Rudraksha
Rudraksha are the dried seeds of the Elaeocarpus tree, sacred to Shiva. They are classed by mukhis, the natural lines on the bead, usually from 1 to 14, each linked with a deity and, by convention, a planet.
Also known as: Rudraksh, Rudraksha beads
The name joins Rudra (Shiva) and aksha (eye), and the beads are often called Shiva’s tears. The Shiva Purana describes the beads, their faces (mukhis) and a mantra for each. They are worn as a single bead, in small combinations or as a mala of 108 beads plus one, used for japa.
A popular modern convention links each mukhi with a planet: 1 and 12 with the Sun, 2 with the Moon, 3 with Mars, 4 with Mercury, 5 with Jupiter, 6 and 13 with Venus, 7 and 14 with Saturn, 8 with Rahu and 9 with Ketu. Beads are often chosen for the ascendant lord, the Moon-sign lord or the running mahadasha lord.
Rudraksha are generally considered gentler than gemstones, and the 5 mukhi is regarded as safe for everyone. Genuine beads have natural, unbroken lines running from end to end. Rare beads are often faked, so buy them with an X-ray or lab report.
Traditionally a bead is energised with its mantra before it is first worn, and treated with respect. It supports spiritual practice; it is not a medical treatment.