Rudraksha in Vedic Jyotisha

About Rudraksha

Rudraksha is one of the most sacred objects found on this Earth. It is indeed an embodiment of Lord Shiva Himself. The significance of Rudraksha is elaborately described in the Shri Shiva Mahapurana and the Shrimad Devi Bhagavata Purana. It is said that once Lord Shiva, out of His Leela (divine play), dropped tears from His two eyes onto the Earth, which led to the creation of Rudraksha (Rudra refers to Lord Shiva and Aksha refers to tears). These divine tears fell onto the Earth, giving rise to the Rudraksha tree. Lord Shiva Himself distributed these sacred Rudraksha to the devotees of Lord Vishnu and the people of all four Varnas for their welfare.

It is said that the person who wears a Rudraksha becomes akin to Lord Rudra Himself. Anyone can wear Rudraksha. There are no restrictions of any kind. The Supreme Lord Shiva created Rudraksha to bestow His blessings upon all living beings. The entire world has recognised the religious and Ayurvedic benefits of Rudraksha.

Places Where Rudraksha are Found

In India, Rudraksha is predominantly found in the forests of Uttarakhand and places like Bengal, Assam, Mysore and the Nilgiri Hills. Nepal and Indonesia are also renowned for their high-quality Rudraksha. These Rudraksha come in various colours such as white, black, yellow and red. The flowers of the Rudraksha tree are white and the fruits have a greenish hue. The seed inside the fruit is what is referred to as 'Rudraksha'. The line or groove on the seed is called the 'Mukh' of the Rudraksha. Each Rudraksha's Mukh, colour and shape are purely natural.

While the Rudraksha from Nepal are generally Amla-shaped, the Indonesian Rudraksha are small and black. The Shiva Mahapurana describes different benefits based on the colour and shape of the Rudraksha. The Rudraksha resembling an Amla is considered highly auspicious and believed to ward off all forms of misfortune.

Significance of Wearing Rudraksha

According to the Shiva Purana, performing rituals and wearing Rudraksha destroys sins and bestows the blessings of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The Ayurvedic scriptures glorify Rudraksha for its benefits. Rudraksha is used to treat serious diseases. Rudraksha is used in the treatment of blood pressure, heart diseases, leucorrhoea, constipation, epilepsy and many other ailments. Rudraksha is known to protect human beings from negative energies. The scriptures describe the different benefits of wearing Rudraksha with different Mukhas. It is also capable of removing various planetary obstructions. To protect oneself from the fear of untimely death, Rudraksha is always recommended. If a person cannot wear it for some reason, then it should be worshipped and Abhishekam must be done in the same way as it is done to Lord Shiva.

Types of Rudraksha and How to Wear Them?

There are twenty-eight different types of Rudraksha. Twelve Kapila-Varna Rudraksha emerged from the Surya Netra of Lord Shiva and sixteen Shweta-Varna Rudraksha emerged from the Soma Netra of Lord Shiva. Shweta Varna Rudraksha is said to be for Brahmins, Rakta Varna Rudraksha for Kshatriyas, Peeta Varna Rudraksha for Vaishyas and Krishna Varna Rudraksha for Shudras. Here, the term ‘Varna’ holds a broad and meaningful context. Rudraksha are of 14 types based on their origin. Descriptions of Rudraksha with up to 21 Mukhas are found in various scriptures. However, these are extremely rare. From Ek Mukhi to Chaturdasha Mukhi Rudraksha is mentioned in the Shiva Mahapurana. Each type of Rudraksha is associated with different deities and holds specific importance.

Various Types of Rudraksha

1. Eka Mukhi Rudraksha Eka Mukhi Rudraksha is considered to be the embodiment of Lord Shiva. In the Shiva Purana, Lord Shiva tells Goddess Parvati that the Eka Mukhi Rudraksha bestows all worldly pleasures and Moksha. If this Rudraksha is worshipped every day, all desires are fulfilled. The place where the Eka Mukhi Rudraksha is worshipped becomes free from disturbances. Problems related to the Surya Graha are also resolved by wearing or worshipping this Rudraksha.

2. Do Mukhi Rudraksha Do Mukhi Rudraksha is associated with the deity Ardhanarishvara or Devadeveshvara. It plays a significant role in resolving marital issues and mental unrest. In astrology, the Do Mukhi Rudraksha is related to the Chandrama, which is why it is considered effective in mitigating adversities associated with Chandrama.

3. Tri Mukhi Rudraksha According to the Shiva Purana, Tri Mukhi Rudraksha grants the fruits of spiritual practices. In other words, the person who wears the Tri Mukhi Rudraksha can achieve supreme success and knowledge in a short period. In astrology, it is associated with the Mangala. The Tri Mukhi Rudraksha helps the person conquer enemies and cure blood disorders.

4. Chatura Mukhi Rudraksha Chatura Mukhi Rudraksha is considered to be the embodiment of Lord Brahma. Wearing or touching this Rudraksha is believed to grant Chaturdik Purushartha (all-round success and accomplishment). It holds special significance in the realms of education and knowledge. Wearing this Rudraksha brings positive effects of the Budha.

5. Pancha Mukhi Rudraksha Pancha Mukhi Rudraksha is considered to be the embodiment of Kalagni Rudra, a form of Lord Shiva. This type of Rudraksha is easily available. Wearing this helps in removing the malefic effects of the Guru. Spiritually, this makes the wearer very strong.

6. Shada Mukhi Rudraksha Shada Mukhi Rudraksha is considered to be the embodiment of Lord Kartikeya. It is believed that wearing this Rudraksha on the right arm can absolve an individual from even the gravest sins, like Brahamahatya. The Shada Mukhi Rudraksha protects the wearer from the negative effects of the Shukra.

7. Sapta Mukhi Rudraksha Sapta Mukhi Rudraksha is also known as Ananga. Wearing this Rudraksha can turn even a poor person into a wealthy one. It is significant in mitigating the malefic effects of the Shani. Additionally, wearing it provides relief from sins caused by stealing gold.

8. Ashta Mukhi Rudraksha Ashta Mukhi Rudraksha is considered to be the embodiment of Ashtamurti Bhairava. Wearing this Rudraksha is believed to protect the wearer from untimely death. It also helps in resolving the malefic effects related to the Rahu. This Rudraksha provides relief from crimes like illicit relationships and food theft.

9. Nava Mukhi Rudraksha Nava Mukhi Rudraksha can be worn to alleviate troubles related to the Ketu. Goddess Durga, with nine forms, is the presiding deity of this Rudraksha and it is symbolised by Bhairava and Kapila Muni. It is believed that a devoted person wearing the Nava Mukhi Rudraksha on the left arm becomes like Lord Shiva. It also helps in eliminating issues related to Garbha Dosha (pregnancy).

10. Dasha Mukhi Rudraksha Dasha Mukhi Rudraksha is dedicated to the Dashavatara of Lord Vishnu, who is dearly loved by Lord Shiva. Wearing this Rudraksha helps in calming all obstacles faced by an individual. The Dasha Mukhi Rudraksha helps in resolving issues related to ghosts, spirits and black magic.

11. Ekadasha Mukhi Rudraksha Ekadasha Mukhi Rudraksha is considered to be the embodiment of Lord Rudra. Wearing this Rudraksha brings victory in all aspects of life. Lord Shiva told Kartikeya that a person who wears the Ekadasha Mukhi Rudraksha receives the benefits equivalent to performing one thousand Ashwamegha Yajnas, one thousand Vajapeya Yajnas and one thousand Godan.

12. Dwadasha Mukhi Rudraksha Dwadasha Mukhi Rudraksha develops leadership qualities in the wearer. It embodies the brilliance of the Dwadasha Adityas. According to the Shiva Purana, wearing the Dwadasha Mukhi Rudraksha on the forehead bestows remarkable radiance. It helps in overcoming all obstacles and eliminates the fear of Rajbhaya.

13. Trayodasha Mukhi Rudraksha Lord Shiva tells Goddess Parvati that wearing the Trayodasha Mukhi Rudraksha enhances good fortune and prosperity. The wearer of this Rudraksha develops a unique charm that attracts people towards them. It is said that the Vishvadevas have authority over this Rudraksha. With the blessings of Lord Indra and other deities, the life of the wearer is filled with luxury and enjoyment.

14. Chaturdasha Mukhi Rudraksha Chaturdasha Mukhi Rudraksha is considered to be the embodiment of Parama Shiva. Wearing this Rudraksha on the forehead with devotion is believed to lead to a state of divinity like Lord Shiva. The Chaturdasha Mukhi Rudraksha is recommended for spiritual growth, strength and the attainment of wealth.

Procedure of Wearing Rudraksha

In Naimisharanya, Mahatma Suta Ji tells the Rishis that Rudraksha can be worn on the head, neck, ears, arms and abdomen. Broken, insect-infested or injured Rudraksha should never be worn. A Mala made of 15 Rudraksha can be worn on the head with the Ishana Mantra, on the ears with the Tatpurusha Mantra, on the heart with the Aghora Mantra and on the abdomen with the Vamadeva Mantra. Common people who wish to wear the Rudraksha only on the neck can sanctify the Rudraksha with the Pranava and Panchakshara Mantra or with some specific Mantras mentioned above, before wearing it. The Rudraksha should be soaked in Ghee a day before it is worn. Then, it should be worshipped and an Abhishekam (ritual bathing) should be performed, just as it is done for Lord Shiva, before wearing it.

Rules for Wearing Rudraksha

Those who wear Rudraksha beads should completely abstain from meat, alcohol, garlic, onions, turnips, drumsticks and gourd. Brahmacharis, Grahastas, Vanaprasthas and Sanyasis should wear Rudraksha. It is believed that people of all age groups and genders, including children, the elderly and people of all four varnas, have the right to wear Rudraksha. However, after wearing Rudraksha, it is important to maintain dignity and follow the conduct codes associated with it. According to various scholars, Rudraksha should be removed before Ratikriya and cremation. It is advisable to wear Rudraksha again only after Shuddhi. Rudraksha should not be touched with unclean hands. Once worn, Rudraksha should never be touched to the Shivalinga. If you wear Rudraksha, you should perform Jalabhishekam to Lord Shiva daily. Due to any reason if you are unable to worship every day, Shivarchana should be performed at least on Mondays or Pradosha Days.