Rudraksha Beads - Rosary from Himalayas

The seed is cherished as a rosary by Hindus and Buddhists in India and abroad. The bead has many facets and it is valued depending on the number of sides it has. The one-faced Rudraksha is very rare and hence most valued. The number of divisions accords special significance for various purposes mostly for prayers, good omens, and also as a health remedy.

The Rudraksha tree grows in the foothills of the Himalayas, and plains of the Ganges as well as in many other Asian countries including Hawaii and Australia. It is considered in India sacred also in a few Asian countries. The demand for these products is very high for meditation as well. Good quality specimens are found in Nepal and India.

I have seen my grandmother, and father using these prayer beads. But of late these are not used in modern households in India

Rudraksha is venerated as the eyes of Lord Shiv, and as personification. The seeds are used by the Hindus and are used as rosaries for prayer. Usually, a hundred and eight beads are stringed using the gold chain or red color string. Known as "Mala" in Hindi it is used for Jaap or continues chanting of mantra. They are also used as rosaries by worshippers pertaining to religions other than Hinduism.

The five-faced bead is the common form but the divisions could be from one to many. Conjoined seeds are also rare and much venerated. The beads are also used to create jewelry items such as bracelets, pendants, and bangles. All of these have various astrological properties.

The Rudraksha is also used for its curative and remedial properties. The complex science has a lot of believers in India.

The beads are collected from the Gangetic Plains at Himalayan Foothills. There are a large number of collectors and dealers in India. Most of the suppliers are located in North India especially in Haridwar in the state of Uttaranchal. One can buy beads, garlands of Rudraksha, and many related products from the dealers in Uttaranchal.

Online shopping sites also facilitate sales of wonder seeds. A person wishing to buy rudraksha beads online can easily do so at a trusted site. The websites sell many more products associated with astrology. They also sell remedial products online.

Before the purchase one needs to understand the product, its qualities, and its effects. Consulting a reputed astrologer will be of great help.

Even the tree is highly revered by the Hindus. The bead is a derivative of seed in the brown-colored fruit and has many facets. The name arises from Shiva as the bead is considered to represent his third eye.

Many Hindu scriptures mention the power and healing capacity of this bead. It has been assigned with religious significance and is ideal for concentration while praying.

Most popular among the masses is rudraksha from one facet to twenty-one. The properties are mentioned in Hindu scriptures as well as by the noted saints. The rosary is made out of beads using plus-one numbers for example 52+1. The plus one number called Sumeru is skipped during the Japa and acts as a returning point.

During Japa, the mala as the bead garland is called in Hindi rests on the ring and the middle finger. The rest of the fingers are considered inauspicious and are not brought into contact during prayers and meditation.

The rosary sanctified with mantra is used only for prayers and not worn by the owner. Bead garlands for adorning one's neck and chest are different and may contain other precious elements.

These are precautions that have been suggested by eminent astrologers and Hindu saints and apply to the wearing of the bead.

The Rudraksha products should not be worn during menstrual cycles by women, erotic entanglements, and during ablutions. They are not worn in auspicious circumstances, and when visiting the cremation grounds.

The products should not be exchanged and should be kept in a clean environment.