The Sanskrit name is comprised of the words Rudra (another name for Lord Shiva) and akṣha (“eyes”). Also know as “the eyes of Lord Shiva”.

Rudraksha evolved from the eyes of Lord Shiva, with Rudra being another name for Lord Shiva and Aksha meaning eyes. Aksha also refers to the letters of the Sanskrit alphabet- called Varna- and as such, can be inferred as a seed in which a group of Sanskrit letters called Varna reside.

The eye of Rudra Shiva is considered to be the most potent manifestation of the Divine Energy and Rudraksha is the object of veneration and also the source to reach the higher self. Rudraksha is often believed to symbolize the link between the earth and the heaven.

The power of Holy Rudraksha beads have been hailed in various religious texts found in the Vedas, Puranas and Upanishads. The divine qualities of this bead were first noted in ancient Hindu scriptures and have been proclaimed down through the ages: “they bless one with peace of mind; protects against evil doers and spirits; protects the wearer against an early or untimely accidental death; if wearing the bead upon dying one would be released from the karmic cycle of birth and death: blesses one with nirvana, moksha, peace and prosperity. Each Rudraksha acts like a bio-energy generator, charging the wearer’s energy field, chakras, kundalini energy, and the 108 sensitive nerve centers in the human brain.”
Rudraksha Mala is made with the auspicious number of 108+1 bead. The +1 bead is called the Sumeru or The Guru Bead and it is not supposed to be crossed while chanting mantra – it is considered as a boundary for returning in the reverse direction for further counting. In this way, the Guru or Sumeru Bead is placed at the top when holding the Mala and represents the Absolute or the Guru and is not meant to be crossed during mantra japa or recitation, as it is a symbol of the Absolute or Supreme Consciousness.

The Japa Mala can be worn on the body for protection, blessings, good fortune, health & well-being, and for spiritual evolution. Many people where the Guru bead at the top of the Mala behind the neck to represent the Divine or the Guru as the highest state of Awareness. As well, you can use the Mala as it is traditionally used for meditation and Japa (chanting mantra repetitively).

When using Mala for Japa purposes, hold the Mala with right hand only, and use the thumb, ring finger and middle finger to move from one bead to the next as though we are ‘guiding’ the beads towards us. (The index and little finger are considered as inauspicious for touching the Mala when used for Japa purposes.)

Most Rudraksha Malas – unless specifically made otherwise – use 5-faced or 5 Mukhi Rudraksha beads, which represent Shiva or the Absolute. It has many benefits & properties. The 5 Face Rudrakshas are said to be beneficial to heal the liver, kidneys, lungs, heart, breasts, sexual disorders, memory, bone, arthritis, ears, thighs, and regulate blood pressure, diabetes, fat, and purifies the blood. Overall, it is great for one’s health. It is also said to promote fame, peace & prosperity, and dissolves karma & fear. It is used for Spiritual Evolution. Wearing Rudrakshas result in the destruction of negative karma from previous births that cause difficulties in the present life.*

Please note each time japa mala are received from the temple there is variation to thread color or oil/puja bead treatment, therefore mala received may vary in presentation from that which photographed here for reference.

*All the above statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.