Rudraksha

Rudraksha - The Eye of Shiva

Rudraksha is a large evergreen broad-leaved tree whose seed is traditionally used for prayer beads in Hinduism.

Scientific name: Elaeocarpus ganitrus

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 Rudrakasha tree is botanically known as ELAEOCARPUS GANITRUS ROXB. Its English name is UTRASUM BEAD TREE.

Rudraksha trees are mostly found in South Eastern Asian Islands of Java, Sumatra, Borneo, Bali, Iran, Java, Timor (Indonesia) and parts of South Asian Kingdom of Nepal. Around 70% of the Rudraksha trees are found in Indonesia, 25% in Nepal and 5% in India. Considered a major stress reliever, reducing circulatory problems and of course as the best beads, the berry (Elaeocarpus Ganitrus) was first spotted in Indonesia and is now grown in Nepal and Hardwar. However, because it is expensive, clinical research of its medicinal properties has not been possible, often resulting in the berry being subjected to esoteric mumbo jumbo.There are clefts called MUKHIS on the surface of the beads. The number of mukhis on the surface of a Rudrakasha bead helps in determining its quality. According to the number of mukhis the rudrakasha 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 is often believed to symbolize the link between earth and heaven, and though Hindu scriptures like the updated Jabal Rudrakasha Upanishad have made the berries their own, modern scholars and gurus have described them as being of no particular religion or rather non religious and have pointed out that they can be used as a mala, rosary or tasbih (sibah).
   
           Though mired in obscurity so far, the Rudraksha is slowly but surely making its way into the lives of the health conscious human beings. Whether it proves to be a panacea remains to be seen.

Among the 38 varieties mentioned out of which 21 are most conspicuous the rarest is the one faceted or one - mouthed (the one with a single cleft) Rudrasksha. While the two - mouthed ones are supposed to have magical, mystic & Hypnotic powers - The powers of being able to influence others, the three mouth ones are said to bring good luck. Wear the four - mouthed one and be an object of desire for the opposite sex. But one more cleft and you will achieve salvation! The six faceted brings success in business and an absolution of most sins; the seven faceted makes one immune to attack by any weapon. Wear the eight faceted and try your luck of the draw for it is supposed to bring good fortune in ventures of chance - improving powers of speculation. Want to be the wittiest person around? Wear the 8 faceted – it will subdue your enemies in any war of words - enhanced and powerful communication skills. Wear it if you are a lawyer for it will win you court battles. Spare yourself (and your husband if you happen to be a married woman) from the evils of the world by wearing the ten - faceted. It will safeguard your security and that of your partners the list is endless. Rudrakshas are available in different colors white, red yellow and black. Wearing it is considered to be auspicious during lunar and solar eclipses, or on full or new moon days. 

Though mired in obscurity so far, the Rudraksha is slowly but surely making its way into the lives of the health conscious – health of the body, mind and spirit. Whether it proves to be a panacea remains to be seen.....