Rudraksha has a lot of significance in Hinduism. The word Rudra denotes Lord Shiva as it is his other name while Aksha means tear drops.
The origin of Rudraksha
It is said that Lord Shiva once went in to deep meditation because of the compassion he had for humanity. His major aim was to bring happiness to all the living creatures. After the meditation, when the Lord woke up; his tears fell on the Earth. These tears became the seeds of the Rudraksha trees. Hence, it means that Rudraksha are tears of Lord Shiva. This complete analogy is based on the Shiva Purana.
This is the major reason behind using the seed capsule of Rudraksha tree for prayers and other benefits.
The religious significance of Rudraksha
Any picture of Shiva usually has Rudraksha. He either wears it on his head or arms. Hence, a lot of religious practitioners started wearing Rudraksha as well. Some of them also believe that the Rudraksha contains the secret of the entire evolution of the universe.
However, most people wear it to lead peaceful and happy lives. It is also said that wearing Rudraksha assures good health and a fearless life. At the same time, it is said that Rudraksha usually protects the person wearing it.
The Shiva Purana
Yoga is the science of mind and the philosophy is ten thousands year old. The Vedas and Puranas are said to be the oldest written spiritual text known to man yet there is controversy on the ownership and origin. No one is able to answer questions like who wrote the Vedas or how old they are? However, the speculated age is 12,000 years old.
Hence, there are a lot of different philosophies, stories and metaphors of the creation of the universe. However, the story of the tears of Lord Shiva is popularly believed by thousands of followers all over the world.
Science and Rudraksha
‘Elaeocarpus ganitrus Roxb’ is the scientific name of Rudraksha. It belongs to the Tiliaceae tree family which is huge, broad and evergreen. They also have a wide crown. They are found in the tropical and sub-tropical areas near the sea-coast to 2000 meters.
Rudraksha trees are grown widely in Indonesia and Nepal. They can also be found in certain areas of India and Malaysia. The tree is usually 15 to 60 meters high and carries the Rudraksha seed for about 7 years.
Rudraksha- Tears of Shiva
The mention of Rudraksha is not only limited to Shiva Purana. It is mentioned in almost all the Holy Scriptures. The Upanishads which is an ancient Hindu text and is included in the Vedas states that people who wear Rudraksha close to their skin will be able to absolve all their sins.
The Upanishads also contain the ‘Rudraksha Upanishat’ which is one of the 108 scriptures of the Vedas. It says that even uttering the name “Rudraksha” holds a lot of pranic and karmic advantage. Wearing the beads akin is also like wearing the sacred ash which is known as the Bhasma.
Rudraksha mala
Most people prefer wearing the Rudraksha mala because it is meant to protect you from the bad vibes while balancing your karmic debts. It also enhances your psychic powers. Usually the mala consists of 108+1 or 111+1 beads depending on your sources. Some people also use the Rudraksha mala as Japmala.
Apart from that, it is possible to just wear a single bead as a pendant. You can even wear them as a bracelet.
Rudraksha- the best healer
It is a God’s gift to mankind. Rudraksha is also considered as the bridge between man and God. You can find different types of Rudrakshas including 1 Mukhi to 21 Mukhi. You should wear the one suggested by your source.
However, people seek a successful and contented life after wearing the Rudraksha. In fact, some people also wear Rudraksha to nullify the effects of certain malefic planets.
Conclusion
There are no beads or symbols that are considered to be as powerful and symbolic as Rudraksha. This is also because the Rudraksha is literally made from the tears of Lord Shiva. However, before buying the Rudraksha make sure that it is original and activated. Double-check it properly and only then purchase it.
