Mahadev is not a god who sits up somewhere; he is a living being. Lord Shiva is omnipotent and exists in atoms and the cosmos.
Lord Shiva wears ornaments, the symbols of which have beauty and serenity in their own sense.
Of all the divine elements, one single bead holds the utmost significance. Yes, you guys guessed it right. It is Rudhraksha, which can be seen many times in paintings, especially in Shiva Tanjore paintings.
Not a single bead is considered to be as auspicious and powerful as Shiva’s Rudhraksha. In this blog, we shall discuss the origin, significance, and properties of the Rudraksha.
Mythological origins of Shiva’s Rudraksha
Rudhra denotes the beautiful name of the beloved and most powerful Shiva. Aksh means tears. So, in short, Rudhraksha stands for the tears of Lord Shiva.
There are many mythologies revolving around the origin of Rudraksha, for instance,
- Tears of compassion:
The material world is called Dhukhalaya, the place of misery. Lord Shiva once went into deep meditation for the happiness of all living creatures trapped in material bodies. When he woke up, he opened his majestic eyes, and tears dropped on the earth, which later became the rudraksha trees.
- Tears of strength:
According to the ancient scripture of the Shiva Purana, an asura named Tripurasura rose to power, causing distress among devas and humans. In response, Shiva decided to wield the power of the divine weapon ‘Aghor’.
Overwhelmed with the destruction this weapon could potentially cause tears to roll down and become the rudraksha seeds.
- Immolation of Sati Mata:
Sati Mata immolated herself, witnessing the insult her father bestowed upon Shiva. Distraught, Shiva roamed around the entire universe while crying with Sati’s corpse. Wherever these tears fell, a Rudhraksha tree emerged.
In all these stories, Shiva experienced profound emotions that led him to create these powerful rudraksha beads for the benefit of humankind.
Spiritual significance of Rudraksha beads
These beads carry deep spiritual significance and are revered for their protective, healing, and empowerment properties.
There are various faces of rudraksha beads available, each having a unique significance, as listed below.
| Faces/Mukhis | Ruling deity | Ruling planet | Benefits |
| 1 | Shiva | All planets | Enlightens consciousness |
| 2 | Ardhanareeshwara | Moon | Emotional balance |
| 3 | Agni dev | Sun | Frees from bondages of the past |
| 4 | Brihaspathi | Jupiter | Memory and wit |
| 5 | Rudra Kalagni | Jupiter | Enhances awareness |
| 6 | Karthikeya | Mars | Willpower, focus |
| 7 | Mahalakshmi | Venus | Wealth |
| 8 | Ganesh | Ketu | Removes obstacles |
| 9 | Durga | Rahu | Material satisfaction |
| 10 | Krishna | All planets | Protection from negative energies |
| 11 | 11 Rudras | All planets | Inner guidance |
| Gauri Shankar | Shiva-Shakthi | Venus | Divine consciousness |
| Trimurti | Shiva,Vishnu, Brahma | Venus | Complete command over life situations |
It is also believed that the rudraksha contains the secrets of the entire evolution of the cosmos within it.
Unique properties of Rudraksha beads
- Electromagnetic Properties: These beads help the wearers accelerate their concentration, focusing ability, and mental stamina. Ultimately, drive oneself to a feeling of tranquility and calmness.
- Bioelectric stimulation: the beads store and emit bioelectric energy, essentially functioning as natural capacitors for the flow of vital energy within the body, and have a positive influence on dopamine and serotonin levels in the brain.
- Dielectric: Rudraksha beads are dielectric in the scientific sense because they store electrical energy and have permanent magnetic characteristics that vary depending on the mukhi of the beads.
- Neurophysiology: They are reputed for enhancing mental clarity, focus, and overall health; hence, they are considered invaluable tools for meditation and mindfulness. Rudhraksha operates by resonating with the body’s energy centers, known as chakras.
In collaboration with the departments of biochemistry, electrical engineering, psychiatry, general medicine, and psychology, a combined investigation on the biomedical implications of rudraksha was carried out. This study provided scientific evidence that could be replicated to support its claims about the impacts and capabilities.
Why does Shiva wear Rudhraksha?
The affinity between Lord Shiva and Rudhraksha resonates deeply with Hindu symbolism and mythology. Numerous legends weave a rich tapestry, evoking Lord Shiva’s predilection for these beads:
- The Kamandalu chronicle: Lord Shiva’s rudraksha beads are symbolic as they epitomize the years of rigorous meditation and austere penance undertaken by him. Each bead signifies a year devoted to spiritual enlightenment .
- The third eye revelations: Lord Shiva, an emblem of higher perception and insight, is frequently depicted with a third eye adorned on his forehead. Beads are considered manifestations of energy radiated by this eye.
- Ashen significance: Rudhraksha beads are believed to absorb the transformative and destructive energy, symbolising Lord Shiva’s omnipotence.
Conclusion
“A person who wears all Rudraksha becomes me.
Thus, one should attempt from all levels to wear divine Rudraksha” – Shiva, in Padma Purana.
It is astonishing how the Rudhraksha’s natural beads influence human neurophysiology, mental and physical well-being, such as lowered stress reactivity, which is often only possible with ongoing tranquilizer dozages.
Shiva has gifted this magical rudraksha to mankind as a symbolic link between earth and heaven, between man and god.
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