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The term Rudraksha (Rudra i.e. Shiva + Aksha i.e. eye) literally stands for the eyes of Lord Shiva or Rudra implying thereby that it was pleasant to the eyes of Lord Shiva, and hence so named in His honour. This reveals that the merit of Rudraksha beads were realized first by Lord Shiva Himself and He handed down the same to the benefit of the later generations.

Indian legend relates many stories about Lord Shiva, also known as 'Rudra'. He is famous for being the embodiment of the power of destruction in an eternal cycle of creation maintenance, and destruction. Shiva is also associated with deep states of meditation where thoughts are absent and only silence and emptiness exist. It is said that Lord Shiva once entered a profound state of meditation for the benefit of mankind for a very long time. When he finally emerged from this state and opened his eyes, the deep joy, peace, and love he felt for the human race was expressed with sacred tears which ran down his cheek and fell to earth. Each tear generated a rudraksha tree whose tiny fruits are born of the tears of rudra—the Lord Almighty Himself.

Botanically, the Rudraksha tree is known as Elaecarpus ganitrus Roxb. These trees grow in very few places in the world including the Himalayas of India and Nepal, as well as in parts of Indonesia. They are large trees with a wide silhouette whose flowers bloom annually. The Rudraksha berry varies in size (3-40 mm; 1/8 to 1½ inches). It has smooth light green skin and pulp much like a green grape. Lodged within the pulp is a single round seed which has a rough surface and a hole running through it from top to bottom. It is these seeds which are the Rudraksha beads. Each seed also possesses from 1 to 21 vertical lines running down its surface, like the longitude lines on a globe. These lines are known as mukhas, or facets, and are natural formations of the seed. Seeds with one vertical line are known as ek-mukhi (one facet); those with two lines are dwi-mukhi (two facets), and so on. Rudraksha is the fruit of a tree. It grows in bunches. They bloom in May, June and ripen in September to November. It's fruit is light green in colour. It is circular like Aalamaram (Gular or fruit of banyan tree). Its pulp is hard and remains stuck to its seed. It is like blackberry. It is kept in water for a number of days and then Rudraksha is taken out after peeling off the pulp.

Rudraksha beads are a plant product, containing carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen and trace elements in combined form. The percentage compositions of their gaseous elements were determined by C-H-N Analyzer and by Gas chromatography. The result shows that Rudraksha beads consist of 50.031 % carbon, 0.95% nitrogen, 17.897% hydrogen and 30.53% oxygen.

There are four kinds, according to Mythological books-Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya and Shoodra. Its division is not based on caste system but it is based on their ability to wear. But the wearing of Rudraksha of different colours by different persons are not compulsory. Even Ladies are allowed to wear Rudraksha. The original whitish colour of Rudraksha is dyed into orange colour which is a symbolic colour of the saints and sanyasees.Orange colour Rudraksha becomes useful to all kinds of men of any age, caste, sect, religion and sex and according to one's liking for its size, colour or face (Mukh-line).

Identification

It is not very difficult to recognize a real Rudraksha. On account of its increasing importance and price, it is made artificially also and these artificial Rudrakshas are also being sold in market. artificial Rudraksha is often made from the wild berry seeds or nuts. But in these artificial Rudraksha, no facet can be made as real as the ones that are in the genuine ones and can easily be detected by an experienced eye .Here the

facet (Mukh) means deep lining from the upper part to the lower part of Rudraksha. Looking at these deep linings-facets one can recognize real Rudraksha. There are many other criteria written to recognize Rudraksha, such as the sinking and floating of Rudraksha in the water and revolving between two coins. But it is not a correct criterion. Even an unripe but genuine Rudraksha may float in the water, and a non genuine ones made out of wood impregnated with lead may sink.

Therefore, we should not bother about these suspicions and false notions.

The Rudraksha should be brought seeing the faces of Rudraksha and from a genuine supplier. Generally there are various numbers of faces on a Rudraksha, from one faced to sixteen faced. .Generally five faced Rudraksha are found easily and abundantly.  One faced Rudraksha round variety is found very rarely and its price is also too much. Most of these beads being circulated are fake ones made from berries and betel nuts and Areca nuts. Some have a stem implanted in them artificially to give a real look. Some Giant sized beads are sold as 1 mukhis which are manufactured ones. Also some suppliers sell fake 1 mukhis which have Serpent, Trishul, Lingam etc carved on them. These are also fakes.

A real Rudraksha does not have these markings. Rudraksha having 2,3,4,6,7, or 8 faces is found very often but its price is more than the five faced Rudraksha's.  Fake Rudraksha are generally found in very high mukhi beads also, like 21 mukhi , where artificial lines are carved on nuts. Also some scrupulous people fake Gauri Shankar Rudraksha by gluing together two Rudraksha beads . But these can be again detected by little experience and awareness. Please note that the idea of informing about fake Rudraksha is not to scare away people, but to make them aware. Generally Rudraksha sold are genuine as they are available in plenty naturally. It is only in the case of rare Rudraksha that fakes are sold to satisfy the increasing demand by unscrupulous people. It is to be noted that the market price of Rudraksha does not affect its religious or spiritual importance or medicinal value. Thus there is no link or connection between the price of Rudraksha and its religious, spirituals and medicinal importance. It has also many sizes and shapes.

Its seeds are often round but exceptionally they are found long, semi circular, convex and flat. There is a variety of Rudraksha which is convex and flat. These are not from Nepal and are called Bhadraksha and are considered inferior to Rudraksha. Rudraksha are available in big as well as small sizes. Big Rudrakshas are easily available but small ones are found in less number. The smallest Rudraksha has the size equal to black pepper. Its gradually bigger sizes are equal to big peas, Plum and Amla. 

It is believed that the mala of the smallest beads is better than that of any other size. It is also very easy to wear but it is difficult to find. Therefore, its price is very dear. It is very uncomfortable to wear the mala of big beads but it is comfortable when it is used to count mantras .Also big sized Rudraksha are kept in Prayer room. As lightening arresters are installed in buildings to save them from lighting, Rudraksha protects the body from outside influences, mental shocks, heart problems and stress. The electro-magnetic waves in the life form may be responsible for amazing powers of Rudraksha discovered several thousand years ago.

Many different Hindu scriptures written over many different periods of history describe divine qualities of this little bead. One intriguing aspect of Rudraksha lore is that it is worn and worshipped by absolutely everyone regardless of caste, religion, sect, creed, color, or sex. Given the highly secularized history of India this is quite peculiar. Even today, as in past times, it is worn by the Brahmin priest while performing solemn ceremonies, by the soldier engaged in battle, by the store owner or stockbroker conducting business, by the student for knowledge, the poorest of our society for sustenance.

Generally speaking, one who wears the Rudraksha in the prescribed manner will invoke the energies of Lord Shiva and negative thoughts and emotions will be destroyed. Rudraksha has a calming effect on the central nervous system. It is said that the Rudraksha helps maintain a normal blood pressure and helps maintains health. It has no adverse effects and promotes peace of mind and prosperity for the wearer. In various ancient scriptures (i.e. Padma Purana, Shiva Purana, Mantramaharnava, Rudrajabalopanishad) it is proclaimed that if a person meets his death while wearing a rudraksha he is released from the cycle of life and death and achieves moksha (liberation). These are the general qualities of the rudraksha bead; the following are the specific attributes of the beads of various numbers of mukhas (lines or 'facets'):

• 1 Mukhi Extremely rare and equally expensive when found. It represents the Supreme Self. Its wearer is bestowed with worldly comfort and spiritual fulfillment.
• 2 Mukhi Fosters harmony and oneness between those who are divided. Extremely rare. Given to children who are being married by their parents.
• 3 Mukhi Represents Agni, Lord of Fire. Helps dispel mental lethargy and depression. Attracts wealth.
• 4 Mukhi Represents Brahma, the Creator. Worn by students and those who need to renew and recreate. Helps expand vision and mental horizons. Increases attractiveness.
• 5 Mukhi The fullest representation of Lord Shiva. It will destroy negative thoughts and emotions and grant the wearer peace of mind and clarity of purpose. Helps achieve one’s goals. All malas which are worn around the neck or used as japa mala (prayer beads) should be of five mukhi. There should be 108 beads or, alternatively, 54.
• 6 Mukhi The one worn by soldiers, police, adventurers, and all persons exposed to danger. It protects one from harm and instills calm and will power in the wearer. It represents Lord Kartikeya.
• 7 Mukhi Represents the goddess Laxmi, and is actually stated to be her abode. This rudraksha is not worn but rather is kept in a wooden box together with a small sum of cash. It will help overcome financial hardship and bring abundance.
• 8 Mukhi This rudraksha represents the famous Lord Ganesha, the elephant-faced God. It will help those who have continuously failed in a specific endeavor despite many attempts to succeed. Removal of past sins.
• 9 Mukhi This bead represents Mother Durga and can help motivate a person who is experiencing mental inertia (tamas). Protects one’s children from misfortune.
• 10 Mukhi Protects the wearer from those people and things that may harm him.
• 11 Mukhi. This rudraksha represents Lord Hanuman, the Monkey-God. It promotes excellent general physical and mental health, gives insight and vision, and deflects evil thoughts. Increases energy, power, and mental stamina.
• 12 Mukhi Represents Surya, the Sun. It wearer will have the attention and respect of the world and be presented with opportunity.
• 13 Mukhi Represents Lord Indra and brings the wearer an appreciation and awareness of the spiritual realm.
• 14 Mukhi This bead is worn only on the forehead in a special headband, after being blessed by a priest in a special puja ceremony. It is said to activate the ajna chakra (third eye) and bestow subtle vision and intuitive powers. Only worn if instructed to do so by one’s guru.
• 15-21 Mukhi rudrakshas should be kept as a set of seven beads on the personal prayer alter where they will bring health, peace, and prosperity to the family.

How To Use and Care For The Rudraksha Mala

1. It is best to wear the RUDRAKSHA Mala (i.e necklace) for the first time on a Monday. If at all possible it should be first brought to a Shiva temple for sanctification early on a Monday morning and then worn immediately after worship. If a Shiva temple is not available then simply wear it initially on a Monday.
2. At bedtime remove the mala and place it on the alter in your home. When traveling you should sleep with it on.
3. After bathing in the morning, hold the mala in the right hand and repeat the appropriate mantra aloud (see below) for 108 times.
4. Do not wear the Rudraksha mala during periods of menstrual bleeding or while attending funerals.
5. The Rudraksha mala has a very long lifespan. A properly cared for mala can be passed along to eight generations as a family heirloom.
6. The Rudraksha mala can be washed occasionally with warm soapy water and allowed to dry naturally. Do not soak for extended periods of time.
7. Rudraksha beads vary in size from 3-40 mm. The size of the bead has no bearing on its effects. However a given mala must contain beads all with the same number of mukhis.

Beeja Mantras For The Various Rudrakshas

• For Mukhi 1, 4, 5, 10, and 13: Om Hreem Namah
• For Mukhi 2 and 14: Om Namah
• For Mukhi 3: Om Kleem Namah
• For Mukhi 7 and 8: Om Hum Namah
• For Mukhi 6, 9, and 11: Om Hreem Hum Namah
• For Mukhi 12: Om Krom Srom Rom Namah

Fake Rudraksha Beads

As has been said above, in the interest of devotees and public education, we are obligated to inform you that many varieties of fake Rudrakshas are being sold throughout the world and over the internet. These beads are sold in large quantities in India by unscrupulous people taking advantage of the recent increased interest in them. The typical price at which they are sold ranges from $100 to $50,000 (for a fake ek-mukhi)!!!  Be particularly careful about ever purchasing a one-faced rudraksha (ek-mukhi). The round one mukhis are not currently available in nature at all . Even if you buy them for several thousand dollars or from a reputable ashram or reliable person, it is not authentic. No tree in India, Nepal or Indonesia has produced the ek-mukhi in the past few centuries. Only if one acquires one which has been passed down from generation to generation might it be possible to find this exceedingly rare object

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