Rudraksha originated from the tear of Lord Shiva. According to Devi Bhagavata Purana, Maya, an asura, performed severe penance along with Taraka and Vidhyunmali to achieve immortality. Finally, they got a boon that they could be killed only by Shiva’s single arrow when that single arrow burns the three cities they live in.
Maya, who was destined to be the architect of the Demonic race, built three flying cities, each moving with respect to each other in such a manner that they converge in a single line only during a day of Pushya Nakshatra, conjunction which happens once in millions of years. Taraka’s fort was made of iron, Vidhyunmali’s was made of copper and Maya’s was made of gold.
Very soon, the asuras took over the entire Universe. Devas were subdued. Devas prayed to Shiva to fight for them and set them free from the reign of Asuras. Shiva acceded to their prayer and asked them to wait for an opportune moment.
At the end of the stipulated time period, Shiva fashioned his weapons and accessories for war from various cosmic elements. The moment the three aerial cities converged,
Shiva mounted on his chariot and with Brahma as the charioteer, he sped upwards. He took out his bow and hit the converged cities with a single arrow which was none other than Vishnu. The cosmic arrow destroyed the three cities.
One version of the myth maintains that finally when everything was ready for the Tripura invasion, the Devas were proud that only with their help Shiva was capable of destroying the Tripura. But to the astonishment of all, Shiva didn’t use any of the war machinery arranged by the Devas. Shiva laughed and due to that laughter, the three puras (cities) were destroyed. The pride and arrogance of devas who prided that without their help Shiva would not have been able to destroy the Tripuras was proved wrong.
After the demolition of Tripuras, Lord Shiva returned to the Himalayas, and there while he closed his eyes and meditated for some time and opened his eyes, few droplets of tears fell from them on the earth. The earth where the tears fell, later gave rise to Rudraksha trees.
From time immemorial, the power of Holy Rudraksha beads have been scripted in various texts like Shiva-
mahapurana, Shrimad Devibhagavata, Padma Purana, Linga Purana etc.
Rudraksha, which is a divine form of Lord Shiva, has enormous hidden power which can be invoked and put to effect by practices such as Mantra Japa, Dhyana, etc. It is said that the virtue acquired by touching and worshipping Rudraksha brings about the destruction of all evils.
Physical Properties of Rudraksha:
Specific gravity for Rudraksha is above 1.05. This rises up to 1.70 depending upon the dryness of Rudraksha and also the type of Rudraksha bead. If the moisture content is less, the Rudraksha may also float on water.
PH value for Rudraksha is above 4.82. Rudraksha is basically acidic. But, the acidity is also dependent on many other factors. Beads from Unripe fruits are more acidic.
Rudrakshas have Powerful Electromagnetic and Para-magnetic inductive properties. Each variety of Rudraksha beads show different effects. These effects are used for positive results in Neurophysiology and Psychiatry.
Benefits of Rudraksha:
Individuals from every walk of life irrespective of caste, creed, religion, nationality, or gender can use Rudraksha to gain maximum spiritual, physical, and materialistic benefits. Rudraksha as per Ayurveda strengthens the body constitutions. It removes the blood impurities and bacteria inside as well as outside the human body. Rudraksha can cure headaches, coughs, paralysis, blood pressure, heart disease, and maternity problems. Rudraksha invokes a power in the body that fights against all diseases, so it improves overall health. Rudraksha rosary is used for Japa which increases spiritual power and confidence to move successfully in all directions of life. Therefore Rudraksha seeds are found useful both for health and spiritual attainments.
Rules for wearing the Rudraksha:
Rudraksha is not a mere bead of ornamental value, it is a potent life-changer. In general, the wearer and the worshipper of Rudraksha are blessed with prosperity, peace, and health. There are many rules prescribed for consecrating and wearing the Rudraksha.
Rudraksha must be worn after Mala samskara1, i.e., consecrating it with a mula mantra. (Method of purification & charging with Mantra).
⧫ Mala Mantra should be chanted while using it for Japa.
⧫ It is generally advised that Rudraksha should be worn in the morning after having a Bath.
⧫ Rudraksha should be oiled regularly. After regular cleaning, the bead should be oiled and treated with incense.
⧫ Rudraksha can be strung in Cotton or Wollen strands or even in Silver or gold.
1 Mukhi
Presiding Deity: Shiva
Ruling Planet: All
Beeja Mantra2: Om Namah Shivaya
The one Mukhi Rudraksha is ruled by Supreme Lord Himself in his absolute Undivided form. This blesses the wearer with enlightenment and union with the Supreme Consciousness. It destroys all sins and leads one to liberation.
It is only with the grace of Lord Shiva and divine karmas that a person gets to wear this rare bead. The physical benefits of this bead are that it cures migraine and abnormalities of brain dysfunction.
2 Mukhi
Presiding Deity: Ardhanarishvara
Ruling Planet: Chandra
Beeja Mantra : Om Namaha
The two Mukhi represents Ardhanarishvara, the androgynous form which represents the synthesis of masculine and feminine energies of the universe. This Rudraksha removes the malefic effects of Chandra and helps in balancing emotional instability. It relieves fear and a sense of insecurity and gives inner happiness and fulfillment.
3 Mukhi
Presiding Deity: Agni
Ruling Planet : Surya
Beeja Mantra : Om Kleem Namaha
The three Mukhi Rudraksha represents the element of “Fire”. Just like the fire destroys all impurities in substances and brings about irreversible change similarly this Rudraksha relieves one from the Karmic influences of the past births. It is said that the wearer of three mukhi would never have to take another birth again, and would attain Moksha. It heals ailments of the stomach, skin, and liver.
4 Mukhi
Presiding Deity : Bruhaspati
Ruling Planet : Jupiter
Beeja Mantra : Om Hreem Namaha
The four Mukhi Rudraksha represents God Brihaspati, the preceptor of the celestials. The wearer is blessed with knowledge and creativity. It helps in developing retentive power. The wearer is also blessed with melodious speech.
5 Mukhi
Presiding Deity : Kalagnirudra
Ruling Planet : Jupiter
Beeja Mantra : Om Hreem Namaha
The five Mukhi Rudraksha represents Kalagnirudra. The five Mukhi of this Rudraksha directly connects it with the five faces of Lord Shiva-Sadyojata, Vamadeva, Tatpurusha, Aghora, and Ishana. This directly bestows the wearer, the grace of Lord Shiva.
6 Mukhi
Presiding Deity : Kartikeya
Ruling Planet : Mars
Beeja Mantra : Om Hreem Hoom Namaha
The six Mukhi Rudraksha is ruled by Lord Kartikeya, the
six-faced, son of Lord Shiva. Since Kartikeya is also the ruling deity of Mars, this Rudraksha pacifies the malefic effects of planet Mars. It also bestows upon the wearer Stability in life,
Self-confidence and focus. The wearer is blessed with a greater connection with earth and acquires assets such as real estate and vehicles.
7 Mukhi
Presiding Deity : Lakshmi
Ruling Planet : Venus
Beeja Mantra : Om Hum Namaha
The seven Mukhi Rudraksha represents Goddess Mahalakshmi, the Goddess of wealth. The wearer is blessed with the grace of Aishvaryeshvara Shiva and Mahalakshmi, as a result of which overcomes penury and becomes successful in his business and acquires wealth and
prosperity.
8 Mukhi
Presiding Deity : Ganesha
Ruling Planet : Ketu
Beeja Mantra : Om Hum Namaha
The eight faces of the Rudraksha represent the eight directional elephants that guard us against all evil and obstacles. The wearer overcomes impediments that are caused by external and natural factors. Ketu in association with Ganesha bestows knowledge.
9 Mukhi
Presiding Deity : Durga
Ruling Planet : Rahu
Beeja Mantra : Om Hreem Namaha
Divine mother Durga rules over the nine Mukhi Rudraksha. One who wears this is bestowed with supreme confidence in life to tackle all difficulties and also is never touched by any harm from evil powers.
10 Mukhi
Presiding Deity : Vishnu
Ruling Planet : All Planets
Beeja Mantra : Om Hreem Namaha
The Ten Mukhi Rudraksha is presided by Lord Narayana. Just as Lord Vishnu incarnated ten times to get the world rid of evil spread by demonic forces, this Rudraksha too will relieve one from all difficulties, pain, and impediments. One can be sure of attaining justice in cases pending against oneself. Ancient texts mention this Rudraksha as one of the most powerful Rudraksha which pacifies the malefic effects of all the nine planets.
11 Mukhi
Presiding Deity : Ekadasha Rudras
Ruling Planet : All
Beeja Mantra : Om Hreem Hum Namaha
There are eleven forms of Rudra mentioned in the Yajur Veda. They are Bhava, Sharva, etc. The eleven Mukhi Rudraksha is ruled by the Ekadashi Rudras. The merits of performing 1000 Ashavamedha Yaga and 100 Vajapeya Yaga is attained by wearing this Rudraksha. Supreme peace, equanimity of mind, a better judgment of situation are bestowed by this Rudraksha. It is sought after by those who wish perfection in meditation and spiritual sadhanas.
12 Mukhi
Presiding Deity : Surya
Ruling Planet : Sun
Beeja Mantra : Om Krom Kshaum Raum Namaha
The Twelve Mukhi Rudraksha is presided over by Dvadasha Adityas, the twelve forms of Sun. Surya is the progenitor of life, bestower of good health, luster, fertility, etc. All these qualities are sure to be blessed upon the wearer of this Rudraksha.
13 Mukhi
Presiding Deity : Kamadeva
Ruling Planet : Venus
Beeja Mantra : Om Hreem Namaha
The thirteen mukhi Rudraksha is ruled by Kamadeva, the God of Love. One attains conjugal bliss by wearing this Rudraksha.
14 Mukhi
Presiding Deity : Hanuman
Ruling Planet : Saturn
Beeja Mantra : Om Namaha
The fourteen Mukhi Rudraksha is presided by Lord Hanuman, the avatar of Rudra. By attaining mastery over
the fourteen branches of Vidyas alone, one becomes qualified to be acknowledged as a scholar. These fourteen videos can be mastered by wearing this Rudraksha, which incidentally helps in opening the inner eye. One, as a result of this grace, becomes intelligent, retentive, courageous, valourous, and spiritually inclined.
15 Mukhi
Presiding Deity : Pashupati
Ruling Planet : Mercury
Beeja Mantra : Om Hreem Namaha
Pashu is the term to refer to all the living beings in the world. The Lord of the Pashu is Pashupati. This bead is the form of Lord Pashupati. The living beings who are bound by
Pasha, i.e., chains of bondage can get rid of them by wearing this Rudraksha.
16 Mukhi
Presiding Deity : Mahamrutyunjaya
Ruling Planet : Moon
Beeja Mantra : Om Hreem Hoom Namaha
Lord Shiva is the Lord of Time, hence one upon whom his blessings are bestowed need not fear the death. Markandeya was saved from the noose of untimely death by Amruta Mrutyunjaya. One who wears this Rudraksha attains the benefit of chanting Mahamrutyunjaya Mantra 1,25,000 times. Therefore one also is relieved of diseases and other physical ailments by wearing this Rudraksha.
17 Mukhi
Presiding Deity : Vishvakarma/Katyayani
Ruling Planet : Saturn
Beeja Mantra : Om Namah Shivaya
The seventeen Mukhi Rudraksha is ruled by Vishvakarma, the celestial Builder. By wearing this Rudraksha, one gets freedom from diseases, loss, sadness, and fear. It gives the wearer all kinds of comforts, leisure, and happiness. It provides the wearer with wealth and prosperity. According to Katyayani tantra, this Rudraksha is ruled by Katyayani who is the sixth form of Goddess Durga. The wearer of this Rudraksha is blessed with immense fortune, wealth, and fulfillment of all materialistic desires.
18 Mukhi
Presiding Deity : Bhumi
Ruling Planet : None
Beeja Mantra : Om Hreem Shreem
Vasudhayai Svaha
This eighteen Rudraksha is presided by Bhumi Devi, mother Earth. Since Bhumi is the source of prosperity and life, the wearer of this Rudraksha is sure to be blessed with all the prosperity and benefits arising from real estate, agriculture, mines, etc.
19 Mukhi
Presiding Deity : Sriman Narayana
Ruling Planet : Mercury
Beeja Mantra : Om Vam Vishnave
Ksheerashayanaya Svaha
This nineteen Mukhi Rudraksha is verily the form of
Sri Narayana, the protector of the universe. The wearer is blessed with protection in all endeavors. He will be supremely confident in dealing with any situation and would emerge successfully. All the malefic effects of Mercury are warded off.
20 Mukhi
Presiding Deity : Brahma
Ruling Planet : None
Beeja Mantra : Om
This rare Rudraksha is ruled by the Creator of the Universe, Lord Brahma. This Rudraksha ensures Brahma’s blessings for the attainment of divine knowledge in creative thinking, sciences, arts, and music. The wearer becomes the innovator with immense knowledge and intellect.
21 Mukhi
Presiding Deity : Kubera
Ruling Planet : None
Beeja Mantra : Om Yakshaya Kuberaya
Vaishravanaya, Dhana Dhanyadhipataye, Dhana Dhanya, Samruddhim me Dehi Dapaya Svaha
This Rudraksha is of a very rare variety. This is presided over by Kubera, the Lord of wealth. The wearer is blessed with immense prosperity and fulfillment of pleasures and materialistic desires. The wearer of this Rudraksha is sure to attain immense prosperity, fame, and fulfillment of desires.
Gauri Shankar
Presiding Deity : Shiva and Parvati
Ruling Planet : Sun
Beeja Mantra : Om Shree Gauri Hreem: Haum Namah Shivaya l Shankaraya Namaha
Two naturally joined Rudrakshas are called Gauri Shankar. The two beads may be of the same or different mukhis. Regarded the best for peace and comfort in the family. The wearer of this Rudraksha is sure to be relieved of pain and suffering and other earthly obstacles and would attain peace and tranquility.
Garbhagauri
Presiding Deity : Gauri Ganesha
Ruling Planet : None
Beeja Mantra : Gam Ganapataye Namaha
A twin bead where one bead is of a size smaller than the other is called Garbhagauri or Gauri-Ganesha. It is immensely useful for women who face difficulty in pregnancy.
Trijuti
Presiding Deity : Brahma, Vishnu & Shiva
Ruling Planet : None
Beeja Mantra : Om Trimurti Devaya Namaha
This is an extremely rare variety of Rudraksha which represents Brahma- Vishnu and Rudra, in their Trimurti form. The wearer attains supremacy in this world and becomes capable of achieving and transforming anything. Success waits upon him and the wearer becomes master of his destiny.
