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The word 'Rudraaksha' is derived from two words: 'Rudra' and 'Aaksha.' The word 'Rudra' is formed by the combination of 'Ru' and 'Dru.' 'Ru' means roaring. 'Dru' means rhythmical movement or dance. Therefore, 'Rudra' means a dancing and roaring person. Also, note that Lord Rudra is one of the direct manifestations of Lord Shiva. The word 'Aaksha' means tears. Thus, 'Rudraaksha' means that which is produced out of the tears of Rudra, a dancing and roaring person.

Rudraksha are the beads, which grow on trees botanically belong to Elaeocarpus Ganitrus Roxb variety grown at select locations of South East Asia (Java, Korea, Parts of Malaysia, Taiwan, China) and South Asia (Northern India and Nepal). Rudraksha trees have interesting features. The leaves are like mango tree, seriated and petiolate. Flowers are hermaphrodite, found in auxiliary's rays measures about 12mm in diameter and white in colour. The flowering takes place in summer and the fruits ripe at the middle of the winter season around November. The fruit is a drupe, globes, purple, tubercle grooved distributed in sub-tropical regions. About 300 species of Elaeocarpus have been reported so far out of which 35 are found in India. According to 'The Wealth of India' - 1952 Rudraksha is a large genus of trees distributed from South & East Asia through Malaysia to Australia and the Pacific Island. In the Indian sub-continent these trees are found mainly in Nepal, Assam, Arunachal & near Dehradun..

HEALING POWER OF RUDRAKSHA

For thousands of years in India, yogis have worn Rudraksha Beads to experience the deep tranquility and concentration which are vital for meditation and control of mind and body. Under the power of Rudraksha's positive influence, vast amounts of Vedic literature were studied and memorized in ancient India by disciples of spiritual knowledge. In China, Rudraksha is used to enhance the flow of Chi life energy in the body and balance Yin & Yang. The Zen Buddhist sect in Japan uses Rudraksha beads to induce deeper states of meditation.

In recent years, the general populace in India has taken to wearing Rudraksha beads to combat the effects of stress: hypertension, depression, and high blood pressure. Without the harmful side-effects and addictive nature of tranquilizers, anti-depressants, and beta blockers, men and women experience heightened energy levels, stamina, and peace of mind within a few hours of placing Rudraksha beads in direct contact of their chest region.

In the long term, Rudraksha beads reverse the effects of stress, alleviate depression, eliminate anxiety and other mood disorders, improve concentration, enhance relaxation, and exhibit anti-aging properties. The beneficial powers of Rudraksha beads have been known in Asia for ages and are well documented in traditional and contemporary literature. Due to increasing popularity of Rudraksha malas with the general populace in India, scientific studies have been undertaken in recent years to determine just how Rudraksha Healing works.

One of the best known research papers was published by Dr. Suhas Roy of the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology in Banaras, India. Dr. Roy's research confirmed that the healing powers of Rudraksha beads flow from their electro-magnetic properties. When Rudraksha beads are placed over the heart, they act to stabilize the heart beat. Similar to magnets, the beads work on the principle of Dynamic Polarity. Blood circulation and heart beat automatically induce a magnetic field around the body and particularly the heart region. Depending on the polarity and intensity of this induced magnetic field, Rudraksha beads transmit subtle electrical and inductive impulses with opposing polarity and intensity. According, a proportionate balancing force is exerted on the heart to regulate it if it starts beating above or below normal rates. This action helps to ensure ideal blood circulation in the body

CARE & PRECAUTIONS

1. Rudraksha should not be worn while visiting cementery or a funeral.

2. Rudraksha should not be worn when visiting new born baby.

3. Remove rudraksha during sexual intimacy.

4. Clean the beads occasionally with a soft brush and sandalwood oil.

5. Oil the beads occasionally. Bitter oils like mustard oil (sarson) or Sesame oil/Gingelly Oil (til) are best for this purpose.

6. Do not wear the beads while sleeping. The beads may break due to pressure. The beads may be kept near yur bed while sleeping.

7. Rosary for mantra chanting should be be worn on the body.

8. If you keep a rosary for mantra chanting then do not wear it on the body.

BLESSINGS

Once you choose the Rudraksha, perform the following procedure for blessing:-

• Choose an auspicious day and time for blessings.

• Blessings may be done by the wearer, his Guru or a priest.

• On any Monday offer rudrabhishek in a Shiva Temple by placing a rudraabhishek on linga. Incase of One face rudraksha offer Maha-rudrabhishek.

• In case you are performing a ceremony at home arrange the following items for blessings. Punchgavya – Mix of Cow’s dung, urine , milk , ghee and curd . In absence use Punchamrit which is mix of unboiled milk , honey , sugar, ghee and curd.

• Water mixed with Kusha grass for sprinkling and a spoon .

• 9 leaves of peepal tree arranged on a plate .

• Plate for offerings to be placed during Puja .

• Dhoop , Incense sticks, Camphor and lamp ,Sandal paste . Rice grains mixed with asthagandha ,Ghee lamp (one wick)

• Offerings - Cloth, Flower, Fruit, Betel nut - Paan , Coconut

Sit on an Asan facing east .

Wash Rudraksha with Punchagavya.

Then wash with water .Place Rudraksha in a plate with 9 leaves of Peepal tree .

Chant 3 times “Om Namah Shivaya “

And chant the mantra of individual Rudraksha 108 times