Prof (Dr) Vikas Sharma, Komal Sudan
Rudraksha has originated from the tears of Lord Shiva after he opened his eyes after thousands of years of deep meditation, has a prominent position in Indian tradition, spirituality and verses of Ayurveda. Rudraksha depicts general welfare, peace of mind, good health, money, love, luck and spiritual enlightenment. Rudraksha are used for japa to count the number of mantras and people also use the beads to protect themselves from negative energies and achieve inner peace. Rudraksha has cardiovascular benefits and relieves stress, anxiety.
Rudraksha is a seed which has originated from the fruit of the tree Elaeocarpus ganitrus as the blue-colored fruits of these evergreen trees, which grow at an altitude of 500 to 2000 m, in Himalayan areas, Indonesia, Nepal and yield seeds that are used to make Rudraksha beads, which are associated with Hinduism and are now becoming popular in new age wellness. The word “Rudraksha” is derived from two sanskrit words: “Rudra” refers to Lord Shiva and “Aksha” reflects tears, also known as ‘the tears of Lord Shiva’ as according to Hindu mythology, Rudraksha is originated from the tears of Lord Shiva after he opened his eyes after thousands of years of deep meditation and as per historical texts, the Shiva Purana, Padma Purana, Devi Bhagavata Purana, the usage of these beads has requisite religious as well as medicinal values. Other traditional uses of rudraksha beads include the use of prayer beads by sages and spiritual performers for increased focus and meditation. It is thought they possess some sort of spiritual power and are used in the process of tuning oneself into the higher realms. People also use the beads to protect themselves from negative energies and achieve positive energies or inner peace.
Types of Rudraksha: Rudraksha beads are distinguished by the number of natural openings, also known as “mukhis” on the face of the bead. The number of mukhis ranges from one to twenty one, with each type having its own unique significance:
One Mukhi Rudraksha: They symbolize Lord Shiva and are considered the ultimate consciousness. They are rare and used to bring spiritual enlightenment and detachment.
Five Mukhi Rudraksha: Most common and represents Lord Kalagni. It fosters general welfare, peace of mind and good health.
The Seven Mukhi Rudraksha: It is closely associated with money and luck and is often paired with Goddess Lakshmi.
Gauri Shankar Rudraksha: Developed naturally when two beads are combined. It depicts love and is worn by couples.
Scientific / Medicinal Properties: The medicinal and scientific characteristics of a Rudraksha bead are extraordinary and the findings have been supported by current science. The beads are made of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen and the surface has electromagnetic characteristics. These properties affect the body’s flow of electrical energy, thus producing several therapeutic effects.
Cardiovascular benefits: Rudraksha beads help to fix the afflictions of the heart and also cure diseases related to blood circulation. It is believed that when one puts on these beads, he or she is eased of hypertension and his or her mind is eased.
Stress and anxiety relief: This beautiful creation is also known to be a stress-relieving aid. It aids in controlling cortisol and stabilizes the nerve and offers a calm and clear mind.
Spiritual benefits: In terms of physical health, Rudraksha is a powerful way of improving one’s health with other added benefits of spirituality. Some of the uses include intensifying meditative states, reducing the effects of past karmic activities and cleansing the body’s atmosphere. Yogic systems acknowledge the use of the bead to balance the chakras and maintain proper energy flow.Rudraksha are also used in mantra japa with the mala – a string of either 108 beads, used to count the number of mantras that have to be chanted. Mantras chanted with Rudraksha mala are considered to produce certain energetics that can enhance the efficacy of the mantra and enhance spiritual work.
Selection / Care: Choosing the right Rudraksha bead involves considering the number of mukhis and understanding its specific properties. Since fake Rudraksha beads are readily available in any market today, reliability is crucial. Original beads are lightweight and have a coarse surface; besides, they give out good energy.To keep them pure and functional, Rudraksha beads need to be washed with clean water with some ghee or sandalwood oil. It should be stored in a proper place and handled with a lot of respect.
Modern populations from various cultures have embraced Rudraksha beads as pendants or ornaments around their necks, wrists or fingers, citing their purported benefits. Research into Rudraksha’s scientific properties continues to grow, bridging the gap between ancient wisdom and modern science, e.g., bioelectromagnetic studies suggest that Rudraksha can influence neural activity, potentially offering therapeutic applications in mental health.
Challenges / Conservation: Despite their extensive use, Rudraksha trees are at risk from deforestation and overharvesting. Ensuring the long-term cultivation of Rudraksha trees is critical to preserve this natural resource for future generations. Organisations and individuals are currently working to plant more Rudraksha trees and raise awareness about their ecological and spiritual significance.
Rudraksha is not just a bead; it represents heavenly energy, healing and harmony. Given its numerous advantages, Rudraksha serves as a bridge between faith and science, tradition and contemporary culture. Embracing the power of Rudraksha can lead to self-discovery, improved health and spiritual enlightenment. Rudraksha, whether worn for religious or health reasons or as a statement of conscious living, continues to inspire and heal people throughout decades and regions.
(The authors are from the Division of Biochemistry, FBSc., SKUAST-Jammu)
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