Rudraksha : Myths Vs. Facts!
For centuries, people have put their utmost faith in the holy prowess of the Rudraksha. They have used it for chanting mantras and for other spiritual rituals. However, over the years, people have developed certain misunderstandings as well as misbeliefs about the Rudraksha mala.
A Rudraksha seed is derived from the large, evergreen, broad-leaved tree in the genus Elaeocarpus, specifically Elaeocarpus ganitrus. These seeds have been long used in Hinduism, especially Shaivism, wherein they are a part of religious and spiritual rituals that involve chanting mantras while praying with the rudraksha beads.
The clefts or the thorny contoured surface of this bead are called Mukhis which translates to ‘faces’. Over the years, Rudraksha has garnered a lot of significance in Hinduism as well as some western cultures. So much so that they are put on the same pedestal as that of precious and semi-precious gemstones. Some rare Rudrakshas are sold at alarmingly high rates too!
Regarded holy by worshippers of Lord Shiva, there are various myths and rumours about Rudraksha that people have come up with over the years.
What are some of the most common myths and facts about Rudraksha?
One of the most common myths about Rudraksha is that if you put a Rudraksha mala in water it will spontaneously start moving around in what seems to be a dance form. This is false and one should not make up their minds about the authenticity of these beads based on their ability to swim or not! With that being said, here are some of the most common myths and facts about Rudraksha.
How can I wear authentic Rudraksha?
You should be aware of what Rudraksha you are buying. Various malpractices such as selling fake and cheap plastic-made Rudraksha, or glueing two Rudrakshas together (Gauri Shankar) to sell at a higher price are very common. Make sure the Rudraksha you get for yourself is authentic.
If you go to places like Rishikesh, you will find multiple stores that sell Rudraksha. However, they are very likely to be fake as the real Rudrakshas are immensely rare to find. Moreover, there is a specific time and day for the harvest of Rudrakshas. In addition to this, these harvested Rudraksha beads then await government lab approval certificates that are done post the advanced testing that includes X-ray tests. If you want to make sure if your Rudrakshas are real, either ask the seller for a government lab certificate or approach a lab yourself to get them tested!
How can I check if the Rudraksha is real myself?
It is normally advised to consult a government lab to get your Rudraksha beads tested. However, getting an X-ray of this bead will show how many internal seeds are encased within the faces of the Rudraksha.
While there are many fake rudrakshas available in the market, it is very important to identify the original rudraksha while making the purchase. Here are simple measures you can consider while testing the rudraksha.
Under a magnifying glass, the cracks on the Rudraksha will get revealed.
Dropping your Rudraksha in boiling water will melt the glue that is used to form higher Mukhi beads or ‘Gauri Shankar’ by cutting and sticking smaller beads together.
Alternatively, real Rudrakshas tend to turn darker over the course of time because of your body heat that changes its colour. However, fake plastic ones will contain their colour intact even after years.
Can any type of Rudraksha suit me?
This is not true. Make sure that you purchase the correct Rudraksha. It is strongly advised to consult an astrologer before you purchase a Rudraksha for yourself. Based on your astrological situation, the astrologer will be able to suggest the right type of Rudraksha for you. The right one will have prominent contours or Mukhis that define you.
A Rudraksha mala may consist of multiple beads of any Mukhi or a combination of various multi-faced Rudraksha. Each of these beads has individual powers that can be felt by the wearer simultaneously. These beads can be strung into silver or gold or copper as per the wearer’s choice.
Each Rudraksha Mukhi has different properties as they are multifaceted and dissimilar. You can choose to wear a single bead of a particular facet or a powerful combination of different Mukhis. You can complement or enhance the power of the bead worn earlier by adding more Rudraksha to the existing Rudraksha mala.
To check which Rudraksha suits you, visit this link : https://www.rudrabeads.com/free-rudraksha-suggestion/
If my Rudraksha sinks in water, is it fake?
This is one of the most prominent myths revolving around Rudraksha. Sinking in water is a matter of weight and density. If your rudraksha weighs a certain amount, it will definitely sink in water. However, this does not necessarily prove their authenticity. Raw rudraksha beads tend to float while ripe rudraksha beads tend to sink. This does not confirm the authenticity of either of the beads. Moreover, rudrakshas tend to lose their potency over the years and this might make them float on water as well.
Can the copper coin test prove the authenticity of my Rudraksha?
It is a general belief that a Rudraksha bead when placed between two copper coins will rotate slightly either towards the right or the left. This happens due to the physical and magnetic properties of the Rudraksha beads. This test requires a high level of expertise and the buyer generally buys the bead that rotates towards the right. However, this is a myth and is not true!
Can I wear a Bhadraksha?
Beware of purchasing Bhadraksha, which is a type of poisonous shrub that can lead to various problems if worn or used. Its resemblance to the Rudraksha seed might fool one into believing it is Rudraksha. However, one should be wary of the same and avoid buying it.
Can anyone wear a Rudraksha?
Absolutely yes! The powers of the Holy Rudraksha do not restrict themselves to any particular religion, caste, gender, or sexual orientation. The only thing that is required from your end is willingness and faith!
Can I wear the Rudraksha all the time?
Although there are no bars to wearing a Rudraksha, women are specifically advised to not wear it during their time of the month. Additionally, it is also advised to take your Rudraksha off when you are attending a cremation or funeral.
What is the correct Mukhi for my Rudraksha?
Every Rudraksha is affiliated to a planet, Rashi, Nakshatra, chakra, as well as a deity. In each of these aspects, the Mukhis of the rudraksha differs with respect to one’s horoscope, star sign, etc. We recommend consulting an experienced astrologer or specialist to find out the correct Mukhi for your rudraksha.
Can Rudraksha cure blood pressure and stress?
Several health-related issues can be taken care of with the might of Rudraksha. It is a popular belief that Rudraksha can tremendously help in blood pressure cases, so much that it is also called the ‘Blood Pressure bead’! Studies about the powers of rudraksha began in the late 1960s by a group of scientists from the Institute of Technology (Banaras) led by Dr Suhas Rai. Based on these merits, it was found that the five Mukhi rudraksha was a powerful tool against stress. Dipping two five-faced rudraksha in water overnight and drinking the water in the morning is known to alleviate stress and keep blood pressure in check.
This works because Rudrakshas have dynamic polarity due to which they possess diamagnetism (the ability to become temporarily magnetic in the presence of a magnetic field). Our body’s natural blood flow creates a magnetic field around our body that centers at the heart. The rudraksha beads temporarily attain the opposite magnetic polarity which then clears and opens up the veins and arteries, therefore improving blood pressure and relieving stress!
