Rudraksha Initiation
The word Rudraksha literally means “tears of Shiva”. According to our sages or rishis, Shiva sat in meditation for thousands of years with his eyes closed. Upon opening his eyes, he shed tears of ecstasy(in compassion for humanity), which fell to the Earth and became the holy Rudraksha tree. It is not an ordinary seed or an herb. The botanical name is “Elaeocarpus ganitrus Roxb”. Rudraksha grows in Himalayan mountain ranges in India, Nepal, and Indonesia. Rudraksha can be worn by children, students, the elderly, ill people, etc. for special benefits. They are intended for persons at any stage in life irrespective of mental and/or physical condition. Rudraksha in their natural state has its own energies. In our tradition, Rudraksha is usually received from a Guru. Only a guru could check for their quality and do consecration before giving to the wearer.
There are many types of rudrakshas starting from Eka(single) Mukhi(face or division) to 22 Mukhi Rudraksha. Other than these, there are Garbh Gauri Rudraksha, Gowri Shankar Rudraksha, Trijuthi Rudraksha, etc. According to the Mukhis or divisions, rudrakshas benefit or give effect in different ways. The following are majorly and widely used.
Eka Mukhi: It is for moksha. It will be used very rarely and eligible for particular Sadakas or specific practitioners only.
Pancha Mukhi: Five-faced Rudraksha which can be worn by anyone above 14 years of age. It enhances memory, awareness, and intellect. It cultivates inner freedom and purity.
Dwi Mukhi: Two-faced Rudraksha intended for oneness. It might be husband-wife, parents-children, or Guru-Shishya. Dwimukhi rudraksha gives emotional stability, inner happiness, and fulfillment. It helps in diseases related to the kidney and intestine.
Shanmukhi: Six-faced Rudraksha intended for children below 14 years of age. This Rudraksha aids in proper physical, mental development and gives stamina and tolerance.
Gowrishankar: Beads that look like two beads fused together and can be worn by anyone above 14 years of age. It aids in prosperity, balancing the Ida and Pingala Nadis.
Garbha Gowri: It is for women who find it difficult to conceive. Helps in maintaining a healthy relationship between mother and child.
Activation of Rudraksha
New rudraksha initiation has to be done on a full moon day. To activate new Rudraksha beads, immerse them in Ghee for 24 hours and full-fat milk for the next 24 hours(cow milk). Rudraksha mala is then wiped with a clean cloth(not to be washed by any soaps or detergents) and worn. This should be done every six months on full moon day.
Proper Care Of Rudraksha
Rudraksha can be worn all the time and during any activity. While bathing, take care that it does not come in contact with chemical-based soaps. They should not be stored in metal containers. Rudraksha can be cast in gold or silver if one chooses to wear it like a mala. The energies of broken, cracked, damaged, and defective Rudraksha beads are distorted and should not be worn.
Spiritual View
Rudraksha alleviates the effects of karma. Balances the chakras and removes harmful effects from the planetary movements. Rudraksha plays a supportive role in enhancing one’s spiritual growth for the people who are seeking spirituality in their life. Rudraksha forms a protective shield around a person from the injuries, negative or distorted energies. It helps in the assistance of meditation, purification of aura, cleansing of the seven chakras. It enhances intuition.
Scientific View
Rudraksha activates body cells and gives electronic signals to the mind. We know the body is the counterpart of the mind. Rudrakshas not only give mental benefits but also health benefits. Researchers say that Rudrakshas have electromagnetic and inductive properties which will improve concentration, focus, and mental stamina. These properties will vary according to the number of Mukhi on the rudraksha. People who wear rudraksha have experienced the reduction of high blood pressure, hypertension, stress, anxiety, and depression.
Benefits
Rudraksha elevates or amplifies the energies that you have within. It may be either positive or negative. It works on those energies which are dominant in a person. So, whoever is on a spiritual path, wears rudraksha by default. Rudraksha’s properties have been utilized worldwide for a number of physical, mental, and psychosomatic illnesses. They are very supportive of maintaining physical and mental balance. They aid in creating an atmosphere conducive to restful sleep in unfamiliar environments.
