The stones are associated with the Hindu deity Shiva and are commonly worn for protection and for chanting mantras such as Om Namah Shivaya (Sanskrit: ॐ नमः शिवाय; Om Namaḥ Śivāya). They are primarily sourced from India, Indonesia, and Nepal for jewellery and malas (garlands) and valued similarly to semi-precious stones.[1]Rudraksha can have up to twenty one "faces" (Sanskrit: मुख, romanized: mukha, lit.'face') or locules – naturally ingrained longitudinal lines which divide the stone into segments. Each face represents a particular deity.[3][4]
Etymology
Rudraksha is a Sanskrit compound word consisting of "Rudra"(Sanskrit: रुद्र) referring to Shiva and "akṣa"(Sanskrit: अक्ष) meaning "eye".[5][a][6] Sanskrit dictionaries translate akṣa (Sanskrit: अक्ष) as eyes,[7] as do many prominent Hindus such as Sivaya Subramuniyaswami and Kamal Narayan Seetha; accordingly, rudraksha may be interpreted as meaning "Eye of Rudra".[8][page needed][9]
These tree species typically found at higher altitudes, primarily in the Himalayan region, has become scarce in India due to its previous use in making railway sleepers. The finest quality seeds originate from specific altitudes in the Himalayas, where the soil, atmosphere, and environmental factors contribute to their unique vibration.[11]
Elaeocarpus ganitrus trees grow to 60–80 ft (18–24 m). They are evergreen trees which grow quickly, and as they mature their roots form buttresses, rising up near the trunk and radiating out along the surface of the ground.[12]
Fruit
Ripe rudraksha fruits displaying their typical blue colour
The rudraksha tree starts bearing drupes (fruit) in three to four years from germination. It yields between 1,000 and 2,000 fruits annually. These fruits are commonly called "rudraksha fruit", but are also known as amritaphala (fruits of ambrosia).[citation needed]
The pyrena of the fruit, commonly called the "pit" or "stone", is typically divided into multiple segments by seed-bearing locules. When the fruit is fully ripe, the stones are covered with a blue outer fleshy husk of inedible fruit. The blue colour is not derived from a pigment but is due to structural colouration.[13]Rudraksha beads are sometimes called "blueberry beads" in reference to the blue colour of the fruit.
5-faced (panchmukhi) rudraksha stone with the lines delineating its faces labelled[17]
Rudraksha beads are described as having a number of facets or "faces" (Mukhi) which are separated by a line or cleft along the bead. Typically, these beads possess between 1 and 21 faces, although instances of Rudraksha with up to 26–27 faces have been reported, albeit rarely. Those with a single face (ek Mukhi) are the rarest.[3][18] A Rudraskha with eleven faces is worn by renunciants, those who are married wear a two-faced bead and a five-faced bead is representative of Hanuman.[19]Similarly different faces (mukhis) or Rudraksha are related with different deities and planets astrologically such as 2 Mukhi accociated with Moon, 3 Mukhi with Mars, 4 mukhi with Mercury, 5 Mukhi with Jupiter, 7 Mukhi with Saturn and so on. [20]Rudrakshas from Nepal are between 20 and 35 mm (0.79 and 1.38 in) and those from Indonesia are between 5 and 25 mm (0.20 and 0.98 in). Rudraksha beads are most often brown, although white, red, yellow, or black bead may also be found.[citation needed]
Many types of stone are described. Gauri Shankar are two beads which are naturally conjoined. One Mukhi Sawar are Gauri Shankar in which one of the conjoined beads has just one face. Ganesha are beads which have a trunk-like protrusion on their bodies. Trijuti are three beads which are naturally conjoined. Other rare types include veda (4 conjoined sawars) and dwaita (2 conjoined sawars).[21]
Uses
Religious uses in Indian-origin religions
Rudraksha is sacred to and popularly worn by devotees of Shiva.[3]
A 108+1 rudraksha mala constructed with 5-faced stones[22]
Rudraksha beads may be strung together as beads on a garland (mala) which can be worn around the neck. The beads are commonly strung on silk, or on a black or red cotton thread. Less often, jewellers use copper, silver or gold wires. The rudraksha beads may be damaged if strung too tightly. The Devi-Bhagavata Purana describes the preparation of rudraksha garlands.[23]
Hindus often use rudraksha garlands aids to prayer and meditation, and to sanctify the mind, body, and soul, much as Christians use prayer beads and rosaries to count repetitions of prayer.[24][additional citation(s) needed] There is a long tradition of wearing 108 rudraksha beads in India, particularly within Shaivism, due to their association with Shiva, who wears rudraksha garlands. Most garlands contain 108 beads plus one because as 108 is considered sacred and a suitable number of times to recite a short mantra. The extra bead, which is called the "meru", bindu, or "guru bead", helps mark the beginning and end of a cycle of 108 and has symbolic value as a 'principle' bead. Rudraksha garlands usually contain beads in combinations 27+1, 54+1, or 108+1. The mantra Om Namah Shivaya, associated with Shiva, is often chosen for repetitions (japa) using rudraksha beads.[25]
Maintenance
Condition a new Rudraksha
Begin by immersing the beads in ghee (clarified butter) for 24 hours, followed by soaking them in full-fat milk for an additional 24 hours. Rinse the beads with water and gently wipe them dry with a clean cloth. Avoid using soap or any other cleaning materials. It's normal for the color of the Rudraksha to slightly change during this process, as these are natural beads. Additionally, some color from the thread may come off during conditioning, which is also normal. It's recommended to condition the beads every six months, following the same procedure.[26]
Several late-medieval Upanishads describe the construction, wearing, and use rudrakshagarlands as well as their mythological origin as the tears of Rudra.
Sage Guha replied: (It is made of any one of the following 10 materials) Coral, Pearl, Crystal, Conch, Silver, Gold, Sandal, Putra-Jivika, Lotus, or Rudraksha. Each head must be devoted and thought of as presided over by the deities of Akara to Kshakara. Golden thread should bind the beads through the holes. On its right silver (caps) and left copper. The face of a bead should face, the face of another head and tail, the tail. Thus a circular formation must be made.[28]
Sage Sanatkumara approached Lord Kalagni Rudra and asked him, "Lord, kindly explain to me the method of wearing Rudraksha." What he told him was, "Rudraksha became famous by that name because initially, it was produced from the eyes of Rudra. During the time of destruction and after the act of destruction, when Rudra closed his eye of destruction, Rudraksha was produced from that eye. That is the Rudraksha property of Rudraksha. Just by touching and wearing this Rudraksha, one gets the same effect of giving in charity one thousand cows."[30]
After prostrating himself before the celebrated form of Sri Mahadeva-Rudra in his heart, adoring the sacred Bhasma and Rudraksha and mentally reciting the great Mahavakya-Mantra, Tarasara, Sage Shuka asked his father Geat Sage Vyasa.[34]
Sage Bhusunda questioned Lord Kalagni-Rudra: What is the beginning of Rudraksha beads? What is the benefit of wearing them on the body? Lord Kalagni-Rudra answered him thus: I closed my eyes for the sake of destroying the Tripurasura. From my eyes thus closed, drops of water fell on the earth. These drops of tears turned into Rudrakshas. By the mere utterance of the name of 'Rudraksha', one acquires the benefit of giving ten cows in charity. By seeing and touching it, one attains double that benefit. I am unable to praise it anymore.[36]
Like the Upanishads, the Tirumurai describes the wearing of rudraksha garlands and their use as prayer beads for chanting mantras. Accordingly, the Tirumurai identifies wearing a pair of rudraksha garlands as a sign of piety.
They who walk the twin paths of charya and kriya ever praise the twin feet of the Lord. They wear holy emblems—the twin rings in earlobes, the twin rudraksha garland around the neck—and adopt the twin mudras, all in amiable constancy.
Thinking of Him, great love welling up in their heart, if they finger the rudraksha beads, it will bring them the glory of the Gods. Chant our naked Lord's name. Say, "Namah Shivaya!"
Rudraksha is primarily cultivated in the foothills of the Himalayas, mainly in Nepal and India.[40] The most popular varieties of rudraksha are found in the regions of Kathmandu, around Arun Valley Region in Nepal and Kulu, and Rameshwaram in India. There are several naturally occurring trees of rudrakshas in the alpine forests of Dhauladhar and lower Shivalik ranges of the Himalayas.[citation needed]
^Stutley (1985), p. 119:"'Rudra-eyed'. Name of the dark berries of Elaeocarpus ganitrus, used to make Śaiva rosaries (mālā), or necklaces. The berries have five divisions symbolising Śiva's five faces (pañcānana)."
^Stutley, M. (1985). The Illustrated Dictionary of Hindu Iconography. New Delhi, India: Munshiram Manoharlal Publishers. pp. 98, 119. ISBN978-81-215-1087-5.
^Seetha, Kamal Narayan (2005). Power of rudraksha. India. pp. 15, 20 and 21. ISBN9788179929810.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
^For the five-division type as signifying Shiva's five faces and terminology pañcānana, see: Stutley, p. 119.
^Seetha, Kamal Narayan (2008). Power of Rudraksha (4th ed.). Mumbai, India: Jaico Publishing House. pp. 64–65. ISBN978-81-7992-844-8.
^Laatsch, M. (2010). Rudraksha. Die Perlen der shivaitischen Gebetsschnur in altertümlichen und modernen Quellen. Munich: Akademische Verlagsgemeinschaft München. ISBN978-3-89975-411-7.
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