Rudraksha is a natural bead that comes from Rudraksha tree. Rudraksha trees grow exclusively in Himalayas (mostly Nepal) and Indonesia (Java).
Quality Rudraksha beads are available only from a limited number genuine sources. The majority of the beads are fake. Street vendors and various small dealers offer good looking oily beads with fake certificates. These beads are not lab-tested and can be easily proved "fake". They use raisin, special gum and even lower mukhi real beads to create higher mukhi beads by carving extra lines. Authentic beads however need proper stringing and spiritual activation for an expected positive effect.
Before selecting Rudraksha beads yourself, it is good to learn differences between various faces of Rudraksha (mukhis) and their meaning for the physical and subtle being (bodies). Deep and complete knowledge on Rudraksha beads, herbs and alchemy is rare and properly known only to evolved yogis and spiritually advanced beings.
It is important to receive an extensive Rudraksha Consultation & Insight about the most suitable for you beads and combinations prior to a purchase.
Rudraksha beads bring changes in our perception of self and the way we see life, thus helping us realise karmic lessons faster, creating positive changes around us. Rudraksha help pacify planets and learn their lessons more efficiently.
Rudraksha beads are spiritually pure and emit this purity around. Nevertheless, genuinely activated & blessed beads have a more powerful therapeutic and spiritual effect on the body and mind. Beads do not work at all or create stress and anxiety if are fake and strung or worn incorrectly.
Usually, Rudraksha beads are worn as pendants or armlets and bracelets on wrists or upper arms. Some can be worn around the neck, on the head, around ankles and waist line. They may also be kept in a meditation room for the benefit of one's entire family, as well as in an office. Whichever way, wearing the beads on specific body parts ( especially as instructed) gives maximum results in terms of self-healing, emotional balance and spiritual advancement & transformation.
Rudraksha Rosaries, Bracelets or a pendants can be set in gold, silver or copper or strung in a traditional way with silk or wool. Only certain number of beads are acceptable for traditional Siddha rosaries: 32+1, 27+1, 54+1, 108+1.
A Rudraksha Rosary, a bracelet or a pendant can be cleaned once in 3-9 months after being soaked in a tap water for 1-2 hours. Use unused tooth brush or a small household plastic brush to remove any dust or impurities. One should never use strong detergents or very hot/ boiling water on the beads.
Avoid wearing beads during bath or shower as soaps enter the pores of the beads. Try to avoid direct application of creams, lotions or other cosmetics on the skin that is going to touch the beads while wearing them.
One may periodically apply sandalwood or other light fragrant oils on the beads so that they remain shiny and perfumed especially if you live in a hot and dry climate or see signs of dryness on the beads (cracks, discolouration, etc.). Rudraksha beads are very strong, and with a proper care and cleaning, these beads can be last for generations.
Rudraksha beads are a product of nature. Hence, they may vary in size and colour even if they are identical in facets. Nevertheless, this variation of size and colour does not increase or decrease the positive effect of these miraculous beads.
Children may also wear Rudraksha beads. Children may study better, be more focused and determined as well as more relaxed and playful while wearing the beads.
Rudraksha should not be worn while attending a funeral or places with low ( negative) frequencies.
It is recommended to avoid wearing beads during sexual intimacy and while sleeping.
The best way is to keep the beads in meditation place before going to sleep and wear them again next morning. It is better to avoid wearing the beads at night also because they may feel uncomfortable and may chip during the sleep.
Original ancient texts do not mention any taboos on wearing these beads. They may be worn most of the time, while eating non veg, having whatever drinks, during toilet hours, menstrual cycle for ladies, provided the beads are kept clean and are not in touch with any dirt or grease.
Family members should not keep interchanging Rosaries/ Malas, Japa Malas or Rudraksha beads. The bond created between a wearer and the Rudraksha is based on the frequency and vibrations of the wearer, and hence the wearer should not share her/his Rudraksha beads with a third party especially if the items is used in personal spiritual practice (sadhana), used for pooja, and has been activated by a personal transmission as well as has absorbed one's personal vibrations. Such rosaries and beads become one's protective spiritual shield and amplify positive energies. By sharing them with others the items may lose energy or create a strange effect on someone else's body.
If you no longer wish to wear your Rudraksha items you may keep them in a clean place such as your meditation room or mediation corner, personal alter or any other peaceful place wrapped up in a nice way to prevent dust accumulation and kept in clean and not too dry or too humid conditions.
Rudraksha beads and items can be willed and passed on to the next generation with a blessing from the previous owner. They may also be passed on from a spiritual teacher to an adept, student or follower in the same manner. It is advised however to receive such items only from a known, pure and trusted source, as nowadays a lot of people are involved in the occult practices and may intentionally offer such items in order to create soul ties, attraction, for control, spiritual slavery or for other impure reasons. Even though the Rudraksha beads are pure in nature, someone's conscious intention may create a a subtle positive or negative connection through such items, even if the item itself is harmless. Such connections happen on a subtle level even if by means of a physical items. In the same manner, if the same item is blessed by a spiritually evolved being, a true yogi, a Siddha or a true Guru, such an item should be cherished and kept with care and applied or worn as instructed by the giver. Such a gift is truly an invaluable one and will definitely support one in one's further evolution and spiritual advancement.