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 essential 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.
Authenticity is
a crucial factor when buying Rudraksha beads. Purchasing from a reputable
source ensures you get a genuine Rudraksha bead. This guarantees Rudraksha's spiritual and healing benefits and protects you from potential
harm that can come from fake or chemically treated beads.
5. Intuition:
Trust your intuition and choose the bead that feels right for you.
Choosing
a Rudraksha is a personal journey that involves considering factors such as
size, shape, number of segments (mukhi), and authenticity. It's also
recommended to choose a Rudraksha based on its associated benefits, as
different types are believed to have different spiritual and healing
properties. However, the ultimate decision should be guided by your preference and intuition, as these are powerful tools in the spiritual realm.
By
Purpose
Rudraksha
should be selected primarily based on the purpose for which one wants to wear
it. The various purposes of wearing Rudraksha, such as financial growth, career
growth, good health, removing impediments, mental stability, meditation, and
protection from black magic, offer a fascinating array of benefits to explore.
In many cases, a combination of Rudraksha is also chosen to attain the desired
results, adding to the intrigue and curiosity.
For
example, five Mukhi is commonly preferred for controlling high blood pressure,
eight Mukhi is used to reduce obstacles, and so on.
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 Hanuman devotees wear 14
Mukhi to gain courage and 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. Typically, 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 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 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 helpful 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. The
activity of hormones and the nervous system 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
harm 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 scrutinize the bead before purchasing.