The seed of the Rudraksha tree (Eliocarpus granitus) holds a very special place in Hinduism and is credited with mystical and divine properties. Garland made of Rudraksha beads are considered auspicious as well as powerful and are believed to have profound astrological and health benefits. It is believed that a person wearing Rudraksha remains untouched by sins, and is protected from all sins or thoughts.
Origin and myth
‘Rudraksh’ is derived from the Sanskrit words ‘Rudra’ and ‘Aksha’. ‘Rudra’ is another name for Lord Shiva, and ‘Aksha’ means tear. According to mythology, the Rudraksha plant was born from the tears of Lord Shiva. Ancient texts, such as ‘Shiva Purana’, ‘Padma Purana’ and ‘Srimad Bhagavad’ mention the greatness and amazing powers of Rudraksha. For thousands of years, he has adorned the bodies of sages and sages who fearlessly led their lives in the far flung limits in search of knowledge and liberation.
Medicinal value and biomedical properties
According to Ayurvedic medicine, wearing Rudraksha has a positive effect on the heart and nerves and relieves you from stress, anxiety, depression, palpitations and lack of concentration. It is also known for its anti-aging effect and electromagnetic and inductive properties. People with high blood pressure have benefited from the consumption of Rudraksha seeds.
Types of Rudraksha
Rudraksha beads are classified on the basis of the number of “heads”, which are the clefts and grooves – they are on the surface. Each bead has a different effect on you, depending on the number of faces. These are important from astrological point of view as it is believed that different Mukhi Rudraksha pleases different planets. 1 to 38 Mukhi has been talked about in the scriptures, but 1 to 14 Mukhi Rudraksha is commonly found.
Beware of fakes!
Nowadays, they come in all shapes and sizes, and are available at every small shop that sells alternative medicines, including many online stores. But make sure you get the real stuff. Imitation looks real but doesn’t work! How to Identify Genuine Rudraksha Seeds:
- Real Rudraksha never floats on water.
- Even if you boil a real Rudraksha in water for 6 hours, there will be no effect on the bead. The fake will shatter easily.
- A good Rudraksha bead will not break at either end.
- A ‘healthy’ bead should have a well defined and natural cornrow and shape.
- Mythology for centuries has supported the use of Rudraksha beads as garlands. Often seen in chains among devotees, believers associate him with Lord Shiva. Over the years, we have seen a rise in these beads owing to the various physical benefits as well as the emergence of a new Indo-Western fashion statement. According to Ayurveda, Rudraksha strengthens the formation of the body.
Also, according to Ayurveda, Rudraksha strengthens the structure of the body. Rudraksha infuses strength in the body, which helps in fighting disease and hence improves overall health.
Do you know where did this Rudraksh garland come from? In the ripe stage of Rudraksha, the seeds of Rudraksha are covered from outside with greenish-blue outer fruits.
Here’s how you can grow them at home with easy steps:
A special feature of the plant is that it can produce a large number of saplings from a single Rudraksha plant, which are easily available in local nurseries. To grow these plants, follow these simple steps.
Step 1:
The primary step is to peel off the skin from a 2-inch area on the bark. So, first and foremost, cut down the plant. For ideal results the cut should be made a few centimeters below the nodal area of the plant. Use a sharp knife to make the cut. It is expected that there will be a new development in this area. For this, make two round cuts within a distance of 2 inches from each other. Make a slit between them to make it easier to peel the skin off your nails.
Step 2:
Then scratch the bark a few times. Plants are actively regenerated due to scratches on the stem, thereby accelerating the process of plant growth.
Step 3:
The next step is the air layering process. For this you will need moss balls. They should be covered in cinnamon powder or honey and immersed in water for a few hours. After that, each ball will be used to create a single air layering. This is one of the most important parts of the process, keeping the plant from drying out.
Step 4:
Then a moss ball is used to cover the skinned bark below the nodal area. Then, a square plastic sheet is placed over the ball. A jute or plastic string can be used to wrap the sheet around the ball and tighten it.
That’s all there is to it for the plant to grow and thrive. The Rudraksha stems will sprout new life very soon.
Leave the plastic cover untouched for a period of three to seven weeks. This will allow the roots to emerge from the air layering. When done, it is time to cut down the tree and transplant it. The moss ball coiled around the bark is delicate and should be handled with care.
After carefully opening, the plants will be ready to be transplanted into a pot. Determine pot size by looking at the height of your plant. It is generally recommended to give a pot half the height of the plant enough room to grow and flourish.
After the Rudraksha plant has developed, it should be kept in open sunlight, as this is where it grows best.
In a matter of a year, the native plant turns into a fully grown tree, ready for its seeds.