[1]Rudraksha is the divine power blessed with auspicious energies of Lord Shiva. Rudraksha is believed to have the direct blessings of Lord Shiva, which contains the properties to remove the effects of sins of the wearer.
The word rudraksha is formed with the combination of two different Sanskrit words, “Rudra” and “Aksha”. The word “Rudra” stands for Great Lord Shiva and the word “Aksha” stands for the tears of Lord Shiva.
Origin of rudraksha
One ancient story explains the origin of rudraksha. Once, Lord Shiva was very upset and depressed due to the death of “Gauri”, his wife. He started crying in search of “Gauri”. His tears that fell on earth were converted into rudraksha. It is said to contain the secrets of entire evolution of the cosmos within it.
Its Benefits
It is believed that wherever a rudraksha is kept and worshiped, that place is free of sins, that place cannot be affected by evil and is believed to be protected from theft, robbery and fire and blessed with never-ending wealth.
The people living in that place are safe and protected from diseases, untimely accidents and death. The love, faith, brotherhood, affection and sympathy are always there in all sorts of relationships, person is always respected by all.
Anyone who wears the rudraksha finds that it enhances peace of mind, positive thinking, reduces stress, tranquility, better health, success, prosperity and good luck.
Rudraksha beads can tackle depression and melancholia. It relieves stress and harmonises all seven chakras in the body. It increases concentration, controls blood pressure and other ailments.
Types of Rudraksha
Rudraksha are a seed of Elaecarpus ganitrus Roxb tree. Each seed also possesses from 1 to 21 vertical lines running down its surface. These lines are known as mukhas, or facets, and are natural formations of the seed. Seeds with one vertical line are known as Ek-mukhi, those with two lines are Do-mukhi, and so on.
Each bead has different benefits on individual. Apart from 1-21 mukhi rudraksha there are also other types of rudraksha namely, Ganesh rudraksha, Gauri Shankar rudraksha and Garbh Gauri rudraksha.
Who can wear it?
Anyone, related to any religion, society or community could wear rudraksha. The wearer should have 100% faith in it, so that, the effect of the rudraksha is magnified and desired results are obtained. After 40 days of wearing, one can feel the changes in themselves.
Precautions
One should not wear a rudraksha while attending a funeral. Remove it before sleeping at night, while having any sort of physical relationship.
Women should remove it during their menstrual cycle. Some suggest to remove it while eating non-vegetarian food and consuming alcohol.
Life of Rudraksha bead
Rudraksha is a strong bead and has a life of thousands of years if well taken care of. If it gets proper and well protection, then it may stay generation after generation.
Do remember as there is a relationship between rudraksha and the wearer, which cannot and must not be shared with anyone else.
Anyone can wear a rudraksha but the best results are seen if the right recommended rudraksha is worn. Wear it on any Monday after doing a jaap of Om Namah Shivay 108 times or take it to a priest for right mantras/rituals.
Links:
[1] http://archive.asianage.com/rudrak1jpg-140