The Rudraksha Beads have since time immemorial been a part and parcel of the Hindu Religion. The ancient Hindu religious Scriptures including the Shiv Purana, the Ling Purana and the Padma Purana have in detail described the qualities and the numerous benefits of wearing the Rudraksha Beads on one’s body.Rudraksha when translated into English means ‘the eye of Shiva’.
The Rudraksha is a large brownish or wood colored seed of the Rudraksha tree which is normally found in the Himalayan region of India and Nepal. These seeds are normally available having 1 to 14 faces.Rudraksha seeds having over 14 faces and upto 21 faces are extremely rare. Claims are made about some seeds having upto 108 faces.
These seeds are normally worn as an amulet in one’s neck. This can be made up of Gold, Silver or even a simple thread. The following points have to be kept in mind while wearing a Rudraksha—
The Rudrakshaa should not be cracked or one having thorns.
The Rudraksha should not have been eaten by worms.
There are numerous duplicate or fake Rudraksha seeds available in the market; one has to be careful while buying the seeds. Normally a genuine Rudraksha sinks in water, and a fake one floats. However this is not a foolproof test, the opinion of an expert has to be taken.
The Rudraksha should be worn first on an auspicious date; it is believed that the effect is visible after about 40 days. The Rudraksha should be worn after touching it with a Shivling.
The Mantra recited while wearing a Rudraksha is-
Om Namo Shivaya ll
ॐ नमः शिवाय ||
Along with this Mantra there are certain specific Vedic Mantras for different faced Rudrakshas.
