Glories of Rudraksha

It is stated in the vedic-śāstras —

Rudrākṣadhāraṇadeva rudro rudratvāmapnuyāt । Munayaḥ satyasaṅkalpā brahmā brahmatva māgataḥ ।।

“By wearing Rudraksha, even Rudra attains the state of Rudra. The sages attain their truthful resolves, and Brahmā himself attained Brahmāhood.”

The purport is that by wearing rudrākṣa properly, according to the rules and regulations, One can elevate from the current situation. It is also stated that —

Rudrākṣaṃ kevalaṃ vāpi yatra kutra nahāmate Samantrakaṃ vā mantraṇa rahitaṃ bhāvajitam । Yo vā ko naro bhaktyāḥ dhārayelajjayā pi vā Sarvapāpa virvānamuktaḥ samyajñānamavāpnuyāt ।।

“Even a single Rudraksha, wherever it may be, whether with a mantra or without a mantra, with proper mood or without, whoever wears it with devotion or even out of shame, becomes free from all sins and attains true knowledge.”

In short, those who are devotees of Lord Śiva (Śaivas), they should wear Rudrākṣa-mālā, because it is said —

Rudrākṣadhāraṇāddrudro bhavatyeva na saṃśayaḥ ।

One who wears Rudrākṣa, undoubtedly attains the Rudra.

Types of Rudraksha and benefits

There are mainly 14 types, which are described as follows — (Every type of mala has specific type of mantra to wear, which are a bit long. Therefore, it is suggested to have a look at mantras from the book “रुद्राक्ष माहात्म्य और धारण विधि”)

1. एकमुखी (Single-faced)

   It saves oneself from the sin of brahma-hatyā (murder of a Brahmin). It is the illuminator of Absolute Truth. It should be worn with the belief of attaining the Supreme Being. The power to attain God easily is said to be through wearing this.

    

2. दोमुखी (two-faced)

   Saves oneself from many sins. It is ardha-nāriśvara (अर्धनारीश्वर). By wearing it ardha-nāriśvara becomes pleased; Wearing a two faced Rudraksha is said to have such power.

    

3. तीनमुखी (three-faced)

   By calming the mind and promoting inner balance, the 3 mukhi rudraksha can boost self-confidence and self-esteem. Protection From Negativity. It is in the form of three fires (तीनाग्नि). By wearing it the fire is satisfied.

    

4. चतुर्मुखी (four-faced)

   It saves oneself from the sin of killing a human. It is in the form of Lord Brahmā. By wearing it one gets wealth and good health. That is, the health of its holder remains fine. A person should wear it for the sake of great knowledge, purification and also for wealth.

    

5. पंचमुखी (five-faced)

   Also known as rudra-kalagni (रुद्र कालाग्नि). Lord Shiva is satisfied just by wearing it.

    

6. छःमुखी (six-faced)

   It is said to be the form (svarūpa) of Lord Kartikeya himself and this should be worned in the right hand.

7. सातमुखी (seven-faced)

   Also known as ananga (अनंग) and it saves oneself from the sin of robbing gold. By wearing it one attains wealth.

    

8. अष्टमुखी (eight-faced)

   It is said to be the form (svarūpa) of Lord Ganesha.

9. नौमुखी (eight-faced)

   Also known as bhairava-rudraksha (भैरव रुद्राक्ष) and it should be worned in the right arm

10. दशमुखी (ten-faced)

    It is said to be the form (svarūpa) of Lord Vishnu and it saves oneself from the dark energies

11. ग्यारहमुखी (eleven-faced)

    It is said to be Rūdra himself and it is generally worned in the crest (śikhā / शिखा) The one who weares this, get the benefit or puṇya of —

    1. 1,000 aśvamedha-yajñas
    2. 100 vājapeya-yajñas
    3. 1,00,000 cows donation

12. द्वादशमुखी (twelve-faced)

    If it is worn in the ear then the twelve Adityas are pleased with person.

13. तेरहमुखी (thirteen-faced)

    The one who wears this, gets all of his wishes fulfilled by Lord. The deity of this is Kāmadeva. The person wearing it gets all types of enjoyments. It is best to wear it to absolve the sin of killing a relative.

     

14. चौदहमुखी (fourteen-faced)

    One who wears this, attains Lord Shiva.

What is the use of mālā according to the number of beads in it?

26 beads — On the head

25 beads — On the chest

16 beads — On the arms

12 beads — On the wrists

108, 50 & 27 — Chanting and worning around neck (कंठ)

The best one to chant and wear around neck is of 108 beads, it is confirmed in śāstras — “Aṣṭottaraśatairmaālā rudrākṣedhāryate”

One who wears Rudraksha should avoid eating following items —

1. Alcohol (any other type of intoxication also)
2. Non-vegetarian food (Egg also)
3. Onion & garlic
4. Horseradish

One who wears Rudraksha should avoid the following activities —

1. Gambling
2. Illicit sex