Rudraksha is one of the miraculous creations of nature, where the seed is shaped by number of clefts on its surface. These clefts are known as "Mukhis", or faces. There are about 1 to 38 Mukhi rudraksha present. In most cases, 1 to 14 Mukhi rudraksha are used for astrological purpose. A particular Mukhi rudraksha is believed to encounter the malefic effects of a specific planet. This unique bead has got many splendid properties influential enough to control human behaviour and destiny. The secret lies in the wonderful electro-magnetic properties the bead invokes, when in interaction with Human aura.
Etymology of Rudraksha
Rudraksha is termed by joining the 2 words - "Rudra" and "Aksha". "Rudra" is one of the avatars of Lord Shiva and "Aksha" means tears. The legend goes that the Shiva had to counteract powerful Demons in the ongoing war against gods.
When the entire destruction was settled down, Shiva opened his eyes and shed tears. The legendary tree of Rudraksha was born on the very place those tears fell. That is how Rudraksha, known as a divine bead came into existence. Technically Rudraksha are beads from the tree "Elaeocarpus Ganitrus" found mainly in South, South East Asia, Asia pacific and China.
Power of Rudraksha
Rudraksha carries within itself unique electro-magnetic properties, which in turn empowers the possessor when in touch with human body, or, even when it is safely kept in the house. Rudraksha enhances the effects of a weak planet, and streamlines the effects of a malefic one into a positive energy. Rudraksha is also known to produce heat, and can turn out to be allergic to skin in very rare cases. In such cases, a touch with the skin is not advised. Other than that, a rudraksha bead is completely harmless. Although it is advised that a competent astrologer should select a rudraksha after carefully going through ones horoscope, any selection of rudraksha bead do not harm the wearer in any case.
A rudraksha gives profound effects in the physical, mental and emotional enrichment of a person. It also empowers all to enhance their destinies and attain fulfilment in their lives. A rudraksha does not give its full effect till it has been purified and energized through rituals and puja. Any misuse of rudraksha can also cause loss of its powers. A strict precaution regime also has to be followed while wearing it. A proper Prana Pratishtha activates a rudraksha to give its immense blessings to the one wearing it.
Types of Rudrakshas
Rudraksha are available in different sizes and forms. The Mukhi decides the characteristics of a specific Rudraksha. The Rudraksha bead has a top portion from where the line originated, this is called "Brahma". The middle portion having the largest diameter that is known as "Vishnu" and the bottom portion where the lines end is known as "Shiva". Hence every Rudraksha is originated with that of almighty features of the 3 main GOD; Generator (Brahma), Operator (Vishnu) and Destructor (Mahesh or Shiva).
Rudraksha are classified into 27 different types on the basis of mukhis. In ancient epics like "Shiva Purana", "Srimad Devi Bhagwat" and "Padma Puran", Rudraksha upto 14 Mukhis have been described along with their effects and purposes for which they are useful. Higher Mukhi Rudraksha from 15 to 27 Mukhis have also been found in the later texts like "Katyayani Purana". Beads higher than 27 Mukhi have also been found in recent years. There are other Rudraksha like Gauri Shankar, Ganesha, Sawar and Trijuti.