Selecting a rudraksha involves choosing the type, size, and quality based on personal preferences and the intended purpose. Look for well-defined faces, proper mukhi counts, and natural formations. It's best to buy from a trusted source and avoid fake or chemically treated beads.
When selecting rudraksha beads, it's important to consider the following factors:
1. Size: Choose a bead size that feels comfortable to wear.
2. Shape: Look for a well-formed, symmetrical bead with clearly defined lines.
3. Mukhi: Check the number of faces or mukhi on the bead. Different numbers of mukhi are believed to have different benefits.
4. Authenticity: Buy from a reputable source to ensure you get a genuine rudraksha bead.
5. Intuition: Trust your intuition and choose the bead that feels right for you.
Selecting a rudraksha involves considering factors such as size, shape, number of segments (mukhi), and authenticity. Choosing a rudraksha based on its associated benefits is also recommended, as different types of rudraksha are believed to have different spiritual and healing properties. Ultimately, the choice of rudraksha should be based on personal preference and intuition.
By Purpose
Rudraksha should be selected primarily based on the purpose for which one wants to wear it. Various purposes of wearing Rudraksha may include financial growth, career growth, good health, removing impediments, mental stability, meditation, protection from black magic, etc. In many cases, a combination of Rudraksha is also chosen to attain the desired results.
For example, five Mukhi is commonly preferred for controlling high blood pressure; eight Mukhi is used to reduce obstacles, etc.
By Deity / Planets
Rudraksha of different faces or Mukhi is related to different deities, planets, nakshatras, etc. Various ancient holy texts elaborate on the descriptions, benefits, and effects of various Rudraksha.
For example, 2 Mukhi is worn to strengthen the moon, while 14 Mukhi is worn by Hanuman devotees to gain qualities such as courage and the ability to overcome a negative attitude. Wearing Ganesh Rudraksha is a popular way to obtain Lord Ganesha's blessings.
By effects and chakra
Different beads have different effects and work on various aspects and body chakras, affecting mental and physical results (affecting bio-electrical and electrical build-up of the human body), electro-magnetic, para-magnetic, inductive, and divine properties.
For example, 14 Mukhi is related to the Ajna Chakra; 3 Mukhi or 12 Mukhi helps remove blockages related to the Manipur chakra.
By Origin
The environment and location of the Rudraksha tree significantly impact bead formation and the type of bead formed (e.g.).
Because of their environment, the Himalayan beads appear larger, heavier, and more powerful.
Indonesian beads are of tiny sizes, and they miss the proper protrusions from their bodies. They weigh less and are easy to store, wear, and carry.
Indian beads are elongated on one side and lack a round and smooth shape, as found in Nepalese beads. They do not have natural holes. Normally, one, two, and three Mukhi are found in India. Devotees often use one mukhi in the Kaju shape.
Beads from Nepal are large and round with deep and well-defined faces.
The origin of a rudraksha can influence its quality and properties. Some people believe Nepalese rudraksha beads are of higher quality and more potent than those from India or other regions. However, the selection of a rudraksha should be based on personal preferences and the intended purpose rather than the place of origin. Look for a well-defined shape, clear mukhi, and a natural formation, and purchase from a reputable source to ensure authenticity.
Rudraksha Comparison by Origin
By Cost
Due to the high cost of Nepalese Rudraksha, Indonesian beads are increasingly becoming popular. For a long time, Indonesian beads enjoyed an edge over Nepalese beads in higher Mukhi, i.e., 14 to 21 Mukhi, due to ease of availability and comparatively lower prices. One can even find higher Mukhi Rudraksha, for example, 34 or 36 Mukhi from Indonesia, which is rare to find in Nepal. The prices of beads from India are competitive.
Look and Size:
Rudraksha is of even size, lustrous, hard, and thick, with many thorn-like protrusions that yield desires and bestow worldly pleasure and salvation forever. The Mukhi or faces (deep grooves running from the top of the seed to its bottom) should be well-defined, and the corn and contours should be natural.
According to Shiva Purana, the best Rudraksha is the size of an Amla fruit, Indian Gooseberry, or emblic myrobalan.
Rudraksha of the size of the jujube fruit accords benefits and heightens happiness and good fortune. That which is of the size of the Amla fruit, Indian Gooseberry, or emblic myrobalan is conducive to destroying all distress. The size of a gunja (the berry) is conducive to achieving the fruit of all desires.
The smaller beads are useful in rosaries as they are easy to wear, store, and carry.
These healing Rudraksha beads act as dielectrics, storing electrical energy, making them capable of stabilizing and anchoring the bioelectric current. This property is beneficial in controlling hyperactivity, palpitations of the heart, regulating heartbeat, etc.
The heart beats faster when there is increased physical activity due to stress. Hormones and the nervous system's activity increases, resulting in increased energy levels or potential differences. As a result, the magnitude of the bioelectric current grows. Rudraksha beads act as dielectric stores for this excess bioelectric energy, restoring normalcy to the overall activity. The large-sized bead absorbs more energy and is, therefore, preferred.
Which type of bead to avoid
One should avoid beads pierced by insects, broken in parts whose thorns are not visible, with swells and holes, and coated over.
It's important to avoid fake or artificially treated rudraksha beads and those with defects or damage. Fake or chemically treated beads may not have the same spiritual or healing properties as a natural, authentic rudraksha and can even be harmful to the wearer. In addition, rudraksha with cracks or insect holes should be avoided as they can weaken the bead's structure and energy. It's best to purchase from a reputable source and examine the bead carefully before purchasing.