Articles

The Glories of Dwaraka-Shila-
The Varaha Purana says that whoever touches a Dwarka Shila with the mark of a Vishnu-Chakra will become free of all sins. The Garuda Purana declares that simply the Darshana of all Dwaraka-Shila fulfils all desires. The Skanda Purana declares that without a doubt if a very sinful man worships a Dwaraka-Shila with devotion, or even without devotion, he becomes free from all sinful reactions. According to the Dwaraka Mahatmya, a Shila marked with Chakras coming from Dwaraka is also called Chakra-Tirtha. Even if this Shila is worshipped by a sinful person from a degraded country, the worshiper still becomes liberated.
As per Brahma Purana the worshipper of Dwarka Shilas along with Shaligrama Shilas bestows the devotee with liberation, opulence, gives one respect equal to Lord Indra, brings religious thinking, economic development, worldly comforts, all sorts of enjoyment, remove the fear of birth and death, will give one beauty and wealth, gives fame and a continuation of ones dynasty, kingship, lordship, gives sons, grandsons, wealth, power, peace, extreme protection and Vaikuntha Dhama.

Identifying Symbols of Dwaraka-Shilas –
The Prahlada Samhita states that a Dvaraka-Shila with one prominent Wheel (Chakra) is known as Sudarshana, a Shila with two Chakras is Lakshmi-Narayana, and one with three Chakras is Trivikrama. The Shila marked with four Chakras is Janardana, with five Chakras is Vasudeva, with six Chakras is Pradyumna, and with seven Chakras is Baladeva. The one that has eight Chakras is called Purushottama, with nine Chakras Navavyuha, with ten Chakras is Dashmurti, and with eleven Chakras is Aniruddha. That Dwaraka-Shila with twelve Chakras is Dvadasatmaka, and one with more than twelve Chakras is known as Ananta. The shape of the Dwarka Shila also determines the type of the Shila.

Benefits of Different Types of Dwaraka-Shilas-
The Kapila-Pancaratra explains the benefits of worshiping different types of Dwaraka-Shilas. That charming shila known as Sudarsana, which has one Chakra on it, gives one liberation. The Lakshmi-Narayana Dvaraka-Shila with two Chakras gives opulence and liberation, and an Acyuta-Shila with three Chakras gives one respect equal to Lord Indra. The Shila known as Chaturbhuja with four Chakras brings religious thinking, economic development, enjoyment, and liberation. A Vasudeva-Shila, Which has five Chakras, will remove the fear of birth and death, and a Pradyumna-Shila with six Chakras will give one beauty and wealth.

The one called Balabhadra-Shila
With seven Chakras gives fame and a continuation of ones dynasty, while a Purushottama-Shila with eight Chakras gives all types of benedictions. With nine Chakras, a Narasimhadeva-Shila gives the highest benefits, and a Dashavatara Dwaraka-Shila with ten Chakras gives kingship.

An Aniruddha-Shila,
Which has eleven Chakras, give fame and lordship, and the one known as Dwadasatmaka-shila with twelve Chakras gives liberation and happiness. – The Kapila-Pancaratra also describes that the white Shila gives sons, grandsons, wealth, power, and all types of happiness, so this type of Shila should be adored. Garga and Galava Rishis have stated that a Dwarka Shilas with uniform Chakras brings happiness, a twelve or more Chakra Shila is very auspicious, and round and square shilas give happiness.

Worshiping Shaligrama-Shila
With Dwaraka-Shila-The Brahma Purana states that wherever Shalagrama-Shila and Dvaraka-Shila sitting together are worshipped, certainly salavation or mukti resides there. In the conversation between Brahma and Narada in the Skanda Purana Brahma says, O Munishvara! Wherever Dwaraka-Shila sits in front of the Shalagrama-Shila every class of opulence goes on increasing unlimitedly. In another place it says that one who daily worships Dvaraka-Shila along with twelve Shalagrama-Shila will be honored even in Vaikuntha-dhama. It was mentioned earlier that in the Vaishnava tradition, the worship of the Dvararvati-stone (obtained from the Gomati river in Dvaraka) along with the salagrama-stone is considered meritorious, for the latter variety of stones are special forms assumed by Krishna himself.

The chakra-mark
Is the most distinguishing feature of the Dvarvati stones, and hence they are called chakrankita-sila. According to Garuda-purana, there are twelve varieties of this stone, owing to the number of chakras, colours and forms (dasadha cha prabhinnas ta varnakrti-vibhedatah). When there is only one chakra, the stone is called Devesa; when there are two chakras, it is Sudarshana; three chakras represent the deity Ananta. When there are four chakras, the stone is Janardana. Vasudeva is represented by the stone having five chakras, Pradyumna by six chakras, Bala-bhadra by seven, Purushottama by eight, Nava-vyuha by nine, Dasavatara by ten, Aniruddha by eleven and Dvadastma by twelve. Nava-vyuha represents the collection of nine forms of Vishnu: Vasudeva, Samkarshana, Pradyumna, Aniruddha, Narayana, Hayagriva, Vishnu, Nrsimha and Varaha. The first four forms are well known as chatur-vyuha. The twelve major forms of Vishnu are derived from these nine forms, according to the Tantra-siddhanta division of Pancharatra.
The text also indicates the specific rewards for worshipping each of these twelve varieties of Dvaravati-silas: 1) and 2) salvation; 3) freedom from the fear of births and deaths 4) fulfillment of desires; 5) obtainment of prosperity and elimination of enemies; 6) wealth and lustre; 7) continuation of progeny and celebrity; 8) satisfaction of all that one aspires for; 9) rewards which are difficult even for the gods to obtain; 10) sovereignty and prosperity; 11) lordship; and 12) final emancipation. The stones having more chakras fulfill whatever one longs for, when worshipped.

Prahlada-samhita
Quoted in Salagrama-pariksha (by Anupasimha) gives the first few names differently. The Dvaravati-sila with only one chakra is called Sudarsana, with two chakras Lakshmi-narayana and with three Trivikrama. The rest of the names are the same as given above. The name Ananta is given to stones have more than twelve chakras. The name for Dasavatara in the above list is given here as Dasamurti. When the chakras are more than twelve, only even numbered chakras are to be preferred, according to Galava-smrtir.

The Glories of Dwaraka-Shila-
The Varaha Purana says that whoever touches a Dwarka Shila with the mark of a Vishnu-Chakra will become free of all sins. The Garuda Purana declares that simply the Darshana of all Dwaraka-Shila fulfils all desires. The Skanda Purana declares that without a doubt if a very sinful man worships a Dwaraka-Shila with devotion, or even without devotion, he becomes free from all sinful reactions. According to the Dwaraka Mahatmya, a Shila marked with Chakras coming from Dwaraka is also called Chakra-Tirtha. Even if this Shila is worshipped by a sinful person from a degraded country, the worshiper still becomes liberated.
As per Brahma Purana the worshipper of Dwarka Shilas along with Shaligrama Shilas bestows the devotee with liberation, opulence, gives one respect equal to Lord Indra, brings religious thinking, economic development, worldly comforts, all sorts of enjoyment, remove the fear of birth and death, will give one beauty and wealth, gives fame and a continuation of ones dynasty, kingship, lordship, gives sons, grandsons, wealth, power, peace, extreme protection and Vaikuntha Dhama.

Identifying Symbols of Dwaraka-Shilas –
The Prahlada Samhita states that a Dvaraka-Shila with one prominent Wheel (Chakra) is known as Sudarshana, a Shila with two Chakras is Lakshmi-Narayana, and one with three Chakras is Trivikrama. The Shila marked with four Chakras is Janardana, with five Chakras is Vasudeva, with six Chakras is Pradyumna, and with seven Chakras is Baladeva. The one that has eight Chakras is called Purushottama, with nine Chakras Navavyuha, with ten Chakras is Dashmurti, and with eleven Chakras is Aniruddha. That Dwaraka-Shila with twelve Chakras is Dvadasatmaka, and one with more than twelve Chakras is known as Ananta. The shape of the Dwarka Shila also determines the type of the Shila.

Benefits of Different Types of Dwaraka-Shilas-
The Kapila-Pancaratra explains the benefits of worshiping different types of Dwaraka-Shilas. That charming shila known as Sudarsana, which has one Chakra on it, gives one liberation. The Lakshmi-Narayana Dvaraka-Shila with two Chakras gives opulence and liberation, and an Acyuta-Shila with three Chakras gives one respect equal to Lord Indra. The Shila known as Chaturbhuja with four Chakras brings religious thinking, economic development, enjoyment, and liberation. A Vasudeva-Shila, Which has five Chakras, will remove the fear of birth and death, and a Pradyumna-Shila with six Chakras will give one beauty and wealth.

The one called Balabhadra-Shila
With seven Chakras gives fame and a continuation of ones dynasty, while a Purushottama-Shila with eight Chakras gives all types of benedictions. With nine Chakras, a Narasimhadeva-Shila gives the highest benefits, and a Dashavatara Dwaraka-Shila with ten Chakras gives kingship.

An Aniruddha-Shila,
Which has eleven Chakras, give fame and lordship, and the one known as Dwadasatmaka-shila with twelve Chakras gives liberation and happiness. – The Kapila-Pancaratra also describes that the white Shila gives sons, grandsons, wealth, power, and all types of happiness, so this type of Shila should be adored. Garga and Galava Rishis have stated that a Dwarka Shilas with uniform Chakras brings happiness, a twelve or more Chakra Shila is very auspicious, and round and square shilas give happiness.

Worshiping Shaligrama-Shila
With Dwaraka-Shila-The Brahma Purana states that wherever Shalagrama-Shila and Dvaraka-Shila sitting together are worshipped, certainly salavation or mukti resides there. In the conversation between Brahma and Narada in the Skanda Purana Brahma says, O Munishvara! Wherever Dwaraka-Shila sits in front of the Shalagrama-Shila every class of opulence goes on increasing unlimitedly. In another place it says that one who daily worships Dvaraka-Shila along with twelve Shalagrama-Shila will be honored even in Vaikuntha-dhama. It was mentioned earlier that in the Vaishnava tradition, the worship of the Dvararvati-stone (obtained from the Gomati river in Dvaraka) along with the salagrama-stone is considered meritorious, for the latter variety of stones are special forms assumed by Krishna himself.

The chakra-mark
Is the most distinguishing feature of the Dvarvati stones, and hence they are called chakrankita-sila. According to Garuda-purana, there are twelve varieties of this stone, owing to the number of chakras, colours and forms (dasadha cha prabhinnas ta varnakrti-vibhedatah). When there is only one chakra, the stone is called Devesa; when there are two chakras, it is Sudarshana; three chakras represent the deity Ananta. When there are four chakras, the stone is Janardana. Vasudeva is represented by the stone having five chakras, Pradyumna by six chakras, Bala-bhadra by seven, Purushottama by eight, Nava-vyuha by nine, Dasavatara by ten, Aniruddha by eleven and Dvadastma by twelve. Nava-vyuha represents the collection of nine forms of Vishnu: Vasudeva, Samkarshana, Pradyumna, Aniruddha, Narayana, Hayagriva, Vishnu, Nrsimha and Varaha. The first four forms are well known as chatur-vyuha. The twelve major forms of Vishnu are derived from these nine forms, according to the Tantra-siddhanta division of Pancharatra.
The text also indicates the specific rewards for worshipping each of these twelve varieties of Dvaravati-silas: 1) and 2) salvation; 3) freedom from the fear of births and deaths 4) fulfillment of desires; 5) obtainment of prosperity and elimination of enemies; 6) wealth and lustre; 7) continuation of progeny and celebrity; 8) satisfaction of all that one aspires for; 9) rewards which are difficult even for the gods to obtain; 10) sovereignty and prosperity; 11) lordship; and 12) final emancipation. The stones having more chakras fulfill whatever one longs for, when worshipped.

Prahlada-samhita
Quoted in Salagrama-pariksha (by Anupasimha) gives the first few names differently. The Dvaravati-sila with only one chakra is called Sudarsana, with two chakras Lakshmi-narayana and with three Trivikrama. The rest of the names are the same as given above. The name Ananta is given to stones have more than twelve chakras. The name for Dasavatara in the above list is given here as Dasamurti. When the chakras are more than twelve, only even numbered chakras are to be preferred, according to Galava-smrtir.

Legend of Heera Shankh
There is a beautiful story that exist behind the Heera Shankhs. Thousands of years back an old poor lady named Heera-ujwala used to stay in a village at North East India. Earlier River Ganges used to flow from there and falls at the ocean. She was an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Laxmi. Once upon a time an epidemic spread in her village and the villagers started dying in high numbers. Her two sons and their wives too came in the grip of that epidemic and caught the disease. To save the lives of her sons, daughters in law and the rest of the inmates of the village and bring the prosperity again in the village, she was told in her dream to do penance, fasting and worship of Laxmi Narayan. Since she was as such an ardent devotee, immediately she decided to do severe penance to please Lord Vishnu and Goddess Laxmi. In the course of her doing the severe penance without eating anything, in front of fire ( Yajna), Lord Vishnu appeared and promised her that very soon the village will be free from all epidemic and all affected village inmates will soon be blessed with good health. But to bring prosperity she was advised to worship Dakshinavarty Laxmi Shankh as Goddess Laxmi can be pleased easily with the worship of Dakshinavarty Shankh. It is said that she was given a very big sized Dhakshinavarty Right side Laxmi Shankh by the Lord Himself. With the blessings of Lord Vishnu very soon the village was free from diseases. However, Heera-ujwala continued her penance to please Goddess Laxmi. It is said that since Heera-ujwala was gifted with the biggest Dakshinavarty Shankh by the Lord Himself, rest of the Dakshinavarty Shanks along with their insects inside too in the ocean came close to the big Shankh where Heera-ujwala was doing her penance. While she was performing the penance, it is said that very heavy rains started and due to heavy storm the water from the ocean started overflowing all around. One strong wave of ocean came where Heera-ujwala was doing her penance and unlit the Agni Jwala(the fire which was lit while performing the yajna) and destroyed the complete place and taken away all Ahutis and donations like fruits, utensils etc. along with the wave itself to the ocean. This made the Heera-ujawala very sad and in the rage of anger she cursed that the place be immediately be relieved of ocean and become plain. That place had number of water species especially there was a high concentration of Dakshinavarti Shankhs, since all Dakshinavarty Shankhs have moved to that place and suddenly when the water receded, these species remained there and could not go back to the ocean. All the Shanks and other species became fossilised Shankhs lika a stones including the big Dakshinavarty Shankh of Heera-ujwala. Since the species was endangered, Lord Varuna (the God of ocean) pleaded Goddess Laxmi to save the species. Goddess Laxmi immediately appeared where the Heera-ujawala was performing the penence and requested her to take the curse back. Heera-ujwala told Goddess Laxmi that now her Shankh has also became like a stone how can she continue her penance. Goddess Laxmi promised Heera-ujwala that hence forth all the worshipper of these Stone (Heera) Shankhs will be blessed with immense fortune. Since the number of Dakshivavarty Shankhs has greatly reduced the effect of Stone Shankhs will be comparable to the Dakshinavarty Shankhs. Since most of the Dakshinavarty Shankhs got converted into Stone Shankhs the Dakshinavarty Shankh has become very very rare. Goddess Laxmi further given a boon that all the stone Shankhs will be glittering with gems and precious stones. Heera-ujwala continued her penance with the Stone Shankh, Goddess Laxmi became very happy with her devotion and severe penance and given her the boon that her whole village will prosper and there will never any scarcity of food and other things. All the Shankhs which had turned into stones were named as Heera Shankhs. The Shankhs after millions of years became fossilised and were embedded with beautiful gems and diamonds. The Heera Shankhs are also very rare and are not easily available. The Heera Shankhs like Dakshinavarty Shankhs are right sided Shankhs and very similar to the properties of the Dakshinavarty Shankhs. The worshipper of Heera Shankhs is blessed with immense fortune and luck. The japa of the Goddess Laxmi mantra needs to be done using the sphatik mala. The Heera Shankhs are most beautiful Shankhs that can happen on the Earth, by virtue of the presence of different coloured gems and precious stones and can take the devotee to the Laxmi Siddhi. It is highly recommended to keep Heera Shankhs in the puja room or Altar. Heera Shankha is also called Pahadi Shankha (conch from mountains). It is used in worship of Goddess Lakshmi, especially by the tantriks. It opens like the Dakshinavarti Shankh. It is found in the mountains and has sparkling crystal like substance in the opening and sometimes on the shell also. Its dull from outer crust but Its inner portion shines like diamonds.Being rare,it is costly. Worship of this Shankh attracts prosperity and abundance. There is one more ancient Tibetan text available which states that Guru Matsyendranath was as famous as Gorakhnath in the field of Tantra. It is said that when it comes to the highest level of Sadhanas Guru Matsyendranath was even more accomplished than Guru Gorakhnath. He had accomplished a very secret Sadhana related to Goddess Lakshmi using Heera Shankh.

PUJA PROCEDURE:
Have a bath and wear a clean Dhoti. Sit on the floor without any mat facing the North. Place a Heera Shankh before yourself. Then with a sphatik rosary chant 31 rounds of the following Mantra.

“Ayeim Yam Ram Shreem Yam Froum Kreem Phat”.
This is a powerful Mantra made of Beej Mantras. It is really very effective and each Sadhak should try to make the best use of it. This is a very rare shankh used in worship of Godess Lakshmi. A person doing Sadhana using this Shankh and sphatik rosary can attain highest level of Siddhis.

shaligram

Rudraksh Scientific Power

Rudraksh has Scientific Power. It has Physical and Chemical properties. Rudraksha bead/Utrasum bead botanically known as Elaiocarpus Ganitrus Roxb have been used since times immemorial by mankind for mental and physical well being, anti stress agents, body fluids regulators, meditation, controlling adverse planetary configurations and for divine spiritual practices.

There are 38 types of Rudraksha and these beads are available in 21 facets. Facets’ are prominent vertical natural lines found across the Rudraksha, and each kind has a specific purpose. Facets/faces in Hindi are Known as Mukhi.

The Rudraksha Beads directly act on the Central nervous system by emitting bio electrochemical impulses hence calming the mind and inducing the brain to release positive and mood uplifting chemicals to bring about calming changes. The Rudraksha bead resembles the shape of the human brain with the sulci and gyri. The beads have shown remarkable results to control stress and anxiety and regulation of heart beat.

Rudraksh Religious Significance

The term Rudraksha (Rudra i.e. Shiva + aksha i.e. eye) literally stands for the eyes of Lord Shiva or Rudra implying thereby that it was pleasant to the eyes of Lord Shiva, and hence so named in His honor.

The beneficial powers of Rudraksha are by virtue of its Electrical and Magnetic Properties. Rudraksh beads act as a Stabilizing Anchor.

Rudraksha beads’ electrical properties are: Resistance, Capacitance or the Dielectric Properties, Inductance. Rudraksha has the ability to Change it’s polarity.

Energizing / Puja of Rudraksh

Rudraksh is a special bead produced from the eyes of the Lord. While stringing the beads each bead is energized with Shiva Mantra and then the rosary is washed with pure water chanting the Sadyojaat Mantra which is as follows.

Sadyojaat Mantra

Om Sadyojaatam Prapadyaami Sadyojaatave Namo Namah. Bhave Bhave Naati Bhave Bhavaswamaam Bhavodbhavaay Namah

After completion of the above step the Rudraksha Rosary is smeared with sandalwood paste, Ashatgandha (mixture of eight fragrances) and kesar (saffron) while chanting the Vaamdev Mantra.

Vaamdev Mantra

Om Vaamdevaay Namo Jyeshtthaay Shreshtthay Namo Rudraay Namah Kar Vilarannaay Namo Val Vikarannaay Namo. Valaay Namo Bal Prathamaay Namo Sarva Bhoot Damanaay Namo Manomanaay Namah.

The Vaamdev Mantra gives the Rosary to protect from negative powers and spirits.

After completion of the above step the Rudraksha Rosary is energized with the Aghor Mantra while showing incense smoke to the rosary.

Aghor Mantra

Om Aghorebhyo Ghorebhyo Ghor Ghor Tarebhaya Savebhya Sarva Sharvebhyo Namaste Astu Rudra Roopebhyo

After completion of the above step the Rudraksh Mala is smeared with saffron chanting the following Tatpurush Mantra.

Tatpurush Mantra

Om Tatpurushaay Vidmahe Mahaadevaay Dheemahi Tannorudraay Prachodayaat

Next Each Rudraksha Bead should be consecrated and energized using the Eeshaan Mantra

Eeshaan Mantra

Om Eeshaanah Sarvavidhaanaam Eeshwar Sarvabhootaanaam Brahmaadipati Brahmaadhi Patim Brahma Shivoham Astho Sadaa Shivom

After completing the steps described above join both palms in a Namaskar Mudra( Joining of both hands as if in prayer) and then chant the following mantra:

Maale Maale Mahaa Maale Sarvashakti Samanvite Chaturvargaa Tvayinyistah Tasmaan Me Siddhidaa Bhav

Upon completion of the above described steps the Rudraksha Rosary becomes divine and appropriate for mantra chanting. All Rudra mantras and the majority of the mantras including the planetary mantras can be chanted on this rosary.

The rosary creates a divine Armour around it’s worshipper and bestows health, wealth and success while protecting from evil eye and black magic as Vaamdev Mantra is also chanted during the consecration. After consecration the rosary should be placed in the worship place or in a place that is free from dust and grease.

Rudraksh in Various Disease

Rudraksh can be worn in Various diease.

Rudraksh Dieases Cover
One Facet Good for BP and Heart Diseases.
Two Facet Good for mental peace and pregnancies.
Three  Facet Good for eliminating depression and psychological disorders.
Four Facet Good for Arthritis Patient and BP disorders.
Five Facet Heart diseases, BP and Mental disorders.
Six Facet Good for skin and neck diseases.
Seven Facet Good for sexual disorder.
Eight Facet Good for eyesight and skin diseases.
Nine Facet Reduces physical illness and common tiredness.
Ten Facet Maintain sound mental fitness.
Eleven Facet Good for Lever diseases and intoxicant disorders.
Twelve Facet Good for skin and heart diseases.
Thirteen Facet Good for BP patient.
Fourteen Facet Useful in right dicesion making.
Gauri Shanker Rudraksh Good for smoothering of planetry forces around oneself and prevention from accidents and sudden deaths.
Ganesh Rudraksh Good for business and prosperity.
One face Sawar Bead Good for ruin business.

Importance of Rudraksh

Rudraksha Beads have been worn by mankind for thousands of years for good health, religious attainment through Japa and Shakti (power) and for the fearless life. Wherever Rudraksha is worshipped the Goddess of wealth always stays there. One can escape from untimely death by wearing Rudraksha Rudraksha assists in awakening of Kundilini (the self pleasure point).

Rudraksha is helpful for worldly and heavenly attainments. Rudraksha can make the whole family live together in peace and harmony. Rudraksha is best known for its biomedical properties and in controlling stress, hypertension and blood pressure. Rudraksha help increase Self power and invoke Self love. They also enhance the Charisma of the wearer.

Rudraksha can cure various dangerous diseases like small pox, epilepsy, whooping cough etc.and heal the most poisonous wounds, if used as a prescription, in a specified method. It gives peace of mind to the wearer, stimulates the mind and sharpens the intellect. Rudraksha can be worn by chanting mantra or without chanting it , with reverence or without it, with devotion or without it, with shame or without same i.e. with whatsoever procedure a man who wears

Rudraksha gets rid of all kinds of sins and gets knowledge well. A Shiv bhakta i.e. devotee of Lord Shiva should be given Rudraksha for peace. The limitlessness of the result of its virtues cannot be described. A man, who gives food to the wearer of Rudraksha, reaches Rudraloka i.e. the kingdom of Lord Rudra after providing salvation to seven orders of his ancestors. If the wearer of the Rudraksha dies, he does not take another birth, he reaches the kingdom of Rudra. If a man who is wearing Rudraksha around the neck or an arm, dies, he lives in the kingdom of Rudra after providing salvation to 21 orders of his ancestors.

A man who wears Rudraksha with Pearls, Coral, Crystal, Silver, Gold or other precious stone, takes the form of Lord Shiva. The devotee who worships Lord Shiva in the form of Rudraksha devotedly, becomes a king inspite of being poor. A man, who performs Vedic rituals, chanting mantras, yajnas etc without wearing Rudraksha, gets no virtue or fruit. Failing to wear Rudraksha , a man who performs religious deeds/bathing, worshipping gods Vishwadeva to perform the penitence (repent) and shraadhda karmas (deeds for bygone souls) , at initiation, falls prey to innocence and worldly attachment and at last falls into hell i.e. his down-fall comes. It is the reason why a man should wear Rudraksha while performing religious activities. The wearer of Rudraksha not only makes Lord Shiva happy but pleases Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu, Ganesh, Kaartikey, Durga, Indra, Aditya and the ruling deities of the nine planets. No men, seers and scholars are tired of describing the importance of Rudraksha. Rudraksha is very much dear to Lord Shiva. No body can imagine the image of Lord Shiva without Rudraksha. Seeing, chanting and worshiping Rudraksha burns all the sins to ashes.

A man can feel unlimited pleasure only by seeing Rudraksha. The wishers of devotion and salvation should wear it after purifying themselves. Mainly the devotees of Lord Shiva must wear it because it removes their numerous pains, sorrows, and calamities. Rudraksha fulfills all the wishes. It is peerless in the universe.

It is the dearest ornament to Lord Shiva. If an innocent, un devoted and immoral man wears Rudraksha with love and faith, he gets rid of all sins and attains the supreme goal. As long as a man keeps wearing Rudraksha, he does not fear untimely death. He cannot die without completing his span of life. At the time of death he gets the true knowledge of Lord Shiva and His abode too. One should wear Rudraksha by all bits of efforts.

All About Rudraksha

What is Rudraksha ?

Rudraksha, (also called rudraksha ratana, rudraksha bead, rudraksha gem,) is a very sacred object in the Hindu religion. It is hard and dark colored fruit of a tree whose botanical or scientific name is elaeocarpus ganitrus. In sanskrit Rudraksha mean eyes (tears) of Lord Shiva. ‘Rudra’ is another name of Lord Shiva and ‘Aksha’ means eyes or tears. The name rudraksha also signifies “under the protection of Lord Rudra (Shiva).” The origin of Rudraksha is linked with the story of Tripurasura Samhara. The story or the legend according to Devi Bhagwat Puran (a religious text) is this : There was a very powerful demon called Maya. He built three towns of three different metals viz. gold, silver and iron. These towns were imperishable and were called Tripur. So the demon was also known as Tripurasur.He become arrogant & started troubling god’s & sages . Brahma and Vishnu expressed their inability to tame the demon. Then the gods prayed to Lord Shiva to protect them from the demon. Lord Shiva decided to kill the demon. He entered into a deep state of meditation with half-closed eyes. Thereafter, he used a fire weapon called Aaghor to kill Tripurasur. The weapon killed the demon, but temporarily blinded Shiva too due to its dazzling brilliance.

When Lord Shiva opened his eyes, tears came out that ran down his cheek and fell on earth. Since nothing holy is ever wasted, the tears turned into seeds and grew up as Rudraksha Trees. The three eyes of Lord Shiva represent The Sun, the Moon and the Fire. From the sun-eye (the right eye) twelve types of Rudrakshas originated and from the moon-eye (left eye) sixteen types of Rudrakshas originated. From the fire-eye (in his forehead) ten types of Rudrakshas originated. Those born of the tears from the sun-eye are red blood in colour; those from the moon-eye are white Rudrakshas, and from the fire-eye are black Rudrakshas. So there are 38 (thirty eight) types of rudrakshas in all. The rudrakshas trees now grow in a very few places in the world in the Himalayan regions like Nepal. In Hindu scriptures, Rudraksha beads (also called rudraksha ratna) are considered to be the holiest object having mystical powers. They are used for spiritual and material gains and well-being for the wearer. Rudrakshas greatly help in attaining best results with chanting of mantras and meditation. They are useful in awakening Kundalini (as per the Hindu Science of Yoga). Basically, they are worn for sel-empowerment. They are also used for medicinal purposes since ancient times. Saints, Sadhus, Yogis, Priests often wear rudrakshas beads. The effect of rudraksha is felt within 40 days after wearing it.

Who can wear Rudraksha ?

Rudraksh Beads can be worn by anyone irrespective of sex, age, caste, religion etc. Each bead is identified by the number of faces or Mukhs which are vertical lines on the beads. The type of power of Rudraksha bead is decided by the number of mukhs or faces it has. In ancient epics like Shiva Puran, Padma Puran, and Skand Puran, rudraksha upto 14 mukhis are mentioned. There is no reference to those beyond 14 mukhis which is possilbly due to extremely rare occurrence of such beads. Each type of Rudraksha bead is associated with a ruling planet, ruling god and mantra. One can choose a specific rudraksha bead associated with ruling planet for which astrological remedy is sought. One can wear Rudraksh in a pendant in gold or silver or thread.

Benefits of Rudraksha

The benefits and uses of wearing Rudraksha beads and rosaries (malas) are: Spiritual Benefits produce detachment and feelings of renunciation help in getting rid of all sins help to attain perfect spiritual knowledge Protect against accidents and bad happenings reduce evil or negative influence of planets and black magic Medicinal (healing) Benefits Regulate Blood pressure help to control stress reduce anxiety and depression increase concentration, fertility Relief in brain disorders and psychological maladies Material Benefits help in acquring wealth and prosperity remove obstacles, success in career

Which Rudraksha to wear ?

Rudrakshas are known to remove bad effects of the planets. Gems are also used for the same purpose. Rudrakshas and gems can be worn together for maximum benefits. The following table indicates according to one’s birth constellation (birth nakshatra based on moon’s position in birth chart) which rudraksha and gem combination is good. Birth Nakshatra // Planet Gemstone // Rudraksha Type // To Wear 1. Ashvini : Ketu // Cat’s Eye // 9 Mukhi 2. Bharni : venus // Diamond // 6 Mukhi 3. Krittika : Sun // Ruby // (1 / 11 / 12) Mukhi 4. Rohini : Moon // Pearl // 2 Mukhi 5. Mrigashira : Mars // Coral // 3 Mukhi 6. Ardra : Rahu // Hessonite (Gomed ) // 8 Mukhi 7. Punarvasu : Jupiter // Yellow Sapphire ( Pukhraj ) // 5 Mukhi 8. Pushya : Saturn // Blue Sapphire (Nilam ) // 7 Mukhi 9. Ashlesha : Mercury // Emerald ( panna) // 4 Mukhi 10. Magha :Ketu // Cat’s Eye // 9 Mukhi 11. Purvaphalguni : Venus // Diamond // 6 Mukhi 12. Uttaraphalguni : Sun // Ruby // (1/11/12) Mukhi 13. Hasta : Moon // Pearl // 2 Mukhi 14. Chitra : Mars // Coral // 3 Mukhi 15. Swati : Rahu // Hessonite (Gomed) // 8 Mukhi 16. Vishakha : Jupiter // Yellow Sapphire // 5 Mukhi 17. Anuradha : Saturn // Blue Sapphire // 7 Mukhi 18. Jyestha : Mercury // Emerald // 4 Mukhi 19. Mula : Ketu // Cat’s Eye // 9 Mukhi 20. Purvashadha : Venus// Diamond // 6 Mukhi 21. Uttarashadha : Sun // Ruby // (1/11/12 )Mukhi 22. Shravana : Moon // Pearl // 2 Mukhi 23. Dhanishtha : Mars // Coral // 3 Mukhi 24. Shatabhisha : Rahu // Hessonite ( Gomed) // 8 Mukhi 25. Purvabhadrapada : Jupiter // Yellow Sapphire // 5 Mukhi 26. Uttarabhadrapada : Saturn // Blue Sapphire // 7 mukhi 27. Revati : Mercury // Emerald // 4 Mukhi

Varieties / Types of Rudrakshas and their Benefits, their ruling planets and representing gods and goddesses

Rudraksha beads (also called rudraksha ratnas) are categorised and named after their mukhs or faces. Rudraksha as already said in the beginning is the fruit of Rudraksha tree. It generally contains 5 compartments and each compartment has a single seed in it. The joining wall between two compartments is represented by a groove or line on the surface of the fruit. It is called Face or mouth (Mukhi). The number of faces decides the type of rudraksha. 1 Mukhi (face) Rudraksha – Ruling Planet Sun – Goddess Lakshmi (Wealth) One Mukhi Rudraksha represents the ultimate reality, and Lord Shiva. Its ruling planet is the sun and it is worn or kept to lessen the bad effects of the sun. It increases concentration for work and meditation and will power of the wearer. It prevents diseases of the head. It also gives happiness and prosperity. 2 Mukhi (face) Rudraksha – Ruling planet Moon – Arthanareshwar (shiva and parvati rupam) Two Mukhi Rudraksha is useful to the wearer for marital bliss, happiness, peace and harmony. It removes obstacles in marriage and in having children. Good for social and personal relationships. It increases fertility, fulfills material desires. Removes ill effects of moon. 3 Mukhi (face) Rudraksha – Ruling planet Mars – Ma Saraswati Three Mukhi rudraksha increases memory, confidence, creative intelligence and concentration. It is good for those suffering from depression, infereriority complex. Helpful in brain diseases. Gives good results of mars. 4 Mukhi (face) Rudraksha – Ruling planet Mercury – Lord Brahma : Lord of Creation Four Mukhi Rudraksha represents Brahma, the four headed God who is said to be the creator of the universe. This type of Rudraksha increases intelligence, logic, mental power and wisdom. It is good for meditation. Four Mukhi is suitable for intellectuals, artists, scientists, orators, lecturers, writers, students, journalist, interpreters, teachers etc. to improve knowledge, learning and concentration. It imparts positive thinking, new ideas and analytical ability. It provides good benefits of mercury. 5 Mukhi (face) Rudraksha – Ruling planet Jupiter – lord Rudra : Lord of Destroyer Of Evil Power Five Mukhi Rudraksha is commonly available. Nearly 90% of beads of a rudraksha tree are five mukhi. It imparts health, mental peace and happiness. It is said to control and balance five elements i.e. Agni, Vayu, Akash, Jal and Prithvi of the wearer. It is good for success and positive thinking. It gives the benefits of the planet jupiter. It is highly beneficial for people with blood and heart diseases, blood pressure, stress and gastric problems. 6 Mukhi (face) Rudraksha – Ruling planet Venus – Lord Kartikeya Six Mukhi Rudraksha is said to represent Kartikeya who was the son of Lord Shiva. It is good for matters related to love and attraction to the opposite sex. It gives comforts, harmony, charm and poise. It is useful for cultivating taste for arts, creativity, literature, music etc. It is good for emotional and sensitive persons. It is also good in the prevention of diseases of throat, eyes, nose, sexual organs, kidneys and bladder. 7 Mukhi (face) Rudraksha – Ruling planet Saturn – Lord Saptarishi (Seven Great Siddha Rishis) Seven Mukhi Rudraksha is good for health and wealth. Its other benefits are success, pleasure, peace and happiness. It is good for business and career. It is said to remove the ill effects of saturn. It gives sense of justice, authority, wisdom and honour to the wearer. Good for preventing cold, cough, rheumatism, TB, bronchitis. 8 Mukhi (face) Rudraksha – Ruling planet Rahu (Dragon’s Head) – Lord Ganesh Eight Mukhi Rudraksha removes obstacles. It increases will power and wins over enemies. It is for business and career. It is good for insomnia and mental problems. It cures arrogance, extravagance and diseases of stomach. It brings good luck. It reduces the ill effects of Rahu. 9 Mukhi (face) Rudraksha – Ruling planet Ketu (Dragon’s Tail) – Ma Durga : Lord of Power Nine Mukhi Rudraksha reduces the ill effects of Ketu. It gives self confidence, strength, fearlessness, and health to the wearer. It is good for removing sins, irrelgion, injustice, cruelty, laziness and bad habits. It helps in acquiring spiritual knowledge and salvation. 10 Mukhi (face) Rudraksha – Lord Vishnu Ten Mukhi Rudraksha is good for removing obstacles and past sins (karmic actions). It removes nervousness, indecision, shyness and anger. It is helpful for spiritual awakening and positive thoughts. Almost anybody can wear it. It gives peace of mind and protects from enemies, black or evil eye. It removes illusions. 11 Mukhi (face) Rudraksha – Eleven Roopam of Lord Shiva (Ekads Rudra) Eleven Mukhi Rudraksha is used for almost all purposes. It gives success in general, conforts, peace of mind, prosperity, health, fulfilment of desires and spiritual success. It brings stability and confidence. Good in chronic diseases. 12 Mukhi (face) Rudraksha – Sulpani Roopam (God of Sun) Twelve Mukhi Rudraksha gives energy and vitality to the wearer. It gives benefits of health, authority, influence, respect, brilliance, success in politics, business, administration and intellectual pursuits. Twelve Mukhi is suited for politicians, businessmen, administrators etc. It is good in diseases of bones. 13 Mukhi (face) Rudraksha – Indra Dev (Vishwadeva) : Lord of Enjoyment Thirteen Mukhi Rudraksha is useful for enhancing leadership qualities, communication and marketing skills. It attracts faster results for one’s actions, gives opportunities and physical strength. It is helpful in overcoming difficulties with ease and prevents breaking of relationships. 14 Mukhi (face) Rudraksha – Lord Shiva Roopam Fourteen Mukhi Rudraksha is powerful in arousing the psychic aspects of a person. It increases visionary qualities. It protects a person from ill effects of saturn especially sade-sati (7.5 years) and dhaya (2.5 years) effects. It brings gains in business and finance. It is good for businessmen and adventure seeking persons. It is helpful in reviving loss making business and prevents sudden diseases and bad situations. 15 Mukhi (face) Rudraksha – Lord Pashupatinath : Lord of Liberation (Moksha Or Mukti) Fifteen Mukhi Rudraksha produces intuition power and increases mental power. It helps in preserving the energy level of a person. It is good for those seeking promotion and economic progress. It reduces the ill effects of one’s past sins committed advertently or inadvertently. 16 Mukhi (face) Rudraksha – Hari-Shankar Roopam Sixteen Mukhi Rudraksha is used for various purposes. It is helpful in matters of love, affection and relationships. It protects one from theft, fire and robbery. It is equally good in legal matters and to win over enemies. It bestows peace of mind and prosperity. 17 Mukhi (face) Rudraksha – Lord VIshwakarma / Goddess Katyani Seventeen Mukhi Rudraksha is used for getting spiritual benefits. It arouses and increases spiritual consciouness, concentration in meditation. Other benefits include unexpected monetary and material gains. It also gives strength, and peace of mind. It is helpful in materializing success. 18 Mukhi (face) Rudraksha – Sita-Rama Roopam Eighteen Mukhi Rudraksha is said to remove fear and ill effects of black magic and evil eye. It is helpful in regaining health and mental strength. It is useful for both spiritual and worldly gains. Gauripath or Trijuti Rudraksha – Shiva and Parvati Roopam It is special but natural rudraksha which is formed when three rudraksha join together. It is said to reperesent the Hindu Trinity viz. Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh (Shiva). The wearer of this rudraksha gets everything like health, wealth, power and knowledge. Gaurishankar Rudraksha It said to remove “nav graha dosh” which is the bad effects of all the 9 planets as per Hindu Astrology. It removes marital discord and family problems.

How to Wear (method) and Maintain Rudraksha Beads – Important Tips ?

Please keep the following tips to wear and maintain the sanctity of rudrakshas beads : 1. Wear Rudraksha Bead(s) after energizing, purifying & charging it with Mantra and on Monday or Thursday. Chant the mantra ” Om Namaha Shivaya ” 108 times and concentrate on the purpose for which you are going to wear it. 2. Do not wear Rudraksha while going to funerals, cremation grounds, visiting a new-born baby etc. 3. Do not wear the Rudraksha while having sex. 4. Women should not wear the Rudraksha during their menstrual cycle. 5. Non-vegetarian food, eggs and alcohol are strictly prohibited. 6. Do not share or exchange or transfer your Rudraksha with any one else. 7. Always wear Rudraksha or Rudraksha mala (rosary) around the neck so that the beads touch the heart area. 8. Wear Rudraksha in black, yellow or white colored thread. It can be worn in silver, gold, copper metals. 9. Never show your Rudrakshas once you have worn it. 10. Once you start wearing rudraksha, wear it continuously throughout your life. 11. Rudraksha can also be kept in prayer / Puja room and worshipped for benefit. 12. Oil your rudraksha every month with mustard oil or sandalwood oil or olive oil and treat it with incense. This is important if you are not going to use the bead for sometime, or you want to store it for a while. 13. Wash your rudraksha beads every month in boiled hot water. Let is dry for few hours and then oil it and wear it. 14. Rudraksha should not be worn when you are bathing. This will prevent the rudraksha from becoming wet. 15. Rudrakshas are neither gems nor ornaments or simple beads. They are tears of Lord Shiva. So, wearing Rudrakshas without accepting Shiva (Rudra) may not yield good results. 16. Do not interchange your rudraksh mala with anyone else.

Size of Rudraksha and other Features

1. The size of the rudraksha matters a lot. Big Rudraksha is superior to small Rudraksha. A Rudraksha bead which has a natural central hole is of the best quality. But, they are only 0.02%. Holes are created in most of rudrakshas. a. Big sized Rudraksha: It is has a radius of approx. 2 cm. and is of the size of an Amla fruit. It gives superior results. b. Medium sized Rudraksha: It has a radius between 1 to 2 cm. It gives medium results. c. Small sized Rudraksha: It has a radius of 1 cm or below. It is of the size of a pea. It is suitable for worldly or material gains. Rudrakshas with a radius of 4 cm. or above are very rare. They are just not available. 2. Strong Rudraksha is superior to weak Rudraksha. Brittle Rudraksha is from unripe fruits and is not good. Beads from Rudraksha fruits which dry up while still on the tree itself are the best. 3. Rudraksha should be round. It should have clear grooves and lines. Badly shaped or deformed rudraksha, insect eaten, spoiled by fungus should never be used. It gives bad results.

Identification of Rudraksha

Unfortunately, there is no foolproof or definitive method to distinguish or identify a true rudraksha from a fake one. It is best to buy a Rudraksha from a trusted supplier. However the following methods can be tried: Water Test 1. Boil the rudraksh in water for some hours at a stretch. If it is real, then there would not be any effect on the rudraksh bead, otherwise if it is fake or artificial or two rudrakshs are joined together artificially(in case of Gauri shanker bead), a clear discoloration will take place. 2. Place the rudraksha in a glass of water. If it floats it is false and is therefore rejected. However, this test is not very reliable because fake Rudraksha bead made of wood but impregnated with some metal like lead etc. will also sink in water. Cut Test Cut the Rudraksha bead. You will find the same number of compartments as the number of lines if it is real. The test is very reliable but the problem is that the bead is destroyed. Copper Coin Test It is a generally held that a Rudraksha bead moves or rotates a little when placed between two copper coins. This is possibly happens due to magnetic properties of the Rudraksha bead. This test requires a considerable skill and expertise to discern.

Shape and Structure

A good Rudraksha bead will not be broken at ends. A good Rudraksha bead should have well defined natural corns & contours.