Rudraksha: The Divine Tears of Lord Shiva

The Origin of Sacred Beads of Rudraksha: As Described in Shrimad Devi Bhagavat Purana

Rudraksha as sacred beads, are believed to carry the divine energy of Lord Shiva. Rudraksha, the name itself tells a tale—“Rudra” means Shiva and “Aksha” means tears.

 Story of Origin of Rudraksha as in Purans

According to Shrimad Devi Bhagavat-Puran (Gita Press, Gorakhpur), the powerful demon Tripur defeated all the gods, including Brahma and Vishnu. In distress, the gods prayed to Lord Shiva for help. As Lord Shiva meditated for a thousand divine years, tears fell from his eyes, giving birth to Rudraksha trees. From these trees, 38 types of Rudraksha beads emerged for the welfare of all beings by Shiva’s divine will.

12 varieties of Kapila-colored Rudraksha beads emerged from Lord Shiva’s right eye (the Sun-eye), 16 types of White Rudraksha from His left eye (the Moon-eye) & 10 types of Black Rudraksha from His third eye (the Fire-eye). White Rudraksha is known as Brahmin type; Red one as Kshatriya; Mixed-colored one as Vaishya and Black one as Shudra type.

The face of a Rudraksha is called Brahma and its upper part (the dot) represents Rudra, lower part or tail, represents Vishnu. Rudraksha grants both material benefits (bhoga) and spiritual liberation (moksha).

While stringing mala, the face of one bead should connect with the face of the next and the tail of one bead should link with that of the next. Sumeru bead’s face should be positioned upward, with the Nagapasha placed above it.

A bead that naturally has a hole is considered superior, while one that is drilled to make a hole is of average quality. Rudraksha beads that are uniform, smooth, strong and clearly marked with well-defined lines are considered the best.

 Types of Rudraksha

Rudraksha beads are classified based on the number of natural lines or “mukhis” on their surface. Each type of Rudraksha serves a specific purpose and is chosen based on spiritual goals, health needs and/or astrological/ numerological requirements.

1. 1-Mukhi Rudraksha
   • Represents Lord Shiva himself.

1. • It balances ego, brings enlightenment, supreme consciousness and detachment from material desires.

2. 2-Mukhi Rudraksha

1. • Represents the union of Shiva-Shakti (Ardhnarishwar)

• Promotes harmony and balance, mental peace, unity, understanding, controls emotional turbulence.

3. 3-Mukhi Rudraksha
   • Linked to Agni (Fire element).

1. • Known to release past karma and increase confidence, inner strength & self-belief with purification and transformation.
2. 4-Mukhi Rudraksha

• Represents Lord Brahma, the creator.

1. • Enhances creativity, clarity in thought & expression, communication, intellectual abilities.
2. 5-Mukhi Rudraksha

• Linked to Lord Kalagni Rudra, a form of Shiva.

1. • Most commonly worn Rudraksha, associated with wisdom, spiritual growth, good health and peace of mind. It balances knowledge and intuition
2. 6-Mukhi Rudraksha
   • Represents Lord Kartikeya
   • Promotes love, beauty and material comforts. Enhances willpower, confidence, focus and mental clarity. Balances emotional and physical energies.

7. 7-Mukhi Rudraksha
   • Linked to Goddess Mahalaxmi.

1. • Brings abundance, wealth and success. Reduces the impact of hardships and stabilizes energy during challenging times. Helps overcome financial issues.
2. 8-Mukhi Rudraksha

• Represents Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles.

1. • Removes obstacles, provides clarity in decision-making, wisdom and stability in life, protection from negative energies and unexpected challenges.
2. 9-Mukhi Rudraksha

• Represents Goddess Durga.

1. • Represents power, courage and spiritual awakening. Provides protection from negativity and aids in overcoming challenges, fears and achieving transformation.

Apart from these there are several other variants of Rudraksha like from 10-Mukhi to 21-Mukhi rudraksha, Gaurishankar Rudraksha, Ganesh Rudraksha which are rare. They hold special spiritual significance with powerful energies and are associated with harmony, wealth, spiritual mastery or divine blessings. By wearing the appropriate bead, one can harmonize planetary influences and promote holistic well-being.

Proper energization and wearing rituals further amplify their benefits & can enhance positive energies and reduce planetary imbalances.

Disclaimer: Please consult a professional astrologer or numerologist before choosing any rudraksha for wearing purposes, as there are lots of other factors to be considered. Information & the views expressed in this article reflect the author’s personal understanding, learning and interpretation from the Vedic scriptures.

Jyotsnaa G Bansal is a Reiki Grandmaster, Vedic Scholar, Author, Numerologist, Researcher, Counselor, Crystals & Spiritual Guide, Dowsing & Switchwords Practitioner.