerning eye of an expert can spot these 'manual interventions' and declare whether or not the Rudraksha has been tampered with.

But even within different Rudrakshas, there are some which are far more powerful than others. The criterion of selecting the right bead is not a simple one. It is a definite " Kriya " which the saints used to do to find out powerful Rudraksha and then they use it for Energizing. Experts must examine each bead and find the right ones. Then each bead must be purified thru' ancient rituals and definite kriya which lasts for around 41 days. After purification, one can wear it on a very auspicious day.

Rules to Wear
Someone desire seriously to come out of unwanted habits and live a life of purity can wear Rudraksha's and may find themselves free soon after wearing it . This has happened to many. It may happen to you also, if you will strongly.
Rudraksha power is more than any gems, yantra, tantra, mantra and Jantra.
In general the wearer and the worshipper of Rudraksha is blessed with prosperity, peace and health. Yet there are certain precautions to be taken to avoid the gain of sins. These precautions are such as:-

Rudraksha must be worn after Sidhhi (method of purification & charging with Mantra), performing the prayers and ritual rites for its sanctification and Hawanet etc. It should be worn on auspecious day, Monday or thursday.
Rudraksha Mantra and Rudraksha Origin Mantra is to be chated 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.)
Rudraksha can be worn in the morning after having Bath. It can be worn after reciting the mantra as above and inscence/ ghee lamp etc must be used. It must not be touched before bathing. One should clean his hands properly after using toilet.
The wearer of the Rudraksha should not eat non vegiterian food and should not take alcohol. He should speak truth always and must go to Lord Shiva temple for his blessings.
Rudraksha must not be taken to the cremation grounds and funerals. Also it must not be taken to the place while visiting a new born baby.
NEVER wear the Rudraksha while having sex.
WOMEN must not wear the Rudraksha during their menstrual cycle.
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. If the thread becomes dirty or worn out, change it. After cleaning, wash your Rudraksha with some blessed holy water. This helps maintain its sanctity.
ALWAYS keep the Rudraksha oiled... After regular cleaning, oil the bead and treat it with incense. This is of UTMOST importance. especially when not using the bead for sometime, or storing it for a while.
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 in the palm. He/She feels that this is the one which was wanted.
Rudraksha is hot in nature. Some people just can't wear it. Their skin shows signs of allergy. They can never wear any gold, silver or thread chain. So better not to use. Keeps the beads in Puja room and offer daily Namaskars.

Blessings

Choose an auspicious day and time for blessings.
Blessings may be done by the wearer, his Guru or a priest.
After bath, with a pure mind and body arrange the items for blessings.
Punchgavya - Mix of Cow's dung, urine, milk, ghee and curd. In absence use Punchamrit which is mix of unboiled milk, honey, sugar, ghee and curd.
Water mixed with Ganges water in a achamani pot with Kusha grass for sprinkling and a spoon.
9 leaves of peepal tree arranged on a plate.
Plate for offerings to be placed during Puja.
Dhoop, Incense sticks.
Camphor and lamp.
Sandal paste , Aromatic oil.
Rice grains mixed with asthagandha.
Ghee lamp (one wick).
Offerings - Cloth, Flower, Fruit, Betel nut - Pan, Coconut.
Sit on an Aasan facing east.
Wash Rudraksha with Punchgavya or Punchamrit.
Then wash with water mixed with Ganges water.
Place Rudraksha in a plate with 9 leaves of Peepal tree. Place an empty plate in front of this plate for offerings.

Mukhi Rudraksha

Rudraksha : 1 Mukhi

Ruling God : Shiva

Ruling Planet : Sun

Beeja Mantra : Om Hreem Namah

Major Benefit : The One Mukhi Rudraksha is the symbol of UKAR which is formless, depthless, shadowless, Godhood, Supreme Truth & Attainment of Eternity who has created this entire world. It belongs to Shiv UKAR and keeps the balance of the universe.

Rudraksha : 2 Mukhi

Ruling God : Ardhnareeshwar

Ruling Planet : Moon

Beeja Mantra : Om Namah

Major Benefit : Symbol of ArdhaNareeshwara, a joint image of the Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati (Shakti). Being capable of getting riches and virtuous off springs by wearing two faced Rudraksha.

Rudraksha : 3 Mukhi

Ruling God : Agni

Ruling Planet : Mars

Beeja Mantra : Om Kleem Namah

Major Benefit : Symbol of Three Deva i.e. (Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesha). Best for those who have fallen prey to inferiority complex or fear stricken and suffer from self hatred or mental strain.

Rudraksha : 4 Mukhi

Ruling God : Brahma

Ruling Planet : Mercury

Beeja Mantra : Om Hreem Namah

Major Benefit : Symbol of four Veda. The power of Brahma exists in its whole effectiveness and Divinity. It increases wit and intelligence. In mythology it represents Goddess Saraswati and Brahma.

Rudraksha : 5 Mukhi

Ruling God : Kalaagni Rudra

Ruling Planet : Jupiter

Beeja Mantra : Om Hreem Namah

Major Benefit : Symbol of Five Pandava. It is the form of Rudra named Kaalagni. Controls five elements i.e. Agni (fire), Jal (water), Vaayu (Air), Aakash(sky), Prithvi(Earth) in the body of the wearer therefore kills all diseases in all the weathers.

Rudraksha : 6 Mukhi

Ruling God : Kartikeya

Ruling Planet : Venus

Beeja Mantra : Om Hreem Hum Namah

Major Benefit : Related to Six Darshan. It keeps the anger, jealousy, excitation under control in the body of the wearer. It increases the nutritious elements of the Body resulting in the creation of new cosmic powers (Devi Shakti).

Rudraksha : 7 Mukhi

Ruling God : Mahalaxmi

Ruling Planet : Saturn

Beeja Mantra : Om Hum Namah

Major Benefit : Related to Seven Seas. Symbol of Anang Shiva. It represents Goddess Maha Laxmi. Good health and wealth is blesses to him who wears Seven Faced Rudraksha.

Rudraksha : 8 Mukhi

Ruling God : Ganesh

Ruling Planet : Rahu

Beeja Mantra : Om Hum Namah

Major Benefit : It is like eight mountains and has power of mountains. It is the second form of reflection of the first son of Lord Ganesh and is one who is worshipped prior to other gods.

Rudraksha : 9 Mukhi

Ruling God : Durga

Ruling Planet : Ketu

Beeja Mantra : Om Hreem Hum Namah

Major Benefit : Related to Nau Kuli Naag (Nine Cobra). It is the form of the Goddess Durga (Shakti). It contains the power of Nine Deities. By wearing nine faced Rudraksha the man gets blessings from Durga Shakti, the Supreme Mother.

Rudraksha : 10 Mukhi

Ruling God : Vishnu

Ruling Planet : None

Beeja Mantra : Om Hreem Namah

Major Benefit : It is related to Laxmi Narayana and represents all the ten embodiments of him. It helps the wearer to overcome difficult times and ensures that the wearer and the family of the wearer is protected.

Rudraksha : 11 Mukhi

Ruling God : Hanuman

Ruling Planet : None

Beeja Mantra : Om Hreem Hum Namah

Major Benefit : This Rudraksha belongs to Eleventh Rudra i.e. Lord hanumaan ji and has power of mountains. It destroys thousands of enemies and protects the wearer from all tantric effects.

Rudraksha : 12 Mukhi

Ruling God : Sun

Ruling Planet : Aum Kraum

Beeja Mantra : Sraum Raum Surya Namah

Major Benefit : Belongs to Twelve Panth. It is the Centre of Brilliancy and Luster and Radiance and Strength of 12 forms of the God The Sun SURYA.

Rudraksha : 13 Mukhi

Ruling God : Indra

Ruling Planet : Venus

Beeja Mantra : Om Hreem Namah

Major Benefit : Belongs to Thirteen Ratna (Gems). The wearer of this Rudraksha becomes intelligent, powerful, free from diseases, good spouse, sons and daughter.

Rudraksha : 14 Mukhi

Ruling God : Hanuman

Ruling Planet : Saturn

Beeja Mantra : Om Namah

Major Benefit : Belongs to Fourteen Vidhya (Art or skill). Wearer of this Rudraksha get success in all of his works. It makes the wearer sharp and intelligent.