Hindu Religion, Faith and Moksha: RUDRAKSHA-

RUDRAKSHA-

In India Rudraksha beads are treated as a divine gift from nature. It is also believed that Rudraksha and Rudraksh Mala are the favourite ornaments of Lord Shiva. Rudraksha are the holy seeds of Rudraksha fruit obtained from Rudraksha trees which are mainly found in Nepal. These trees are also found in Indonesia and India . During my visit to Kankhal, a prominent religious place associated with Lord Shiva in Haridwar,I personally collected Rudraksha fruit from the ground beneath the Rudraksa trees. Rudraksha beads are a traditional wear of Indian Sadhus and Yogies. It is an essential wear for all Naga Sadhus. For students of botany, these beads are known as ‘Elaeocarpus Ganitrus Roxb”.

The word Rudraksha is supposed to be the combination of two words namely Rudra and Aksha which means the eyes of Rudra (Lord Shiva) .Reference of Rudraksha is also available in Shiv Puran. It is believed that after a long mediation for the welfare of his creation ,when the Lord Shiva opened his eyes, a drop of tear from his eyes fell on the earth and thereafter the first Rudraksha tree came in existence from that place.

There are various varieties of Rudraksha depending on from which place they have been collected. Rudraksha trees are found in the foothills of Himalaya in India ,Nepal and some of southeastern countries like Indonesia. There also different mukhi (grooves or faces over them) Rudraksha. Generally Rudraksha are available from one mukhi to twenty one mukhi, however some of them are are rarely available. In India ,many people wear Rudraksha like gems & stones only after consulting astrologer. It is believed that wearing of Rudraksha brings peace, high spirit ,good health and other healing effects . It is believed that wearing of Rudraksha also controls high blood pressure and diabetes. Generally people wear Rudraksha beads from one mukhi to fourteen mukhi. There characteristics are as follows-

One mukhi Rudraksa represents the Lord Shiva , provides spiritual power and a honourable place in society.

Two mukhi Rudraksha is known as Shiv-Shakti Rudraksha. This variety of Rudraksha helps to get rid of all mental tension and anxiety.

Three mukhi Rudraksha represents the three Lords namely Brahma,Vishnu & Mahesh ,recommended for keeping good health.

Four mukhi Rudraksha represents the Lord Brahma, specially recommended for scholars

Five mukhi Rudraksha represents the five faces of Lord Shiva and is a commonly available Rudraksha ,which helps to control high blood pressure , brings peace of mind and provides relief from anxiety and stress.

Six mukhi Rudraksa represents the Swami kartikeya the son of the Lord Shiva, recommended for students and women, removes all obstacles in life.

Seven mukhi Rudraksha represents the great "Sapta Rishis",provides wealth and satisfaction in life.

Eight mukhi Rudraksha represents the Goddess Astabhuja and Lord Ganesha, brings good results in life, recommended for students.

Nine mukhi Rudraksha represents the Goddess Ma Jagambey. This variety of Rudraksha is specially recommended for ladies, blesses the wearer with power and energy.

Ten mukhi Rudraksha represents the"Dasha Avtar" of Lord Visnu, provides success and glory in life.

Eleven mukhi Rudraksha represents the eleven rudra of Lord Shiva, People can wear .this variety of Rudraksha without any consultations,brings concentration and tranquillity in life

Twelve mukhi Rudraksha represents the Sun, provides a honourable place in society .

Thirteen mukhi Rudraksha represents the Indradev,brings progress and prosperity in life
Fourteen mukhi Rudraksha represents the Lord Shiva,brings good health and healing effect in all diseases.
Gauri-Shanker Rudraksa is very special in which two Rudraksha are found joint together like other joints fruits or flowers found in nature. It is believed that this variety of Rudraksha incorporates the power of all other Rudraksha,specially recommended for peace and happiness in married life.

Jap Mala,which is made of 108 beads of Rudraksha in red thread, is used for jap or repeated pronouncement of the name of God during worship.

One mukhi and fourteen mukhi Rudrakshas are rarely available ,that is why they are more costly in comparison to other varieties of Rudraksha.