As per the ancient epics and scriptures of India, a demon named “Tripurasur” caused too much havoc and trouble and also fought and defeated Lord Brahma Vishnu and other Devtas, thereby creating too much problem in lives of all people. With only one option, all the gods approached Lord Shiva (Rudra) for seeking help. Lord Shiva then evoked his Bow and Arrow along-with his divine weapon called “Kaalagni”. Lord Rudra meditated for thousand divine years to attain powers to kill Tripurasur. Due to meditation and happiness, tears dropped from the eyes of Lord Shiva (Rudra) and at places where these tears fell on planet Earth, Rudraaksha trees emerged.

There is another story that Lord Shiva was pained (full of Karuna) to see the cyclic and continuous suffering of humans seen as the repeated cycle of birth and death. Due to the deep pain and out of “Karuna” of Lord Rudra tear drops started to flow from his eyes and at places where these tear drops fell on planet Earth, Rudraaksha trees are supposed to have grown. The seeds of these trees (Rudraaksha) are believed to have the powers to provide moksha (salvation) from the cycle of birth and death.

Uses of Rudraaksha:

Rudraaksha has electro-magnetic properties and apart from Rudra as its deity, each Rudraaksha has relation to specific Planets also due to which Rudraaksha has gained much significance in Astrology, Spiritual evolution and also has medicinal and Ayurvedic benefits.

Also known as Elaeocarpus ganitrus, it grows in the area from the Gangetic plain in the foothills of the Himalayas to South-East Asia, Nepal, Indonesia, Thailand, New Guinea, Guam, and Hawaii. Rudraksha seeds are covered by an outer husk of blue colour when fully ripe, and for this reason are also known as blueberry beads. The blue colour is not derived from pigment but is structural.

Macro-nutrients available in Rudraksha beads are Carbon (50.024%), Hydrogen (17.798%), Oxygen (30.4531%) and Nitrogen (0.9461%) and many micronutrients in small proportions are also available like Sodium, Aluminium, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, Iron, Cobalt, Nickel, Copper, Chlorine and Zinc.

Widely used is the Five-faced bead or Panchmukhi Rudraksha because it is safe and good for everyone. It is for general wellbeing and health. It can lower your blood pressure, soothes your nerves and brings a certain calmness and alertness in your nervous system.

Rudraksha has also been found to have effect on the central nervous system. Rudraksha are worn as beads or as a string of beads (mala). Rudraksha is also found to act as a shield against negative energies. It is widely used in spiritual practices, chanting of mantras and for specific reasons related to the Planets.

Categories of Rudraakshas and benefits: Though there are upto 28 faced Rudraakshas mentioned in several scriptures and books, I am giving brief details and benefits of upto 14 Mukhi Rudraakshas as they are seen to be available. Further, purity of thoughts, words and deeds is necessary to obtain true benefits from Rudraaksha.