Rudraksha - Part 1
Legend behind Rudraksha
“Rudraksha” the Sanskrit word means the “eyes of Shiva” . The legend of the birth of Rudraksha tree is from Rudrajabalopanishad ( Rudra Jabalopanishad is a minor upanishad included in the Sama-Veda. In this upanishad Lord Kalagnirudra expounds the nature, variety and significance of Rudraksha ). As per the book , when Rudra ( Shiva ) opened his eyes after thousands of years of meditation, he saw the sufferings of earthlings and tears came to his eyes out of compassion. These tears fell to earth giving rise to Rudraksha tree.
For thousands of years Rudraksha beads have been worn by mankind for good health, religious attainment through Japa ( Prayers) and Shakti (power) and for fearless life.
About the Rudraksha Tree
Rudraksha trees are found in India, Nepal , Indonesia and Malasia. Rudraksha is the seed of the Rudraksha tree. It takes around 18 years to grow to its full size. It is mentioned in the Shiva Puran that one should plant a rudraksha tree in the northern direction as Rudra lives in the North or in the Himalayas.
Rudraksha is a large evergreen broad-leaved tree which grow to a height of about 50-200 feet. The stem of Rudraksha tree is cylindrical with a dirty white and coarse textured bark. Naturally top of the leafy of a Rudraksha tree obtains a pyramidal shape and is shinning green on the upper side with an uninteresting fibrous dorsal side. 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, and belongs to Eliocorpus Genetic type of herb. More than 95 percentage of Rudrakshas available are 5 Mukhi’s ( Panch Mukhi)
Making of Rudraksha
The seed of the Rudraksha tree are sun cured and the outer skin removed , before boiling the seed in water mixed with sodium bicarbonate to remove the pulp around the seed. After cleaning the seed they are further cured by soaking in almond oil mixed with musk. Finally the beads are roasted in the smoke of a sacred fire in which different sacred woods have been consumed. Afterwards ghee is used to harden the beads and the black ash from the fire may be rubbed into the seeds.
The positive effects of wearing Rudrakshas
It is scientifically proven that Rudrakshas have Electrical and Magnetic properties, which will effect our nervous system in a positive way. Ancient Hindu literature confers anti ageing properties and healing powers to Rudraksha. Because of this reason , in India Kings, Sages and affluent persons used to wear Rudraksha from time immemorial. According to the Ayurvedic medical system, wearing Rudraksha can have a positive effect on the heart and nerves, and relieve you from stress, anxiety, depression, palpitations and lack of concentration. It is also known for its anti ageing effect, and electromagnetic and inductive properties. People with high blood pressure have been found have benefited from the use of Rudraksha seeds.
The number of rudraksha beads worn is variable. According to the scriptures, the benefits attained by wearing 1100 beads cannot be described in thousands of years. 'Let those who have faith wear 3 beads in the top knot, 6 in each ear, 12 round each wrist, 36 over the crown of the head, 32 or 27 tightly around the neck, and 108 as a garland. They will surely attain Rudrahood', says the Rudrojabalopanishad.
Rules for wearing Rudrakshas
According to 'Yoga Sara', spiritual attributes and powers corresponding to the gods abide in the beads according to the number of faces or mukhis. This determines the suitable mantras to be recited upon the mala and the particular value of the mala for the wearer.
Rudrakshas must be worn only after purifying physically and mentally after chanting the Mantras. There are different Manthras depending upon which Mukhi you are wearing. It should be worn on auspicious days , Monday or Thursday.
After wearing Rudraksha Manthra and the Origin Manthra to be chanted daily 9 times in the morning while wearing. Rudraksha should be removed when you go to sleep and should be kept at the puja place.
One has to take bath before wearing the Rudraksha in the morning. The wearer of the Rudraksha should not eat Non vegetarian food or Alcohol.
One should not wear Rudraksh while attending funerals or while going to cremation grounds.
One should not wear Rudraksha while visiting a new born baby.
One should not wear Rudraksha during sex or during their menstrual cycle.
One has to treat Rudraksha with respect.
What cares to take when you buy a rudraksha
There should not be any cracks near the central hole. Ensure that the Mukhi is well defined and have well defined and natural corns and contours.
A real Rudraksha bead will never float on water.
Even if you boil a real Rudraksha in water for 6 hours, there would no effect on the bead
Next Part 2
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