What is Rudraksha?
Rudrakshas are seeds of a tree which is genetically called Elaeocarpus ganitrus. These seeds are used as prayer beads and also, worn close to the skin for their significant and scientifically proven benefits and healing properties, explained in detail later in this article.
Etymology : “Rudra” is one of the 1008 names of Lord Shiva and “Aksha” means tears. Therefore, Rudraksha means Tears of Shiva. It is believed that after thousands of years of meditation, tears of compassion for mankind were shed from Shiva’s eyes. These tears fell on earth and gave rise to the Rudraksha tree.
Types of Rudraksha
Rudraksha is identified by the number of “mukhis” or faces. These mukhis are formed by the lines on the Rudraksha that segment the bead – ranging from 1 to 27 mukhi . The cross section of a Rudraksha would show that each of these mukhis translate to “compartment” like structures inside the Rudraksha. The mukhis, the shape, size and color of the Rudraksha beads determine its value.
There are a few other types of Rudrakshas too
Mukhis
Gauri Shankar Rudraksha is formed when two Rudrakshas are naturally conjoined together – these too are available in nature in various “mukhis”
Mukhis
Garbh Gauri Rudraksha
Garbh Gauri Rudraksha is also formed when two Rudrakshas are naturally conjoined together and when one bead is smaller than the other
Garbh Gauri Rudraksha
Ganesh Rudraksha
Ganesh Rudraksha bead has a trunk like projection on it outer surface representing Lord Ganesh
Ganesh Rudraksha
Trijuthi Rudraksha
These are three Rudraksha beads conjoined together naturally which represents the Tridevs – Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Mahesh.
Trijuthi Rudraksha
Savar Naag Rudraksha
Savar Naag Rudraksha is a Rudraksha bead that has a one mukhi bead attached to it, naturally.