Rudraksha are considered sacred and worn by devotees for meditation and spiritual practices.
ॐ तत्पुरुषाय विदमहे महादेवाय धीमहि तन्नो रूद्र: प्रचोदयात ||
AUM, Let me meditate on great purusha, greatest god, give me higher intellect and let God Rudra illuminate my mind.
Namaste!
Welcome to the wonderful and engrossed world of spiritual and meaningful readings of www.onindianpath.com. Lets explore the meaning, relevance and benefits of wearing Rudraksha. But, before that, let’s read on which Hindu God loves wearing Rudraksha?
Introduction
Lord Shiva is the most revered God in trinity of Hinduism. Hinduism is the oldest religion of world. Thus, it is being followed since 4000 years.
Also, Lord Shiva is the God of moksha. Further, it is believed the he is a destroyer in the trinity of gods, he destroys all our desires and cravings for materialistic world in form of :
Kaam (desires)
Krodh (anger)
Moh (attachment)
Mada (addiction)
Lobh (greed)
He has universal purifying powers to create a new path of creation. Legends call him Satyam, Shivam and Sundaram which means truth, goodness and beauty respectively.
Furthermore, he represents the essence of impeccable goodness. The mystery of creation can be explained as an act of love by the profound symbolism, Shiv lingam.
Shaivianites are most ascetic Sages, Sadhus, Naga, Yogis and Aghoris who wear bhagwa clothes and Rudraksha mala. They smeared in ashes. The path towards Lord Shiva is enlightening and spiritual awakening. They moves towards inward going path to explore inner-self and self realisation.
What is Rudraksha?
Rudraksha is a natural embellished ornament of Lord Shiva, he wears it everywhere ranging from head, neck, hands, arms, wrists to waist. Rudraksha has a deeper connection to Lord Shiva. Also, Rudraksha is a Sanskrit word consisting of Rudra (रुद्र)and aksa (अक्ष).
And, rudraksha has a meaning – eye of Rudra. Do you know that this rudraksha is severely powerful? Because, it blesses the spiritual and materialistic growth and progress to the bearer.
What is Rudraksha tree?
Rudraksha is the dried stones or seeds of the genus Elaeocarpus tree. Again, these stones serve as prayer beads for Hindus. When they are ripe, rudraksha beads are covered by an inedible blue outer fruit so they are also called blueberry beads.
Moreover, Rudraksha tree is large evergreen tree grows in subtropical climate. This tree is mainly found in Himalayan region and gangetic plains like India, Nepal, Indonesia and other countries.
What Legends say on Rudraksha?
Firstly, Vishnu Sahasranama suggests rudra is the one who makes all the beings cried at the time of cosmic dissolution.
Secondly, Rig Veda defines rudra as rudradravayati, means Rudraksha eradicates misery.
Thirdly, Upnishads suggests Rudraksha as a mean to experience divinity.
Lastly, according to Rudraksha Jabala Upnishad (one amongst 108 minor Upnishads of Sama Veda) states the uses and types of different Rudraksha.
What are the different types of Rudraksha?
Apparently, there are many types of rudraksha on the basis of their shape and faces aka mukhis:
One Mukhi Rudraksha
This one faced rudraksha bead represents Lord Shiva and is considered highly auspicious. It symbolizes unity, focus and enlightenment.
Two Mukhi Rudraksha
This represents Lord Ardhnarishwar, a combination of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It is associated with harmony, unity and balancing of energies. It is said to promote better relationships and emotional well-being.
Three Mukhi Rudraksha
This rudraksha represents Lord Agni (Fire God). It is associated with courage, willpower and is believed to help overcome past sins and promote self-confidence.
Four Mukhi Rudraksha
It represents Guru. It is associated with attaining higher knowledge.
Five Mukhi Rudraksha
It represents Lord Kalagni Rudra, a form of Lord Shiva. It is associated with health, protection and spiritual growth.
Six Mukhi Rudraksha
This one is believed to represent Lord Kartikeya, the son of Lord Shiva. It is associated with wisdom, creativity and intellect, also it improves decision-making abilities.
Seven Mukhi Rudraksha
This bead is believed to represent Goddess lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth and prosperity. It is associated with abundance, success and financial stability.
Eight Mukhi Rudraksha
It represents Lord Ganesha. It is associated with removing obstacles in life and career.
Nine Mukhi Rudraksha
It represents Goddess Durga. It is associated with power and dynamism.
Ten Mukhi Rudraksha
It represents Lord Krishna. It is associated with love and peace.
Eleven Mukhi Rudraksha
It represents 11 minor rudras. It is associated with removing negative energies in life and career.
Twelve Mukhi Rudraksha
It represents Lord Sun. It is associated with radiance and power.
The classifications of Rudraksha continue up to 21 mukhi, each with its unique significance and powers.
One can find Rudraksha in online and offline markets easily at pocket friendly prices.
Wearing Rudraksha in form of mala or pendant or bracelet enhances spiritual growth and meditation. Not only this, negative energies are removed from life. Astrologers advice Rudraksha to enhabce the career growth and mental and physical health of native in modern days.
Rudraksha – Tears of Lord Shiva
As per ancient text, Devi Bhagwad Purana, once there was a demon named Maya. He performed severe penance along with Taraka and Vidhyunmali to gain immortality. Because of their great efforts and penanace , they got a vardhaan (boon) that they could be killed by lord Shiva’s single arrow to burn the three cities they live in.
Maya built three flying cities for all three of them. All of the three flying cities were built in such a manner that they will converge in a single line only on Pushya nakshatra. This rare conjunction held once in a millions of years.
Although, Taraka’s fort was made up of iron, Vidhyunmali’s fort was made of copper and lastly Maya’s fort was made up of gold. All of these demons created havoc on Earth and heaven. All the gods were feared and reached Lord Shiva for help.
And, Lord Shiva was in great meditation. After a subdued time, he woke up and rode a charriot run by Lord Brahma, he took out his bow and arrow. The bow, he hit to the converged cities burned the cities into ashes. it is believd that after a hectic fight, a tear fell from the eyes of lord Shiva on Earth which transformed into rudraksha tree.
Consequently there are many stories as per other religious ancient texts, we will cover them in upcoming articles.
What are the Benefits of wearing Rudraksha?
Rudraksha is believed to have several benefits in various spiritual and healing practices.
- It works as a protective cover.
- It helps in removing obstacles in life and career.
- It provides stability and clarity in mind.
- It helps in improving concentration skills.
- It helps in keeping blood pressure in control and calms down nervous system.
- It also helps in getting relief from skin disorders, cold and cough and other immunity based ailments.
- It also removes negative energies from our lives.
- it removes harmful effects of planets in horoscope.
What precautions one should keep in mind while wearing Rudraksha?
While wearing rudraksha, it’s essential to take certain precautions to ensure its longevity and effectiveness:
a) Always purchase a genuine and authentic rudraksha from a reliable source to experience its potential benefits fully. Before wearing one need to perform specific rituals like merging it in ghee for 24 hours, showing dhup and diya batti and other things to enhance their spiritual effects.
b) Rudraksha beads are organic and can be sensitive to water. Try to avoid wearing them while swimming, showering and in water-related activities.
c) Keep the beads clean and free from dirt or sweat.
d) Rudraksha beads can be sensitive to chemicals, so avoid exposing them to perfumes, lotions, or other chemical substances.
e) Rudraksha are gentle, handle the beads carefully to avoid any damage or breakage.
f) Always energize the Rudraksha periodically by chanting mantras. One can also wash them often with Ganga Jal.
It is advised to not to indulge in tamsik activities (drinking alcohol, eating non-veg food, smoking etc) while wearing Rudraksha.
Conclusion
Rudraksha always align spiritual and mental energies to a higher and calming level. One can feel the immense benefits and inner peace. Have a happy and blessed time ahead.
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