Rudrakshas Explained - Anand Nath ji Aughar
Rudrakshas are seeds of a particular species of tree called Elaeocarpus ganitrus, which grows in certain regions of South Asia, mainly in Nepal, India, and Indonesia. They are considered sacred and are widely used for spiritual and medicinal purposes in Hinduism and other religions. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva is said to have created the Rudraksha tree, and wearing Rudraksha beads is believed to enhance spiritual well-being and promote physical and mental health. The number of faces or mukhis on the Rudraksha bead determines its properties and benefits. There are different types of Rudrakshas, ranging from one to 21 mukhis, with each type believed to have specific spiritual and healing properties. For example, the one mukhi Rudraksha is believed to enhance concentration and bring clarity to the mind, while the five mukhi Rudraksha is believed to promote good health, prosperity, and spiritual growth. Rudrakshas are often worn as a necklace or bracelet or carried in a pouch or pocket. They are also used in meditation, prayer, and as a tool for healing. It is believed that the energy from the Rudraksha bead interacts with the wearer's body and aura, promoting physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. In recent years, scientific studies have also been conducted on the properties and benefits of Rudrakshas, with some research suggesting that they may have anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties and may help in stress reduction and the management of certain health conditions. However, more research is needed to establish these claims scientifically.
Rudrakshas are seeds from the Rudraksha tree, which is mainly found in Nepal, India, and Indonesia. These seeds are considered sacred in Hinduism and are used as prayer beads or as talismans for spiritual and medicinal purposes. The name "Rudraksha" comes from two Sanskrit words, "Rudra" which means Lord Shiva, and "Aksha" which means eye. Therefore, Rudraksha literally means "the tears of Lord Shiva."
It is believed that Lord Shiva meditated for many years, and when he opened his eyes, tears of compassion fell on the earth, and from those tears, the Rudraksha tree grew. Rudraksha beads come in different sizes and faces, known as "Mukhis." Each Mukhi has a different number of lines on its surface and represents another deity.
For example, one Mukhi Rudraksha represents Lord Shiva, while five Mukhi Rudraksha represents Lord Shiva's son, Lord Kartikeya. The number of Mukhis can range from one to twenty-one, and each has its unique properties and benefits. Rudraksha beads are believed to have several spiritual and medicinal uses.
They are said to help in meditation, increase mental clarity, reduce stress and anxiety, boost the immune system, and improve overall well-being. The positive energy emitted by the Rudraksha bead balances the chakras and creates a protective shield around the wearer. In conclusion, Rudraksha beads hold immense spiritual and cultural significance in Hinduism and are believed to have several benefits. It is important to note that while Rudraksha beads can aid in spiritual growth and well-being, they should not be considered a replacement for medical advice or treatment.
Rudraksha (IAST: rudrākṣa) refers to a stonefruit, the dried stones of which are used as prayer beads by Hindus (especially Shaivas), as well as by Buddhists and Sikhs. When they are ripe, rudraksha stones are covered by an inedible blue outer fruit, sometimes called "blueberry beads". The rudraksha stones are produced by several species of large, evergreen, broad-leaved trees in the genus Elaeocarpus, the principal species of which is Elaeocarpus ganitrus.
The stones are associated with the Hindu deity Shiva and are commonly worn for protection and for chanting mantras such as Om Namah Shivaya (Sanskrit: ॐ नमः शिवाय; Om Namaḥ Śivāya). The stones are primarily sourced from India, Indonesia, and Nepal for jewellery and malas (garlands); they are valued similarly to semi-precious stones. [citation needed] Various meanings and interpretations are attributed to rudraksha stones with different numbers of "faces" (Sanskrit: मुख, romanized: mukha, lit. 'face') or locules, and rare or unique stones are highly prized and valued.
Etymology of Rudhraksha
Rudraksha is a Sanskrit compound word consisting of Rudra (Sanskrit: रुद्र) and akṣa (Sanskrit: अक्ष). Rudra is one of Shiva's names. Sanskrit dictionaries translate akṣa (Sanskrit: अक्ष) as eyes, as do many prominent Hindus such as Sivaya Subramuniyaswami and Kamal Narayan Seetha; accordingly, rudraksha may be interpreted as meaning "eyes of Rudra". [page needed]
Rudraksha tree
Rudraksha tree, Elaeocarpus ganitrus Of the 300 species of Elaeocarpus, 35 are found in India. The principal species of this genus is Elaeocarpus ganitrus, which has the common name of "rudraksha tree", and is found from the Gangetic plain in the foothills of the Himalayas to Nepal, South and Southeast Asia, parts of Australia, Guam, and Hawaii. Elaeocarpus ganitrus trees grow to 60–80 ft (18–24 m). They are evergreen trees which grow quickly, and as they mature their roots form buttresses, rising up near the trunk and radiating out along the surface of the ground.
Fruit
The rudraksha tree starts bearing drupes (fruit) in three to four years from germination. It yields between 1,000 and 2,000 fruits annually. These fruits are commonly called "rudraksha fruit", but are also known as amritaphala (fruits of ambrosia). The pyrena of the fruit, commonly called the "pit" or "stone", is typically divided into multiple segments by seed-bearing locules. When the fruit is fully ripe, the stones are covered with a blue outer fleshy husk of inedible fruit. The blue colour is not derived from a pigment but is due to structural colouration. Rudraksha beads are sometimes called "blueberry beads" in reference to the blue colour of the fruit.
Chemical composition
Rudraksha fruits contain alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, steroids, triterpenes, carbohydrates, and cardiac glycosides. They also contain rudrakine, an alkaloid which had been discovered in rudraksha fruit in 1979.
Cultivation of Rudraksha
Cultivation of Rudraksha Ch. Devi Lal Rudraksha Vatika, is a 184 acres (0.74 km2) grove dedicated to rudraksha which also has over 400 endangered ayurvedic medicinal herbs in Yamunanagar district of Haryana state in India. Rudraksha is primarily cultivated in the foothills of the Himalayas, mainly in Nepal and India. The most popular varieties of Rudraksha are found in the regions of Kathmandu, Kulu, and Rameshwaram in India. Groves are mostly found in Uttarakhand state of India.
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