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No single tree is as rich with legend as the rudraksha.
According to Shiva Purana, once lord Shiva went into deep
meditation that last for thousands of years for the well-being
of all living beings. After waking from the state of meditation,
he opened his eyes and instantaneously tear rolled down from his
eyes. On reaching the ground, those tear drops took the form of
a seed which later grew into Rudraksha tree. Another epic tells
a differentb tale. It said that there was a demon named
tripurasu who gained so much power that all the gods felt
intimidated by him. Failed to fight him all the gods turned to
Lord Shiva for help. Shiva decided to use his very powerful and
destructive weapon called Aaghor to kill the demon. But on
realizing the devastating effects of the weapon Shiva became
very emotional and tears naturally fell down from his eyes and
landed on the earth which later developed to the rudraksha tree.
Origin of Rudraksha
The valuable
beads of Rudraksha are acquired from the seeds of the Rudraksha
fruit from Rudraksha trees. The Rudraksha tree is botanically
known as Elaeocarpus Ganitrus Roxb. Its English name is Utrasum
Bead Tree. 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. 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 possesses 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.
The number of
clefts or Mukhi on the surface determine the quality of bead.
According to the number of Mukhi or facets, the Rudraksha bead
ranges from one face to a several-faced bead. According to the
Shastras there are 1 to 38 mukhis rudraksha beads but normally 1
to 14 mukhis are used for astrological benefits. The effect of
the bead differs with the number of mukhis it has. Each
Rudraksha is very individualistic and has to be carefully
matched with one's horoscope for it to be beneficial. It has a
representing deity and a ruling planet that determines its
qualities and effects. The Ek Mukhi (One Faced) rudraksha is
rarest and most valuable among all the beads.
Rudraksha beads
have been traditionally used in India and other Asian countries.
Asian Yogis and Monks usually wear the rosary of Rudraksha beads
as they found that it provides them amazingly tremendous amount
of tranquility, concentration needed for meditation. They are
able to meditate for a long period of time with spectacular
control over their mind by wearing the rudraksha mala. Rosary of
rudraksha is also used for mantra recitation. Many different
Hindu scriptures have also described divine qualities of this
little bead. As per the vedic scriptures Rudraksha can nullify
the effects of malefic planets to a great extent. Shastras say
that Rudraksh of any mukhis can never do any harm to the wearer
unlike Navratnas.
No other bead
is considered as auspicious and powerful as Rudraksh. If
energized and empowered the right way these are immensely
powerful and can help achieve wonders. Activating rudraksha bead
is essential to get the desired result. It is better to cleanse
and purify the bead with milk, ghee, oil etc. and do pran
prathista (give life to the Rudraksh) with the chanting of
corresponding mantras to the mukhis. Even if, one wears Rudraksh
on his body, without doing worship and saying the sacred mantra
he remains away from any sinful deed or thought. Another
interesting aspect of rudraksha is that it is worn and
worshipped by absolutely everyone regardless of caste, religion,
sect, creed, color, or sex.
Rudraksha
also
possesses number of healing properties. In Ayurveda, it is
considered as a very effective medicine. It released electro
magnetic waves that provide it amazing spiritual as well as
medicinal powers. The Rudraksha seeds are warm and humid in
temperament and have a bitter taste. The vaidyas (Ayurveda
Physician) and astrologers recommend Rudrakash for treatment of
various diseases.
Medicinal Uses of Rudraksha |
