Rudraksha- The Traditional View

Rudraksha is a capsule that contains the seeds of Rudraksha tree botanically known as Eliocarpus Ganitrus.
It is found widely in the Asian countries of India, Nepal, Burma, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Malaysia etc.
Rudraksha has a place of honour in the religious accessories of Indians.
Generally, Rudraksha is used for propitiating deities and winning the favour of Lord Shiva. One can choose Rudraksha according to one’s vocation. It can also be chosen to help combat certain physical disabilities and ailments. Rudraksha proves a good aid in restoring mental poise of persons wearing it.
Following are certain benefits according to shastras accruing to each type of Rudraksha.
One should understand, that the vertical lines running from one end of the Rudraksha to the other end are called as Mukha. Rudrakshas are classified as per the number of these Mukhas.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------'
Faces of the Rudrakshatheir dieties and effects
as per Rudrajabalopanishad, Shiva Purana, Devi bhagavatam & Padma Purana

1. One Faced Rudraksha- Paramtattwa / Shiva - Gives material and spiritual progress

2. Two Faced Rudraksha - Ardhanareeshwara/ Devadeveshwara / Vishnu - For blessing of Shiva-Shakti, love, co-operation etc

3. Three faced Rudrakasha- Agnitrayaswaroopa & Brahma -Increases mental abilities and facilitates learning , improves digestion

4. Four faced rudraksha- Brahma -Induces good thoughts, increases learning capacity and improves faulty speech

5. Five Faced Rudraksha - Parabrahma/ Kalagnirudra/ Panchabrahma Rudra -Destroys sins and fulfils wishes. Excellent for controlling blood pressure and supportive in cardiac healing

6. Six faced Rudraksha- Kartikeya and Ganesha- Bestows knowledge, wealth and health

7. Seven faced Rudraksha- Sapta Matrukas, Saptarshi, Sun, Kamadeva and Ananta - Increase in wealth

8. Eight Faced Rudraksha - Ashta Vasus, Ganga, Bhairava, Vinayaka and Ashta Matrukas - Protects against mortal dangers and gives Mukti

9. Nine Faced Rudraksha - Navadurga, Bhairava,Kapila Muni, Dharmaraja( Yama) - Enhances dynamism, strength and spirituality

10. Ten Faced Rudraksha - Yama ,Vishnu & Digpalas-Helps achieve constructive goals

11.Eleven Faced Rudraksha- Ekadasha Rudras & Indra-Helps in winning over all opposition. Increases chances of conception

12.Twelve faced Rudraksha- Soorya and Vishnu -Enhances aura, helps maintain celibacy and ensures nourishment of the wearer

13. Thirteen faced Rudraksha- Kamadeva, Vishwedeva, Kartikeya - Increases luxury, luck and auspiciousness

14. Fourteen faced Rudraksha - Rudra, Param Shiva, Shiva's Shakti - Destroys all bad karmas, induces healthy life and gives Mukti

These are the basic effects accruing to the various Rudrakshas. Seekers can experiment with combinations of their choice.

Rudraksha is a highly positive accessory. It can be used safely by each and everyone.

Following things need to be taken care if you are a rudraksh user :

1. Rudraksh should not be worn during sexual intercourse.
2. It is best not to wear the rudraksh while having food due to many restrictions about diet. It can be worn after washing ones hands and rinsing the mouth.
3. Women should not wear Rudraksha during their menstrual periods. The bead can be worn on the fifth day after bath.
4. Rudraksh should not be worn while visiting the toilet on long calls.
5.Always keep the rudraksh clean by washing it with soft detergent and brush.

In case any of the above is not followed the power of the bead is reduced. If you forget to remove the Rudraksha please apply holy ash to it and ask for forgiveness.
We are using divine energy to repair, rebuild or restructure our life when we use Rudraksha. We should express our gratitude to the bead and its deity by following the above instructions and praying regularly.