Rudraksha — seeds of great power

What is Rudraksha, why is it so unique, how many kinds of Rudraksha there are, which Rudraksha suits whom, how to wear it, and how to maintain and clean it.

What is Rudraksha:

Rudraksha is the seed of a particular species of tree (Elaeocarpus ganitrus), which typically grows at a certain altitude in the mountains — mainly in the Himalayan region. Today it is most commonly found in Nepal, Myanmar, Thailand, or Indonesia. Rudraksha is also called the "Tears of Shiva," and there are many legends about Lord Shiva describing the origin of the Rudraksha. The word Rudraksha comes from "Rudra" (a name of Shiva) and "Aksha," meaning tears.

Rudraksha beads are very helpful for maintaining physical and mental balance. For spiritual seekers, they support spiritual growth. Their healing properties have been used around the world for many physical, mental, and psychosomatic conditions. In Ayurvedic medicine, Rudraksha is used to lower blood pressure and to calm the nerves. Rudraksha brings a certain calm and alertness to the nervous system.

Followers of Shaivism believe that Rudraksha protects against negative energies. Rudraksha beads form a cocoon around your energy. For someone who is constantly on the move, Rudraksha is a very good support, because it creates a cocoon of your own energy. The situation around you may not be favorable to your kind of energy and may not let you settle down. With Rudraksha, you protect your energy.

Each Rudraksha bead contains 50.031% carbon, 0.95% nitrogen, 17.897% hydrogen, and 30.53% oxygen, and each bead takes fifteen to sixteen years to mature.

Rudraksha Mala:

Individual Rudraksha seeds are strung together into a mala, usually consisting of 108 beads plus one additional bead — the bindu. The seeds are organic, so it is recommended to string them on a cotton or silk thread rather than a metal one. If metal is used, copper, silver, or gold may work, but the Rudraksha beads must be strung loosely.

An adult should not wear a mala with fewer than 84 beads plus the bindu. Any number above that is fine.

A Rudraksha mala, or a single Rudraksha, can be worn at all times. You can even wear it in the shower, as long as you bathe in cold water and do not use chemical soap. It is especially good for the water to flow over it and over your body. But if you use chemical soaps and warm water, the beads become brittle and will eventually crack, so it is best to avoid wearing them at such times.

Rudraksha beads are considered most effective in the practice of Japa Yoga: the Beeja Mantra is repeated aloud or mentally 108 times a day, counted on the Rudraksha string, while surrendering to the infinite, all-pervading presence of Lord Shiva.

Rudraksha seeds are believed to have properties that influence the chakras. They possess electromagnetic properties that store energy, which in turn activates specific chakras. Cleansing and balancing the chakras through Rudraksha brings benefits similar to the yogic techniques of pranayama, asana practice, and meditation.

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Who can wear Rudraksha:

Rudraksha can be worn by anyone, regardless of gender, cultural, ethnic, geographic, or religious background. It is meant for people at every stage of life, regardless of mental or physical condition. It can be worn by children, students, the elderly, and the sick, with many benefits.

For a specific person with a specific purpose, the right type of Rudraksha must be chosen. But there are also universal Rudrakshas that anyone over the age of 14 can wear without consultation. These are the five-faced Rudrakshas, also called Panchmukhi Rudraksha.

The size of the seed does not matter — smaller or larger Rudrakshas are of the same quality; it is purely a matter of comfort. Smaller beads cost more because a Rudraksha is never picked from the tree; one waits for it to fall on its own. It falls only once it is fully ripe. This makes smaller beads much harder to come by, which is why they cost more. Their properties, however, do not differ.

How to Maintain a New Rudraksha:

To maintain new Rudraksha beads, soak them in ghee (clarified butter) for 24 hours, then in full-fat milk for another 24 hours. Rinse the beads with water and wipe them with a clean cloth. Do not wash them with soap or any cleaning agent.

It is best to use glass or wooden bowls for soaking. Alternatively, gold or silver bowls can be used if available. When maintaining the beads, it is important not to use copper bowls, since ghee and milk can react with copper. We never use plastic, either for soaking or for storage.

As a result of this maintenance, the color of the Rudraksha may change, and this is completely normal, since these are natural beads. It is also normal for a different color to appear during maintenance. This care routine should be carried out every six months.

As a final step of maintenance, the Rudraksha can be coated with vibhuti to help remove excess oil. To do this, take a little vibhuti in your palm and gently roll the Rudraksha in it. The Rudraksha should not be washed with water or soap beforehand. Vibhuti should be applied to the Rudraksha immediately after taking it out of the milk.

The ghee should be discarded after maintenance; it cannot be reused for the next maintenance or for cooking. It can, however, be used as oil in an oil lamp.

Other important information:

You should not share your Rudraksha with anyone else, because a Rudraksha attunes itself to its wearer.

If you need to remove your Rudraksha or mala during asana practice, it is best to keep it wrapped in a silk or cotton cloth.

Rudrakshas have a distinct quality by their very nature, so it is important to wear them in a way that treats them with respect and care. A Rudraksha should not be worn like a piece of jewelry and set aside at will. Once someone decides to wear a Rudraksha, it should become part of them.

Cracked beads on a Rudraksha mala should be removed, since their energy will change and may no longer be favorable to the wearer. Individual beads do not need to be replaced, as long as the total number of beads on the mala is 84 plus the bindu for those aged 14 or older. Any number above that is fine for those over 14.

To remove cracked beads, the mala can be opened and restrung. When restringing, any bead can serve as the bindu — it does not have to be the one originally used.

Different Types of Rudraksha:

There are different types of Rudraksha seeds, distinguished by the number of grooves, or lines, on their surface. The number of grooves on a seed determines the number of faces it has. A bead may have anywhere from 1 to 21 faces. They are used for different purposes, and some have very powerful effects, so it would be unwise to simply buy one in a shop and wear it on the body. Wearing the wrong type of Rudraksha can disrupt one's life.

There are Rudrakshas with more than 22 vertical lines, but these are extremely rare, and their properties have not yet been well studied.

Ek Mukhi Rudraksha — One-Faced Rudraksha:

• Ruling God: Shiva
• Ruling Planet: All
• Beeja Mantra: Om Namah Shivaya

Many people want to wear the Ek Mukhi, which has only one face, because it is very powerful. We ourselves have many faces (personalities), and if we do not bring order to them and still wear an Ek Mukhi Rudraksha, we will run into trouble. First, one needs a single, consistent personality — the same one in front of everybody and in front of the mirror. In India it is said that if you wear Ek Mukhi, deep spiritual growth will lead you to leave your family within twelve days. Whether or not you actually leave your family, the point is that it generates energy in such a way that you will want to be alone.

Ek Mukhi Rudraksha is ruled by Lord Shiva himself and is beneficial for attaining higher consciousness. It has the power to destroy all sins and lead one to moksha (release from the cycle of Samskara), raising consciousness to the absolute consciousness of divinity.

2 Mukhi Rudraksha — Two-Faced Rudraksha:

• Ruling God: Ardhanareshwar
• Ruling Planet: Moon
• Beeja Mantra: Om Namah

It represents the two aspects of Shiva and Shakti, blessing the wearer with unity and harmony. It symbolizes the Guru-Shishya, parent-child, and husband-wife relationship. It maintains unity within a relationship and should be worn by both husband and wife.

It removes negative elements on the spiritual level. On the mental level, it heals emotional instability, releases fear and insecurity, and brings inner happiness and fulfillment.

3 Mukhi Rudraksha — Three-Faced Rudraksha:

• Ruling God: Agni
• Ruling Planet: Sun
• Beeja Mantra: Om Kleem Namah

The Three Mukhi Rudraksha helps a person free themselves from the bondage of past births and the karma tied to their path, and then paves the way for success built on the karma of their present life.

The wearer of the 3 Mukhi Rudraksha does not fall into another cycle of life. This means they attain moksha after their present life.

On the mental level, the wearer is lifted from low self-esteem so they can rise to an enlightened, pure self. On the physical level, it heals stomach and liver ailments.

4 Mukhi Rudraksha — Four-Faced Rudraksha:

• Ruling God: Brihaspati
• Ruling Planet: Jupiter
• Beeja Mantra: Om Hreem Namah

The 4 Mukhi Rudraksha is for those seeking the power of knowledge and creativity, since wearing it enhances mental power, the power of speech, wit, and intelligence.

5 Mukhi Rudraksha — Five-Faced Rudraksha:

• Ruling God: Rudra Kalagni
• Ruling Planet: Jupiter
• Beeja Mantra: Om Hreem Namah

The five-faced Rudraksha (Panchmukhi) is safe and beneficial for everyone — men, women, and children from age 14 onward. It supports overall well-being, health, and freedom. It lowers blood pressure, calms the nerves, and brings a certain calm and alertness to the nervous system. This type of Rudraksha is most commonly used while chanting mantras, since it helps one connect more easily with the grace of Shiva.

6 Mukhi Rudraksha — Six-Faced Rudraksha:

• Ruling God: Kartikeya
• Ruling Planet: Mars
• Beeja Mantra: Om Hreem Hoom Namah

It symbolizes stability and pacifies the planet Mars. The wearer is strengthened in willpower and focus as they free themselves from mental lethargy and emotional instability.

Children under the age of 14 may wear six-faced beads in particular. This will help them settle down and concentrate better, and above all, help them receive the right kind of attention from an adult.

7 Mukhi Rudraksha — Seven-Faced Rudraksha:

• Ruling God: Laxmi
• Ruling Planet: Venus
• Beeja Mantra: Om Hoom Namah

It symbolizes health, wealth, and new opportunities. It is for those suffering financial hardship and troubles related to fortune.

8 Mukhi Rudraksha — Eight-Faced Rudraksha:

• Ruling God: Ganesh
• Ruling Planet: Ketu
• Beeja Mantra: Om Hoom Namah

It has the power to remove obstacles and negativity on the path to success. The person who wears it will be blessed with knowledge, wisdom, and wealth.

9 Mukhi Rudraksha — Nine-Faced Rudraksha:

• Ruling God: Durga
• Ruling Planet: Rahu
• Beeja Mantra: Om Hreem Hoom Namah

The 9 Mukhi Rudraksha symbolizes energy, power, dynamism, and fearlessness.

It brings two things: Bhoga — worldly comforts and the fulfillment of desires — and Moksha — liberation from Samskara.

10 Mukhi Rudraksha — Ten-Faced Rudraksha:

• Ruling God: Krishna
• Ruling Planet: All
• Beeja Mantra: Om Hreem Namah Namah

The 10 Mukhi Rudraksha symbolizes eternal peace. The wearer is protected from negative energies by the shield of the Rudraksha. It is also worn to achieve success in legal matters, property agreements, debts, and other losses.

The texts say that this is one of the most powerful Rudrakshas, capable of neutralizing the negative influence of all the planets.

11 Mukhi Rudraksha — Eleven-Faced Rudraksha:

• Ruling God: The 11 Rudras
• Ruling Planet: All
• Beeja Mantra: Om Hreem Hoom Namah

It has the ability to enhance a high level of awareness, divine consciousness, wisdom, sound judgment, control over the senses, eloquence, fearlessness, success, and adventure.

12 Mukhi Rudraksha — Twelve-Faced Rudraksha:

• Ruling God: Sun
• Ruling Planet: Sun
• Beeja Mantra: Om Kraum Ksaum Raum Namah

It is mainly relevant for leaders, since the wearer gains the qualities of the sun: ruling with brilliance, radiance, and power. It also helps free one from stress, anger, worry, suspicion, and low self-esteem.

The wearer is blessed with the motivation to act.

13 Mukhi Rudraksha — Thirteen-Faced Rudraksha:

• Ruling God: Kamadeva
• Ruling Planet: Venus
• Beeja Mantra: Om Hreem Namah

A Rudraksha beneficial for worldly desires. It carries the hypnotic drawing power of Vashikarana for the wearer. It also raises Kundalini energy and awakens many Siddhis (a Siddhi being a person endowed with supernatural abilities through spiritual practice).

14 Mukhi Rudraksha — Fourteen-Faced Rudraksha:

• Ruling God: Hanuman
• Ruling Planet: Mars
• Beeja Mantra: Om Namah

The 14 Mukhi Rudraksha is known as Deva Mani, the most precious divine gem. It symbolizes conciseness, strong willpower, and courage — the qualities of Hanuman. According to Vedic astrology, the 14 Mukhi Rudraksha is the greatest protector against the negative effects of Mars and pacifies "Mangal Dosha."

15 Mukhi Rudraksha — Fifteen-Faced Rudraksha:

• Ruling God: Pashupatinath
• Ruling Planet: Mercury
• Beeja Mantra: Om Hreem Namah

The 15 Mukhi Rudraksha heals the heart chakra. It releases sorrow, depression, loneliness, and other heart-related ailments. Wearing this Rudraksha frees a person from material attachments and turns them toward the pursuit of knowledge. It adds creative power.

16 Mukhi Rudraksha — Sixteen-Faced Rudraksha:

• Ruling God: Mahamrityunjaya Shiva
• Ruling Planet: Moon
• Beeja Mantra: Om Hreem Hoom Namah

On the physical level, it has the power to heal various ailments and to release fear and insecurity. It protects against illness.

On the spiritual level, it frees a person from the fear of death. On the energetic level, it protects people from negative people and negative energies. Ideal for those who fear losing a loved one, fear losing their name or fame, losing faith in themselves or in God, death, or nightmares.

Wearing the 16 Mukhi Rudraksha is equivalent to chanting the Mahamrityunjaya mantra 125,000 times every day. It is also said that even Lord Yama (the god of death) turns away from a person wearing the 16 Mukhi Rudraksha.

17 Mukhi Rudraksha — Seventeen-Faced Rudraksha:

• Ruling God: Katyani Devi
• Ruling Planet: Saturn
• Beeja Mantra: Om Hreem Hoom Hoom Namah

The wearer of the 17 Mukhi Rudraksha is blessed with the fruits of Artha, Dharma, Kama, and Moksha.

It is especially beneficial for project leaders, businessmen, and political leaders who desire career growth and happiness.

It also frees one from loss, sorrow, illness, and other fears. Other desires, such as offspring, prosperity, and finding a life partner, are fulfilled by wearing this 17 Mukhi Rudraksha.

18 Mukhi Rudraksha — Eighteen-Faced Rudraksha:

• Ruling God: Bhumi Devi
• Ruling Planet: Earth
• Beeja Mantra: Om Hreem Shreem Vasudhaye Swaha

It is blessed by Lord Vishnu's divine consort, Bhumi Devi. It is considered one of the most powerful Rudrakshas created for prosperity. The wearer is endowed with health, intelligence, and prosperity.

Bhumi represents Mother Earth. Thus, the person wearing her Rudraksha paves the way for success in business, wealth, land purchases, and other transactions.

19 Mukhi Rudraksha — Nineteen-Faced Rudraksha:

• Ruling God: Narayana
• Ruling Planet: Mercury
• Beeja Mantra: || Om Vam Vishnave Sheershayane Swaha

The wearer of this Rudraksha will have it all — wealth, success, health, and abundance. It is also meant to attract the ideal life partner.

20 Mukhi Rudraksha — Twenty-Faced Rudraksha:

• Ruling God: Brahma
• Ruling Planet: Earth
• Beeja Mantra: || Rudrarupaye Kalpante Namastubhyam Trimurtaye ||

Its purpose is to gain divine knowledge of creation, science, art, and music. Wearing it increases creativity, knowledge, and intellect. It is most suitable for those who wish to work for the benefit of humanity.

21 Mukhi Rudraksha — Twenty-One-Faced Rudraksha:

• Ruling God: Kubera
• Ruling Planet: Earth
• Beeja Mantra: Om Yakshaya Kuberaya Vaishravanaya, Dhan Dhanyadhipataye, Dhan Dhanya Srimdhim mein Dapya Dapya Swaha

This is one of the rarest of all Rudrakshas and is ruled by Kubera, the lord of wealth. He also holds the titles "king of the whole world," "king of kings" (Rajaraja), "giver of wealth" (Dhanada), "lord of riches," and "the wealthiest of the devas."

It removes all kinds of illness. The effects of this Rudraksha also include protection against negative energies. It is also well suited for travelers, since Kubera is known as the guardian of travelers.

Ganesh Rudraksha:

• Ruling God: Ganesh
• Beeja Mantra: Om Hoom Namah

A protruding part of the Rudraksha looks like the face of Ganesh, which is why it is called Ganesh Rudraksha. It grants the wearer excellence in every aspect of life.

Garbh Gauri Rudraksha:

• Ruling God: Parvati and Ganesh
• Ruling Planet: Sun
• Beeja Mantra: Om Trimurti Devaya Namah

This is also one of the rarest Rudrakshas and is also known as Trijuti. It represents all three aspects of God: Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.

The wearer receives the power for great achievements. It is most suitable for leaders, project managers, and spiritual seekers.

Gauri-Shankar Rudraksha:

• Ruling God: Shiva and Parvati
• Ruling Planet: Sun
• Beeja Mantra: Om Shree Gauri Shankaraya Namah

These are beads that look like two beads joined together, and they can be worn by anyone over the age of 14.

Gauri-Shankar activates and balances Ida and Pingala. It is believed to bring overall prosperity. Prosperity, however, does not necessarily mean money — it can arrive in many forms. You may not own great wealth and still thrive in your life. If you are a balanced person functioning sensibly in life, you will experience prosperity. This happens when the energies are working well.

The Gauri Shankar Rudraksha is known to open the Hrit Padma chakra and attune the inner soul to Universal Love.

It is also well suited for meditation, harmonizing relationships with partners, and attracting the right life partner through the grace of Shiva and Shakti.

Combining Gauri Shankar with Panchmukhi Rudraksha in a Mala

Gauri Shankar Rudraksha often comes with a metal loop meant for attaching it to the end of a Panchmukhi mala, or for easily tying it to a silk thread or a gold or silver chain. When adding Gauri Shankar to a Panchmukhi mala, it is important to leave the bindu in place; the Gauri Shankar can be added as an extra bead below the bindu. The bindu matters because it ensures that the flow of energy in the mala is not circular. If it becomes circular, it may cause dizziness in some people.