Rudraksha, scientifically called as Elaeocarpus ganitrus, is derived from Sanskrit word “tears of Lord Shiva” : Rudra =Shiva, aksham =tear of an eye .
Lord Shiva, the lord of re-birth and destruction, is depicted wearing Rudraksha beads in and the merit of Rudraksha were first realized by Shiva and many saints and people from Nepal and India have been wearing a rudraksha for about thousands of years to maintain physical and mental health and as a guidance for their spiritual path to enlighten and liberation.
Types of Rudrakshas
Rudrakshas are worn according to the Mukhi or facets of the Rudraksha. Mukhi are the deep lines found on the surface and these numbers decides the type or Mukhi of Rudraksha. For instance, if a Rudraksha has three such lines it is called 3 Mukhi. Generally the most commonly found mukhis are the 1-21 facets; but according to ancient scriptures, there were 1- 108 mukhis of rudrakshas found in those times, which now are very rare.
Rudraksha conjures positive power in the body, which primarily helps in increasing the focus and helps in strengthening the mind- also fights diseases thereby improving overall health. It helps improve blood circulation and purifies the blood. Rudraksha also helps relieves headache and cough, and according to ancient scriptures it helped against paralysis, and maintains blood pressure, and supports women in their maternity problems.
Rudraksha brings glow on the face, which is due to the calm and stress-free mind that one attains after chanting the mantra or doing japa, which increases spiritual power and self-confidence.
According to scriptures, wearing of Rudraksha, results in the destruction of sins of our previous births.
Rudraksha beads soaked in water overnight, and when drunk early in the morning clears many internal diseases and offers better protection against diseases and infections.
Rudraksha can also be used for acupressure therapies by massaging the bead on the tired, painful parts of body.
Drinking milk boiled with a 15 faced Rudraksha helps clean thoughts of lust, greed, stress and attachment.
There are numerous powers of rudraksha which are still a mystery due to lack of research activities and literature available.
By: Archa Dave
