How Rudraksha is formed
According to the Rudrakshajabala Upanishad (One out of 108 Upanishads), Sage Bhusana asks Kalagni Rudra, a destructive form of Shiva about the origin of the Rudrakshas. Shiva replied that for the destruction of Tripura(the three cities) he was meditating for thousands of years; tears from his eyes fell on earth creating Rudrakshas. It is said that just by the utterance of the word "Rudraksha" the native can get the benefit of donation of ten Cows and its one view and touch can bless the native with the Punya of donation of ten cows. A Rudraksha of the amla fruit size is the best, trailed by the size of a berry and the size of the dark gram, the most minimal. Four kinds of Rudraksha – white, red, yellowish, and dark – are proclaimed fit for four Varnas or positions – Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya, and Shudra, respectively. Sage Bhusana then asks Kalagni Rudra about the procedure to wear the sacred Rudraksha. Rudra replies that since it is formed from the tears of Rudra they are equal to putting Bhasma (the sacred ashes) in the body.
- The mere utterance of the word "Rudraksha is equal to the Punya of donation of ten Cows.
- Touching and wearing Rudraksha is equal to the donation of 2,000 cows.
- Wearing the sacred Rudraksha in the ear is equal to the donation of 11,000 cows.
- It is said that the Brahmin how chants Rudrakshajabala Upanishad in the evening gets rid of all the sins committed during the day.
- One who recites it day and night is absolved from the sin of many births and has the merit of reciting 6,000 lakh Gayatri mantras.
A Rudraksha Mala is formed with the auspicious number of 108+1 bead. The +1 bead is named the Sumeru and it's not alleged to be crossed while chanting the mantra. You should wear Rudraksha for your protection, blessings, luck, health and overall well-being, and spiritual evolution. Many of us wear the Guru bead at the highest of the Mala behind the neck to represent the Divine or the Guru because of the highest state of Awareness. You can also use the Mala for meditation and Japa (chanting mantra repetitively).
How to use Rudraksha Mala
When using your Mala for Japa purposes, you should hold the Mala with your right hand only and use your thumb, ring finger, and middle finger to move from one bead to the next as though you are ‘guiding’ the beads towards yourself. (The index and little finger are considered as inauspicious for touching the Mala when used for Japa purposes.). (The index and tiny finger are considered as inauspicious for touching the Mala when used for Japa purposes.)
It is not
recommended to use Rudraksha other than the 5 Mukhi unless advised by
some experts. It is acceptable to use 5-faced or 5 Mukhi Rudraksha
beads, which represent Shiva or the absolute and can be worn by
anyone. It has many health benefits and medicinal properties. The 5
Face Rudraksha Mala is great for one’s health. It is also said to
increase fame, peace, and prosperity. It dissolves any negative karma
and fear in mind. It is also used for Spiritual Progress.
A
Rudraksha bead is very durable if maintained properly. It can be
passed on from one generation to the other. A Rudraksha bead contains
natural oil but may get dried up. It is recommended to clean
Rudraksha bead regularly and should be oiled with the help of a new
brush, and then exposed to sunlight for drying and not to be worn
during the bath to avoid moisture as it attracts fungus. It should
never be thrown. If not using then you can keep it in a safe place.
If the Rudraksha gets damaged then you can flow it in the River Ganga
or any other holy river.
Energizing and Purification of Rudraksha
It is the first step towards gaining the maximum benefits of Rudraksha. Before wearing it for the first time, the Rudraksha should be energized on an auspicious day by performing “Rudrabhishek” with the help of a priest or by self in the pooja room following simple rituals. The Rudraksha should be placed on a fresh unused plate & washed with unboiled milk followed by water while chanting of the mantra “Om Namah Shivaya”. Please offer flowers & prayers for well being followed by the Beej Mantra for the Rudraksha chosen, minimum 9 times or in multiples of 9. After completion, place the Rudraksha in the right hand and thank the Lord for giving the opportunity to wear a Rudraksha. The Rudraksha now becomes divine, offers prayers to Lord Sun, pray for well being & wear the Rudraksha chanting “Om Namah Shivaya” 9 times or in multiples of 9 followed by offering a due donation to the priest.
Points to keep in Mind before wearing Rudraksha
2. All Rudraksha beads are extremely holy, embodied with mystical powers and representations of different lords in its different forms, and in order to maintain their sanctity, it should be treated with love, respect, faith, and care.
3. A Rudraksha bead or a combination of Rudraksha beads should not be given or exchanged with anyone, should not be worn during the funeral procession or visiting a cemetery in the cremation ground.
4. Rudraksha beads should be hidden below the clothing as it is not an object of fashion to display to everyone. In case of a mistake made while wearing, please remember not to repeat the same again and pray to Lord Shiva the same.
5. While you are not wearing the Rudraksha, it should be kept safely in the pooja room.
6. A person wearing Rudraksha should not consume alcohol, meat, garlic, onions, etc.
7. According to Rudrakshajabala Upanishad, the Rudraksha should be worn on eclipses, new-moon, full-moon, and solstice (Uttarayan or Dakshinayan).