Wikipedia

Rudraksha

This article is about the rudraksha fruit and beadwork made from its fruitstones. For the film, seeRudraksh (film).

Arudraksha(IAST:rudrākṣa) refers to the driedstonesor seeds of thegenusElaeocarpusspecifically,Elaeocarpus ganitrus.[1]These stones serve asprayer beadsforHindus(especiallyShaivas) andBuddhists.When they are ripe,rudrakshastones are covered by a blue outer fruit so they are sometimes called "blueberry beads[2]

Rudrakshabeads are the dried stones of the fruit of theElaeocarpus ganitrustree

The stones are associated with the Hindu deityShivaand are commonly worn for protection and for chantingmantrassuch asOm Namah Shivaya(Sanskrit:ॐ नमः शिवाय;Om Namaḥ Śivāya). They are primarily sourced fromIndia,Indonesia,andNepalfor jewellery andmalas(garlands) and valued similarly to semi-precious stones.[1]Rudrakshacan have up to twenty one "faces" (Sanskrit:मुख,romanized:mukha,lit. 'face') orlocules– naturally ingrained longitudinal lines which divide the stone into segments. Each face represents a particular deity.[3][4]

Etymology

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Rudrakshais aSanskritcompound word consisting of "Rudra"(Sanskrit:रुद्र) referring to Shiva and "akṣa"(Sanskrit:अक्ष) meaning "eye".[5][a][6]Sanskrit dictionaries translateakṣa(Sanskrit:अक्ष) as eyes,[7]as do many prominent Hindus such asSivaya Subramuniyaswamiand Kamal Narayan Seetha; accordingly,rudrakshamay be interpreted as meaning "Eye of Rudra".[8][9]

Description

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Rudraksha tree

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Rudrakshatree,Elaeocarpus ganitrus
Main article:Elaeocarpus ganitrus

Of the 300 species ofElaeocarpus,35 are found in India. The principal species of thisgenusisElaeocarpus ganitrus,which has thecommon nameof "rudrakshatree ", and is found fromthe Gangetic plainin the foothills of theHimalayastoNepal,SouthandSoutheast Asia,parts ofAustralia,Guam,andHawaii.[10]

These tree species typically found at higher altitudes, primarily in the Himalayan region, has become scarce in India due to its previous use in making railway sleepers. The finest quality seeds originate from specific altitudes in the Himalayas, where the soil, atmosphere, and environmental factors contribute to their unique vibration.[11]

Elaeocarpus ganitrustrees 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.[12]

Fruit

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Riperudrakshafruits displaying their typical blue colour

Therudrakshatree starts bearingdrupes(fruit) in three to four years from germination. It yields between 1,000 and 2,000 fruits annually. These fruits are commonly called "rudrakshafruit ", but are also known asamritaphala(fruits ofambrosia).[citation needed]

Thepyrenaof the fruit, commonly called the "pit" or "stone", is typically divided into multiple segments by seed-bearinglocules.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 tostructural colouration.[13]Rudrakshabeads are sometimes called "blueberry beads" in reference to the blue colour of the fruit.

Chemical composition

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Rudrakshafruits containalkaloids,flavonoids,tannins,steroids,triterpenes,carbohydrates,and cardiacglycosides.They also contain rudrakine,[14][15]an alkaloid which had been discovered inrudrakshafruit in 1979.[16]

Types ofrudrakshabeads

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5-faced (panchamukha)rudrakshastone with the lines delineating its faces labelled[17]

Rudrakshabeads are described as having a number of facets or "faces" (mukha/mukhi) which are separated by a line or cleft along the bead. Typically, these beads possess between 1 and 21 faces, although instances of rudrakshas with up to 26–27 faces have been reported, albeit rarely. Those with a single face (ekamukha)[18]are the rarest.[3][19]A rudraskha with eleven faces is worn by renunciants, those who are married wear a two-faced bead and a five-faced bead is representative of Hanuman.[20]Similarly different faces of rudrakshas are related with different deities and planets astrologically such as 2 faces associated with Moon, 3 faces with Mars, 4 faces with Mercury, 5 faces with Jupiter, 7 faces with Saturn and so on.[21]Rudrakshas from Nepal are between 20 and 35 mm (0.79 and 1.38 in) and those from Indonesia are between 5 and 25 mm (0.20 and 0.98 in). Rudraksha beads are most often brown, although white, red, yellow, or black bead may also be found.[22]


Many types of stone are described. A savar is a type of rudraksha bead that is naturally conjoined, or attached to another bead.Gauri Shankarrefers to two beads which are naturally conjoined.Ganesharefers to beads which have a trunk-like protrusion on their bodies.Trijutirefers to three beads that are naturally conjoined. Other rare types includeveda(4 conjoined savars) anddvaita(2 conjoined savars).[23]

Uses

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Religious uses in Indian-origin religions

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Therudrakshais sacred to and popularly worn by devotees of Shiva.[3]

A 108+1rudraksha malaconstructed with 5-faced stones[24]

Rudrakshabeads may be strung together as beads on agarland(mala) which can be worn around the neck. The beads are commonly strung on silk, or on a black or red cotton thread. Less often, jewellers use copper, silver or gold wires. Therudrakshabeads may be damaged if strung too tightly. TheDevi Bhagavata Puranadescribes the preparation ofrudrakshagarlands.[25]

Hindus often userudrakshagarlands aids to prayer andmeditation,and to sanctify the mind, body, andsoul,much as Christians useprayer beadsandrosariesto count repetitions of prayer.[26][additional citation(s) needed]There is a long tradition of wearing 108rudrakshabeads in India, particularly withinShaivism,due to their association with Shiva, who wearsrudrakshagarlands. Most garlands contain 108 beadsplus onebecause as 108 is considered sacred and a suitable number of times to recite a short mantra. The number 108 is sacred in many spiritual traditions, symbolising the universe’s completeness.[27]The extra bead, which is called the "meru",bindu,or "guru bead", helps mark the beginning and end of a cycle of 108 and has symbolic value as a 'principle' bead.Rudrakshagarlands usually contain beads in combinations 27+1, 54+1, or 108+1. The mantraOm Namah Shivaya,associated with Shiva, is often chosen for repetitions (japa) usingrudrakshabeads.[28]

History

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In Hindu religious texts

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14-facedrudrakshastone made into pendant.

Upanishads

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Several late-medievalUpanishadsdescribe the construction, wearing, and userudrakshagarlandsas well as their mythological origin as the tears ofRudra.

Sage Guha replied: (It is made of any one of the following 10 materials) Coral, Pearl, Crystal, Conch, Silver, Gold, Sandal, Putra-Jivika, Lotus, or Rudraksha. Each head must be devoted and thought of as presided over by the deities of Akara to Kshakara. Golden thread should bind the beads through the holes. On its right silver (caps) and left copper. The face of a bead should face, the face of another head and tail, the tail. Thus a circular formation must be made.[29][b]

— Akshamalika Upanishad

SageSanatkumaraapproached Lord Kalagni Rudra and asked him, "Lord, kindly explain to me the method of wearing Rudraksha." What he told him was, "Rudraksha became famous by that name because initially, it was produced from the eyes of Rudra. During the time of destruction and after the act of destruction, when Rudra closed his eye of destruction, Rudraksha was produced from that eye. That is the Rudraksha property of Rudraksha. Just by touching and wearing this Rudraksha, one gets the same effect of giving in charity one thousand cows."[31][c]

— Brihajjabala Upanishad

He should count using a rosary (mala) whose beads are either made of thetulsiplant or rudraksha.[33][d]

— Rama Rahasya Upanishad

After prostrating himself before the celebrated form of Sri Mahadeva-Rudra in his heart, adoring the sacredBhasmaand Rudraksha and mentally reciting the great Mahavakya-Mantra, Tarasara, SageShukaasked his father Geat SageVyasa.[35][e]

— Rudrahridaya Upanishad

Sage Bhusunda questioned Lord Kalagni-Rudra: What is the beginning of Rudraksha beads? What is the benefit of wearing them on the body? Lord Kalagni-Rudra answered him thus: I closed my eyes for the sake of destroying theTripurasura.From my eyes thus closed, drops of water fell on the earth. These drops of tears turned into Rudrakshas. By the mere utterance of the name of 'Rudraksha', one acquires the benefit of giving ten cows in charity. By seeing and touching it, one attains double that benefit. I am unable to praise it anymore.[37][39]

— Rudrakshajabala Upanishad

Tirumurai

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Like the Upanishads, theTirumuraidescribes the wearing ofrudrakshagarlands and their use asprayer beadsfor chantingmantras.Accordingly, the Tirumurai identifies wearing a pair of rudraksha garlands as a sign ofpiety.

They who walk the twin paths ofcharyaandkriyaever praise the twin feet of the Lord. They wear holy emblems—the twin rings in earlobes, the twin rudraksha garland around the neck—and adopt the twin mudras, all in amiable constancy.

— Tirumantiram1423. TM[40]

Thinking of Him, great love welling up in their heart, if they finger the rudraksha beads, it will bring them the glory of the Gods. Chant our naked Lord's name. Say, "Namah Shivaya!"

— Tirumurai3.307.3. PS, 217[41]

Cultivation

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Herbal and sacred groves

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See also:Sacred groves of India,Bodhi Tree,andList of Banyan trees in India

Ch. Devi Lal Rudraksha Vatika,is a 184 acres (0.74 km2) grove dedicated torudrakshawhich also has over 400 endangeredayurvedicmedicinal herbsinYamunanagar districtofHaryanastate inIndia.[42]

Rudrakshais primarily cultivated in the foothills of theHimalayas,mainly in Nepal and India.[43]The most popular varieties ofrudrakshaare found in the regions ofKathmandu,around Arun Valley Region in Nepal andKulu,andRameshwaramin India. There are several naturally occurring trees ofrudrakshas in the alpine forests ofDhauladharand lowerShivalikranges of theHimalayas.[citation needed]

Groves are mostly found inUttarakhandstate of India.[citation needed]

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Tree

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  • Rudrakshatree leaves
  • Rudrakshatree with flowers
  • Rudrakshaflowers
  • Countries to whichElaeocarpus ganitrusis native.

Fruit

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  • Unriperudrakshafruit on the tree
  • On dryingrudrakshafruits turn black
  • Freshly plucked rawrudrakshafruits; when ripe these are blue in colour
  • Riperudrakshafruits with typical blue colour

Stones

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  • Handful ofrudrakshastones
  • Red 5-facedrudrakshastone
  • Cross-section of a 7-facedrudrakshastone
  • X-ray of 10-facedrudrakshastone reveals 10 seeds storing chambers (locules) and one central chamber

See also

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Notes

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  1. ^Stutley (1985),p. 119: "'Rudra-eyed'. Name of the dark berries ofElaeocarpus ganitrus,used to make Śaiva rosaries (mālā), or necklaces. The berries have five divisions symbolising Śiva's five faces (pañcānana). "
  2. ^तं गुहः प्रत्युवाच प्रवालमौक्तिकस्फटिकशङ्ख रजताष्टापदचन्दनपुत्रजीविकाब्जे रुद्राक्षा इति । आदिक्षान्तमूर्तिः सावधानभावा । सौवर्णं राजतं ताम्रं तन्मुखे मुखं तत्पुच्छे पुच्छं तदन्तरावर्तनक्रमेण योजयेत्[30]
  3. ^अथ कालाग्निरुद्रं भगवन्तं सनत्कुमारः पप्रच्छाधीहि भगवन्रुद्राक्षधारणविधिं स होवाच रुद्रस्य नयनादुत्पन्ना रुद्राक्षा इति लोके ख्यायन्ते सदाशिवः संहारकाले संहारं कृत्वा संहाराक्षं मुकुलीकरोति तन्नयनाज्जाता रुद्राक्षा इति होवाच तस्माद्रुद्राक्षत्वमिति तद्रुद्राक्षे वाग्विषये कृते दशगोप्रदानेन यत्फलमवाप्नोति तत्फलमश्नुते स एष भस्मज्योती रुद्राक्ष इति तद्रुद्राक्षं करेण स्पृष्ट्वा धारणमात्रेण द्विसहस्रगोप्रदानफलं भवति । तद्रुद्राक्षे एकादशरुद्रत्वं च गच्छति । तद्रुद्राक्षे शिरसि धार्यमाणे कोटिगोप्रदानफलं भवति[32]
  4. ^तुलसीपारिजातश्रीवृक्षमूलादिकस्थले । पद्माक्षतुलसीकाष्ठरुद्राक्षकृतमालया[34]
  5. ^हृदयं कुण्डली भस्मरुद्राक्षगणदर्शनम् । तारसारं महावाक्यं पञ्चब्रह्माग्निहोत्रकम्[36]

References

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  1. ^abBhattacharyya, Bharati (2015).Golden Greens: The Amazing World of Plants.The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI). pp.21–25.ISBN978-81-7993-441-8.
  2. ^Singh, B; Chopra, A; Ishar, MP; Sharma, A; Raj, T (2010)."Pharmacognostic and antifungal investigations of Elaeocarpus ganitrus (Rudrakasha)".Indian J Pharm Sci.72(2):261–5.doi:10.4103/0250-474X.65021.PMC2929793.PMID20838538.
  3. ^abcLochtefeld, James G. (2002).The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Hinduism: N–Z.Rosen. p. 576.ISBN978-0-8239-3180-4.
  4. ^"Official Website of Sadhguru, Isha Foundation | India".isha.sadhguru.org.Retrieved2024-03-24.
  5. ^Stutley, M. (1985).The Illustrated Dictionary of Hindu Iconography.New Delhi, India: Munshiram Manoharlal Publishers. pp. 98, 119.ISBN978-81-215-1087-5.
  6. ^Singh, Ishar B. (2015)."Phytochemical and biological aspects of Rudraksha, the stony endocarp of Elaeocarpus ganitrus".Israel Journal of Plant Sciences.62(4):265–276.doi:10.1080/07929978.2015.1020659– via Brill.
  7. ^"Aksa: English Translation of the Sanskrit word: Aksa – Sanskrit Dictionary".
  8. ^Subramuniyaswami, Sivaya (1997).Dancing with Siva.USA. p. 799.ISBN9780945497974.{{cite book}}:CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  9. ^Ziegenbalg, Bartholomaeus (1869).Genealogy of the South-Indian Gods: A Manual of the Mythology and Religion of the People of Southern India, Including a Description of Popular Hinduism.Higginbotham. p. 27.
  10. ^Koul, M. K. (2001-05-13)."Bond with the beads".Spectrum.India: The Tribune.
  11. ^"Official Website of Sadhguru, Isha Foundation | India".isha.sadhguru.org.Retrieved2024-03-24.
  12. ^"Rudraksha Hub".Rudraksha Hub.Retrieved2024-09-10.
  13. ^Lee, D. W. (1991). "Ultrastructural Basis and Function of Iridescent Blue Color of Fruits inElaeocarpus".Nature.349(6306):260–262.Bibcode:1991Natur.349..260L.doi:10.1038/349260a0.S2CID13332325.
  14. ^"Rudrakine chemical".ResearchGate.
  15. ^Jawla, Sunil; Rai, D. V. (2016-06-08)."QSAR Descriptors of Rudrakine Molecule of Rudraksha (Elaeocarpus ganitrus) Using Computation Servers".German Journal of Pharmacy and Life Science.1(1).
  16. ^Ray, A.B.; Chand, Lal; Pandey, V.B. (January 1979). "Rudrakine, a new alkaloid from Elaeocarpus ganitrus".Phytochemistry.18(4):700–701.Bibcode:1979PChem..18..700R.doi:10.1016/S0031-9422(00)84309-5.{{cite journal}}:CS1 maint: date and year (link)
  17. ^Meet, Vedic (2024-01-19)."20 Reasons why you need Panch Mukhi Rudraksh in 2024".Vedic Meet.Retrieved2024-04-15.
  18. ^Subramuniya (Master.) (2000).How to Become a Hindu: A Guide for Seekers and Born Hindus.Himalayan Academy Publications. p. 269.ISBN978-0-945497-82-0.
  19. ^Dalal, Roshen (2010).Hinduism: An Alphabetical Guide.Penguin Books India. pp.1668–1669.ISBN978-0-14-341421-6.
  20. ^Blackman, Winifred S. (1918)."The Rosary of Magic and Religion".Folklore.29(4):255–280.doi:10.1080/0015587X.1918.9719067.JSTOR1255280.
  21. ^"1 to 21 Mukhi Rudraksha Benefits".Nepa Rudraksha.{{cite web}}:CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  22. ^"Colors of Rudraksha Beads: Which Color Rudraksha Is Good To Wear".Occult Science.RetrievedJanuary 13,2025.
  23. ^Seetha, Kamal Narayan (2005).Power of rudraksha.India. pp. 15, 20 and 21.ISBN9788179929810.{{cite book}}:CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  24. ^For the five-division type as signifying Shiva's five faces and terminologypañcānana,see: Stutley, p. 119.
  25. ^Seetha, Kamal Narayan (2008).Power of Rudraksha(4th ed.). Mumbai, India: Jaico Publishing House. pp.64–65.ISBN978-81-7992-844-8.
  26. ^Laatsch, M. (2010).Rudraksha. Die Perlen der shivaitischen Gebetsschnur in altertümlichen und modernen Quellen.Munich: Akademische Verlagsgemeinschaft München.ISBN978-3-89975-411-7.
  27. ^"A Simple Guide to use Rudraksha Mala for Spiritual Growth".rudrakshakavach.
  28. ^"Dancing with Siva".himalayanacademy.Retrieved2018-04-07.
  29. ^"AkShamalika Upanishad english".
  30. ^"AkShamalika Upanishad".sanskritdocuments.org.Retrieved2025-02-02.
  31. ^"Brihad Jabala Upanishad english".
  32. ^"Brihat-Jabala Upanishad".sanskritdocuments.org.Retrieved2025-02-02.
  33. ^"Rama Rahasya Upanishad english".
  34. ^"Shri Ramarahasya Upanishad".sanskritdocuments.org.Retrieved2025-02-02.
  35. ^"Rudra Hridaya Upanishad english".
  36. ^"Rudrahridaya Upanishad".sanskritdocuments.org.Retrieved2025-02-02.
  37. ^"Rudraksha Jabala Upanishad english".
  38. ^"RudrakShajabala Upanishad".sanskritdocuments.org.Retrieved2025-02-02.
  39. ^अथ हैनं कालाग्निरुद्रं भुसुण्डः पप्रच्छ कथं रुद्राक्षोत्पत्तिः । तद्धारणात्किं फलमिति । तं होवाच भगवान्कालाग्निरुद्रः । त्रिपुरवधार्थमहं निमीलिताक्षोऽभवम् ।निमीलिताक्षोऽभवम् तेभ्यो जलबिन्दवो भूमौ पतितास्ते रुद्राक्षा जाताः । सर्वानुग्रहार्थाय तेषां नामोच्चारणमात्रेण दशगोप्रदानफलं दर्शनस्पर्शनाभ्यां द्विगुणं फलमत ऊर्ध्वं वक्तुं न शक्नोमि[38]
  40. ^Dancing with Siva.Himalayan Academy. 1997.ISBN9788120832657.
  41. ^Dancing with Siva.Himalayan Academy. 1997.ISBN9780945497479.
  42. ^PM News Bureau."Herbal Park at Hisar".old.projectsmonitor.Archived fromthe originalon 23 October 2014.Retrieved23 October2014.
  43. ^"Breaking the cycle of poverty with education in the most remote parts of the world".The Independent.2021-05-01.Retrieved2023-01-25.


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