Chaturmukhi (four faced Rudraksha)

Chaturmukha namastestu, 

Namaste vaagadheeshshwara |

Veda-vedaangavidyan cha,

vaakpatuttwam prayachchha me ||

My salutations to thee O Four faced (Rudraksha), I bow to thee O (Brahma) Lord of speech. Pray, give me the knowledge of the Vedas, Vedangas and various skills along with the power of oratory.
 

Brahma the Creator of the universe, the safe keeper of the Vedas, the consort of Saraswati is deemed to bless the person wearing a Rudraksha of four mukhas.  Four mukha Rudraksha helps students in general but is specially favourable to those learning Vedas. It enhances oratory skills and aids memorization. The Rudraksha also induces toned down behaviour in agressive personalities.

It has been observed that drinking milk boiled with four mukha Rudraksha aids in overcoming stammering. This rudraksha is often paired with six mukha Rudraksha for increasing learning ability. 

This bead is related to Brihaspati , Shani and Ketu through its governing Devata Brahma or Prajapati Astrologically,persons belonging to the  Dhanu, Makar , Kumbha and Meen rashis can benefit more by wearing this bead. Persons born under Rohini Nakshatra  can wear this bead as it corresponds to  Brahma . 

It is not compulsory to connect Rudraksha with astrological signs every time. Rudrakshas should ideally be chosen as per their effect. But, a general choice can also be made on the basis of Rashi and Nakshatra.

Sadhaks can concentrate on their Muladhar chakra or Base Chakra region as Brahma resides in the Moolaadhaar. One can visualize a Linga of earth or stone in the chakra and chant Sharvaaya Namah for 108 times daily . Sharva is the form of Shiva associated with the Earth element. These practices are left to the discretion of the seeker.

                                                    Nepalese 4 mukha rudraksha

Tri-mukhi (three faced rudraksha)

Trimukhaaya-agniroopaaya,

Sarva vidya pradayine,

Varadaya Aghoraya,

Rudraya Satatam Namah.

I always bow to the Aghora the giver of boons and Rudra who resides as Agni in the three faced Rudraksha and bestows the gift of learning upon those who wear it.

Agni is the most beneficial of all Gods for humans. In fact, it is by his grace that humanity has progressed from primordial conditions to a refined lifestyle. No wonder then, that the three mukhi Rudraksha bestows the gift of learning upon it’s bearer. It should be worn by students and academicians for added brilliance.

The Rudraksha corresponds with the Fire element governing eyes, feet, sense of form and the following functions:

Controlling the diaphragm, suprarenal glands, major blood vessels in the body, spleen, stomach, kidneys, function of testicles,urinary tract, function of ovaries, uterus, small intestine , pancreas, large intestine and appendix

The three mukhi Rudraksha can be used as a supportive aid in healing disorders of the above organs.

Astrologically,persons belonging to the Simha Rashi and Nakshatras Krittika, Uttaraphalguni, Uttarashadha, and Vishakha (the bead has to be paired with 11 Mukhi for Vishakha born people)can wear the Rudraksha.This bead is related to Sun through its governing Devata Agni.

It is not compulsory to connect Rudraksha with astrological signs every time. Rudrakshas should ideally be chosen as per their effect. But, a general choice can also be made on the basis of Rashi and Nakshatra.

Sadhaks can concentrate on their navel region visualizing a Linga of fire and chant Rudraaya Namah or Aghoraaya Namah for 108 times daily, for an enhanced effect of this Rudraksha. Rudra and Aghora are the forms of Shiva associated with the Agni Tattwa. These practices are left to the discretion of the seeker.

Dvi Mukhi Rudraksha

Lateral view of two faced Rudraksha bead of Eliocarpus ganitrus species from Nepal

Two faced bead from Nepal- Top view

Bead of Eliocarpus Tuberculatus often sold as two mukhi rudraksha from Rameshwaram

Dwimukham Devadevesham,
Shivam Somaardharupinam,
Ardhanaareeshwaram Shambhum,
Pranatosmi Umapatim.

I bow to Shiva, who has assumed the beautiful form of Ardhanareeshwara by revealing half of his body as Uma. Thus, he resides in the two mukhi Rudraksha showering auspiciousness.

At the beginning of all creation, Brahma the creator, meditated on Shiva and asked him how the Universe should be created. Shiva revealed himself as Ardhanaareeshwara suggesting to Brahma, that He, Shiva would manifest as male element and his consort Shakti, will manifest as female element in all species and would carry on the work of creation.

Being the embodiment of Ardhanaareeshwara, the two mukhi Rudraksha bestows harmony in matrimonial life.

The Two mukhi Rudraksha reminds us of the creative talent in us. It is directly related to the mind .The Rudraksha energises eyes, ears, nose, touch, sinuses, brain, pituitary gland and therefore the entire hormonal and nervous system.

Intuition, wisdom, knowledge, perception, self-awareness are also governed by this Rudraksha.

Astrologically,persons belonging to the Karka Rashi or those persons born under Rohini, Mriga, Hasta, Shravana Nakshatras can wear the Rudraksha because this bead is governed by the planet Moon and Devata Soma (meaning Moon and also Shiva with Uma)

It is not compulsory to connect Rudraksha with astrological signs every time. Rudrakshas should be ideally chosen as per their effect. However, a general choice can also be made on the basis of Rashi and Nakshatra.

Sadhaks wearing the Rudraksha can concentrate on the space between the two eyebrows at the starting point of the nose and visualizing a sphatica linga, chant the mantras

Umaa-Maheshwaraabhyaam Namah 108 times regularly to enhance the effects of this Rudraksha. These practices are left to the discretion of the seeker.

Ekamukhi Rudraksha

*Kantha of Ekamukhi round Nepalese beads... rarest of the rare !

Ekavaktraswarupaya,
shivaya paramatmane,
bhukti-mukti-pradatrecha
tasmai Shri Shambhave Namah.

I salute the ever auspicious Shiva again and again who is verily the Param Tattwa. He is the only cause and means of the entire creation and has mercifully manifested as the Ek Mukhi Rudraksha for the benefit of His devotees.

The Eka mukhi Rudraksha is a superb blend of the Ichhashakti, Kriyashakti and Jnanashakti of Lord Shiva. It therefore bestows material and spiritual prosperity on the sadhak. Such a person progresses in material gains and in spiritual wealth like patience, forgiveness, humility, non violence etc. Health, wealth and peace reign in the household possessing this Rudraksha.

The Bhagavadgita says that he who is undamaged by the outbursts of joy and sorrow is a Sthitaprajnya Yogi. He is a true Sadhak and a true devotee of the Lord. The person wearing this Rudraksha eventually experiences such a state in his life.

A round one mukhi Rudraksha is extremely hard to procure. Therefore, a cashew shaped Rudraksha belonging to the same family but a different species is generally used.

Recitation of the mantra Shivaaya Namah regularly for minimum 108 times a day accompanied by silent sitting and observing the breath will immensely help the Sadhak as the Rudraksha activates the Sahasrara Chakra.These practices are left to the discretion of the seeker.

Yogic View - Rudraksha and Sahasrara Chakra

7. Sahasraara Chakra:
This chakra is situated at the top of the head. It has immense power and is capable of bestowing all pleasures, wisdom and spiritual enlightenment upon the seeker.

Physically, the Sahasraara controls the mid brain and the pineal gland it has a protective effect on the whole organism.

Sahasraara is related with spirituality, self-realization, surrender towards God, completion of the cycle of birth and death.

Spiritual understanding, spiritual realization, inner peace, and if all the other chakras are activated- enlightenment are the effects of the active Sahasraara chakra.

Imbalance or disturbance in the Sahasraara leads to stalling of progress in the material world, a sense of lack, emptiness and unhappiness, mental exhaustion, denial of creativity, immune deficiency, nerve sufferings, paralysis symptoms, multiple sclerosis, cancer, loss of sleep etc.

This chakra too is not ruled by any element and it has 1000 petals.

The presiding deity of this chakra is Shiva/ Atman/ Guru. Which is represented in the 1 mukhi rudraksha. 14 mukhi rudraksh also is a befitting bead for the activation of this chakra.
Both these rudrakshas are capable of giving Bhoga( completion of worldly desires) and Moksha (liberation).

Visits to serene mountain dwellings, meditations on the horizon, use of white clothes and flowers aid in activating this chakra.

Practitioners of Yoga can meditate on silence or the mantra Sohum( I am that soul which is ever present, immaculate, omniscient and ever liberated) for chakra activation.

Yogic references:
Siddhayogopadesha
Yogashikhopanishada
Gayatri upasana by Shri Kinjawadekar Shastri

Note: Rudraksha can be used as an aid to medication kindly do not substitute rudraksha for medicine.

Yogic View- Rudraksha and Ajna Chakra

Ajnya Chakra:

Ajnya chakra is located in the space above the nose between the two eyebrows.

Physically it controls eyes, ears, nose, touch, sinuses, brain, the pituitary gland and therefore the entire hormonal and nervous system.
Intuition, wisdom, knowledge, perception, self-awareness are governed by this chakra.

A person having a good memory, good concentration, good intuition and insight, higher awareness, telepathic abilities, good imagination and strong imaginative ability, mental clarity etc is an individual having a healthy Ajnya Chakra.

Adversely, a disturbed or unbalanced chakra means, lack of concentration and learning difficulties, lack of insight and imagination, restlessness, schizophrenia, anxiety and delusion, superstition, delusions, mental confusions, migrane headaches, brain disorders, eye/ear diseases, chronic cold, sinusitis, diseases of the nervous system and neurological disorders.

This chakra is not controlled by elements.There are 2 petals in the chakra .Its presiding diety is Linga (Shiva). Therefore the use of 14 mukhi Rudraksh or 2 mukhi Rudraksh is highly recommended for the activation of this chakra.

2 mukhi Rudraksha is called Devadevyeshwara or Ardhanareeshwara and it represents the union of Shiva and Shakti. The person wearing this Rudraksha achieves all the goals of human life and fulfills all his desires says the Shiva purana and Devi Bhagawatam. The person receives the grace of Shiva and Shakti by wearing this rudraksha.

14 mukhi rudraksha is Shiva Himself. By his grace, the devotee is freed from all sins. He enjoys good health. The Shivaleelamrta says that fourteen-mukhi rudraksha bestows wealth upon the wearer. In fact, there have been instances of mystic experiences like the visions of divine personae, aura etc seen by persons wearing 14 mukhi rudraksha. The sadhak is prepared at this level for sublime experiences.

5 mukhi rudrakshas are cheaper alternatives for 2 and 14 mukhi rudrakshas, but the potency of the above two is far greater than 5 mukhi rudrakshas.

Philosophical literature, remembering and analyzing dreams, meditation, stargazing, reading fiction etc help activate this chakra
Trataka exercises for the eyes, Nadi Shodhana and Kapala bhati can be practiced by Yoga followers.
Activation of this chakra makes a persons words come true ( vaachaa siddhii).

Note: Rudraksha is to be used as an aid to medication and should not be used as a subsitute to medicine. Kindly perform the yogic kriyas under supervision of an expert yoga teacher.

Yogic references:
Siddhayogopadesha
Yogashikhopanishada
Gayatri upasana by Shri Kinjawadekar Shastri
Wikipedia.

Yogic View- Rudraksha and Vishuddhi Chakra

5. Vishuddhi Chakra:

This chakra is located in the throat region and is controlled by the Akash Tattwa (Space element).

It is therefore associated with phonetic and auditory systems of the body.
Vishuddhi chakra controls the nasal passage, openings of the food pipe and windpipe, teeth, shoulders, ears, tongue and thyroid gland.

Imbalance: Difficulties in putting feelings and thoughts into words, fear of putting forth ones own opinions, shyness, lack of conscience, sore throat, neck inflammation, hoarseness, disorders like stuttering,jaw inflammation, pain in the cervical spine and neck, over/mal function of thyroid glands and related disorders like nervousness etc are symptoms of a disturbed Vishuddhi chakra.

There are 16 petals in the chakra and it’s presiding diety is Panchavaktra(Shiva). 5 Mukhi rudraksha is therefore suitable for balancing the Vishuddhi chakra. Panchamukhi rudraksha destroys all sins and grants liberation to the soul. It is like a wish fulfilling gem says the Shiva purana. The Devi Bhagavatam says that it pleases Lord Shiva very much if a person wears a 5 faced rudraksha.

4 mukhi rudraksha can also be used to cure stuttering. It should be boiled in a glass of milk for 10 minutes everyday and that milk should be taken by the patient. In most cases it shows a favourable response within a months time. The treatment should be continued for a prolonged period lest the defect may return.

Those practicing yoga can include practice of asanas relating to the neck and cervical spine like Setubandhasana, Sarvangasana etc and practice of Jalandhar Bandha.

Note : Rudraksha is to be used as an aid to medicine it should not be substituted for medication.

Yogic references:
Siddhayogopadesha
Yogashikhopanishada
Gayatri upasana by Shri Kinjawadekar Shastri
Wikipedia