rudraksha mala pic
Lord Shiva is one among the Trimurty, and is a great god who safeguards us in our every-day life. He is residing at Kailasa and showers his immense grace on to his devotees. His temples are situated all over the world. The 63 Nayanmar saints praise the glory of Lord Shiva and reside in Kailasa and enjoying the eternal bliss. In order to be like them and to live in Kailasa, we have to do the most favourite things which he likes. By wearing the Holy Rudraksha in our body, we would get the grace of Lord Shiva, and after our death, we would attain a permanent place in Kailasa and can serve the Divine father and Divine mother with great pleasure.
Rudraksha is a seed that is used by Shiva devotees. It is commonly worn for getting blessings from Lord Shiva and it would also give various health related benefits, such as giving strength to our bones and nerves, and would make us to become more active in our life. The seeds are made into Rudraksha Malas. They are considered equivalent to precious stones. We can recite the “OM NAMAH SHIVAYA MANTRA” and perform Shiva puja in the mornings and in the evenings.
Rudraksha Mala, sacred to Hinduism and linked to Lord Shiva, are known for their powerful spiritual and healing benefits. Grown from the Rudraksha tree, these seeds enhance focus and balance energy. They also protect against negativity and are vital for meditation and relaxation.
A rudraksha refers to the dried stones or seeds of the genus Elaeocarpus specifically, Elaeocarpus ganitrus. These stones serve as prayer beads for Hindus (especially Shaivas) and Buddhists. When they are ripe, rudraksha stones are covered by a blue outer fruit so they are sometimes called “blueberry beads”..
The stones are associated with the Hindu deity Shiva and are commonly worn for protection and for chanting mantras such as Om Namah Shivaya. They are primarily sourced from India, Indonesia, and Nepal for jewellery and malas (garlands) and valued similarly to semi-precious stones.
TYPES OF RUDRAKSHA MALAS
Rudraksha malas come in various types, each offering unique benefits to wearers. Below are three common types of Rudraksha Malas:
1 to 14 Mukhi Rudraksha Mala
This mala is a combination of rudraksha beads ranging from one Mukhi (face) to fourteen Mukhi, also known as Siddha Mala. Each bead in this mala is known for its distinct spiritual and physical benefits. Wearing a 1 to 14 Mukhi Rudraksha Mala enhances concentration, clears obstacles, and promotes spiritual growth. It is highly revered and is ideal for individuals seeking holistic well-being and connection to divine energy.
Panchmukhi Rudraksha Mala
The Panchmukhi (five-faced) Rudraksha Mala is one of the most popular and widely used malas. It represents the five elements of nature and is suitable for meditation and general well-being. This mala is believed to calm the mind, control blood pressure, and bring balance to the wearer’s life.
Gauri Shankar Rudraksha Mala
The Gauri Shankar Rudraksha Mala consists of paired beads that symbolize Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. This mala is considered highly auspicious for relationships, enhancing harmony between couples, and promoting peace and understanding in personal connections.
Each of these are powerful tool for spiritual seekers, enhancing their meditation practice and protecting them from negative energies. For those looking to maximize their spiritual benefits, investing in a 1 to 14 Mukhi Rudraksha Mala is an excellent choice, as it encompasses the energy of all the primary Rudraksha types.
Rudraksha is the one that has the ability to wipe our tears and provide happiness. Chanting done wearing a rudraksha-mala is a thousand times more beneficial than chanting done without wearing such a mala. Chanting done with a rudraksha-mala is ten thousand times more beneficial than chanting done with a mala of any other type. Hence, Shaivites believe that if chanting the mantra is not done using a rudraksha-mala or by wearing a rudraksha-mala, we cannot make mantras effective rapidly. To obtain maximum benefit from the rudraksha-mala, it should be tied around the neck in such a manner that it has maximum contact with the neck.
“OM SRI KOTILINGESWARAYA MAHASHIVAYA RUDRA RUDRAKSHESHWARAYA NAMO NAMAHA”
COMPILED BY
R. HARISHANKAR