Rudraksh. the most celebrated esoteric accessory of spiritual seekers has been used extensively since time Immemorial Botanically known as Elaeocarpus Ganitnis Roxb, Rudraksh are the dried seeds of a tree, which grows In select locations of South East Asia, predominantly in the upper Himalayan mountain range of the Indian subcontinent bordering Nepal. A few Rudraksh trees have also been sighted in parts of the Velliangin Mountains, in the Western Ghats
The word Rudraksh literally means ears of Shiva. There are many legends in Indian scriptures and mythology that describe the divine origin of the Rudraksh tree According to one legend, Shiva sat in meditation for many millennia with his eyes closed. Upon opening his eyes, he shed tears of ecstasy which fell to the Earth and became the holy Rudraksh tree. Rudraksh beads were Shiva’s gift to the world.
Rudraksha has its
etymological origin in the Sanskrit words, Rudra and Aksha. Rudra
is another name for Lord Shiva, and aksha means teardrop.
Mythological tales have it that the Rudraksha plant was born out
of Lord Shiva’s tear drops. Ancient scriptures, such as Shiva
Purana, Padma Purana and Srimad Bhagavad mention the greatness and
wonderful powers of the Rudraksha. For thousands of years, they
have adorned the bodies of sages and saints leading a fearless
life in far-flung frontiers seeking enlightenment and liberation.
In Sanskrit rudraksha literally means "the eye of Rudra" or
"red-eyed", from rud, "to cry," and aksha, meaning "eye". In one
story by Śaivites, God himself (Śiva) shed a tear, on viewing the
misfortunes of humanity. This single tear became the first
Rudraksha tree, and a sign of his compassion. In another story,
while destroying the asura fortress of Tripura (mythology), the
seeds from Lord Siva's eyes emerged to form rudraksha. Rudraksha
literally stands for the eyes of Lord Shiva implying that it was
"pleasant to the eyes of Lord" (Shiva), and hence it is named in
his honour. The seeds have been traditionally considered sacred,
and are said to have diverse mystical powers, including being an
amulet against evil
Rudraksha is commonly used to mean the seeds of the rudraksha
tree, Elaeocarpus ganitrus and some other species of Elaeocarpus.
The Rudraksha is a large evergreen broad-leaved tree which grows
in the area from the Gangetic Plain to the foothills of Himalayas
Conditioning of Rudraksh
To condition new Rudraksh beads immerse them in Ghee (clarified butter) for 24 hours and then soak them in full fat milk for an additional 24 hours Wipe the beads with a clean cloth, but do not wash them with soap. Conditioning should take place every, Six months
Proper Care of Rudraksh
Rudraksh can be worn at all times, Including during sleep and while doing one’s spiritual practices. Rudraksh may be worn during bathing times. However, care must be taken that the Rudraksh do not come in contact with hot water or soap. Rudraksh should not come in contact with metal; therefore it is advisable not to place them in metal containers. However, Rudraksh can be cast in gold or silver if one chooses to do so. Extreme care should be taken when fashioning Rudraksh in this manner, as damage may occur through improper handling.
The energies of broken, cracked, damaged and defective Rudraksh beads are distorted and should not be worn.
Who Can Wear a Rudraksh?
Anyone, irrespective of gender, cultural, ethnic, geographical, or religious background can wear Rudraksh. Rudraksh can be worn by children, students, the elderly, ill, etc. for special benefits. They are intended b persons at any stage in life irrespective of mental or physical condition.
Selecting a Rudraksh
Rudraksh in their natural state have their own energies that are very beneficial to the wearer. However, Rudraksh can also be specially consecrated to enhance the impact upon the wearer. In the tradition Rudraksh, are usually received from a Guru - a spiritual Master
Why should wear Rudraksh?
Rudraksh’ curative properties have been utilized worldwide for a number of physics, mental and psychosomatic Illnesses. They are very supportive to maintaining physical and mental balance.
They aid in creating an atmosphere conducive for restful sleep in unfamiliar environments.
For spiritual seekers, Rudraksh plays a supportive role n enhancing one’s spiritual growth. Some of the esoteric benefits ascribed to Rudraksh include enhancement of intuition, infusion of tranquility of the mind, assistance in meditation, purification of the aura, cleansing of the seven chakras, formation of a protective sheath around a person, providing protection against injury or negative and distorted energies and development of dispassion and detachment.
Astromitra Rudraksh
Rudraksh offered by Astromitra.com are carefully selected and checked for their quality and authenticity and undergo a special process of consecration by our expert Vedic Astrologers and spiritual Gurus.
Assisting the seeker in many ways, they are potent aids for one’s physical, mental well-being and one’s spiritual sadhna (spiritual practice).
The following is a list of Rudraksh available through the Astromitra.com, which have been selected by our spiritual Gurus for use by the common man, with the corresponding attributable properties:
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