Rudraksha beads occupy a sacred place in the religious traditions of South Asia, bearing mystical significance that links the world of man to the world of the Divine.
According to legend, they originated from the tears shed by Lord Shiva in his fierce form as Rudra, embodiments of his intense joy, sorrow, passion, and benevolence. Each Rudraksha encapsulates Rudra-Shiva’s essence along with the vibrations of His primal sound manifestation, the Pranava Om.
The intricate ridge formations on the hard outer shells reveal the subtle workings of cosmic intelligence. Vedic seers discovered how properly energized Rudrakshas when worn or used in prayer, nurture auspicious qualities and fulfill devotee’s aspirations by channeling Rudra-Shiva’s Shakti energy.
Over millennia, yogis and rishis explored various means to activate their innate potential, bringing untold solace and protection to generations of Hindus and Buddhists.
Overview
Today, the mystical tradition of Rudraksha worship continues to bless millions worldwide. However, for modern urban dwellers accustomed to fast-paced living, honoring these sacred seeds as lively vessels of the divine often requires dedicated practice to safely realize their full spiritual benefits.
This article provides guidance on correctly energizing and maintaining one’s Rudraksha mala through traditional rituals and protocols, so as to welcome Rudra-Shiva’s always benevolent presence into one’s daily life.
Energizing Procedure of Rudrakshas
To unleash the full potency of one’s Rudraksha mala, regular activation through prayer and purification is essential. The process is very simple, and one can easily energize the mala by following the steps given below:
Procedure Requirements
One clean plate, a glass of water, unboiled milk in a glass, sugar or honey, an essence stick, and some flowers (all in small amounts).
Step 1:
- Choose a favorable day, such as Monday which is considered auspicious due to its association with Lord Shiva. Mahashivratri and the entire month of Shravan are also regarded as propitious periods, allowing flexibility in selecting a suitable day within Shravan.
- Place the Rudraksha on a fresh, unused plate and cleanse it by washing it with unboiled milk mixed with a pinch of sugar or honey (whichever is readily available).
- Then rinse it with water while chanting the mantra “Om Namaha Shivaye” until you have poured half of the milk and water mixture over it.
Step 2:
- Place a Rudraksha bead or a full set of Rudraksha beads on Lord Shiva’s lingam and position it at the base, as the lingam is circular so the Rudraksha can be placed anywhere at its bottom. (Please refrain from wearing the beads; simply touch them and place them at the bottom of the shivling)
Step 3:
- Pour a mixture of Milk and Honey or a small amount of sugar on the Shivling, but do not pour it on the Rudraksha. The milk doesn’t need to flow onto the Rudraksha.
- Offer some flowers to the Shivling.
- Recite your chosen mukhis’ specific mantra at least 9 times, or in multiples of nine up to 108 times if desired.
- If you cannot remember any specific mantras, simply chant “Om Namah Shivaye” nine times to complete your process.
The mantras for each mukhi of Rudraksha are given below
1 Mukhi: “Om Hreem Namaha”, “Om Namaha Shivaye”
2 Mukhi: “Shree Gauri Shankaraya Namah”, “Om Namaha”
3 Mukhi: “O Kleem Namah, Om Namaha Shivaye”
4 Mukhi: “Om Hreem Namaha”.
5 Mukhi: “Om Namaha Shivaya”, “Om Hreem Namah”
6 Mukhi: “Swami Kaartikeya Namaha”, “Om Hreem Hoom Namaha”.
7 Mukhi: “Om MahaLaxmi Namah”, “Om Hum Namah”.
8 Mukhi: “Om Hoom Namah, Om Ganeshaya Namaha”
9 Mukhi: “Nav Durgayi Namah”, “Om Hreem Hum Namah”.
10 Mukhi: “Shree Narayanaaye Namah”, “Shree Vishnavai Namaha”, “Om Hreem Namaha”
11 Mukhi: “Om Shree Rudraya Namah”, “Om Hreem Hoom Namah”
12 Mukhi: “Shree Suryay Namaha”, “Om Krown Shown Rown Namah”.
13 Mukhi: “Om Hreem Namah”.
14 Mukhi: “Om Namaha Shivaye”
21 Mukhi: “Powerful Rudraksha”
Can Rudraksha Be Kept in Pooja Room?
After awakening their inherent shakti through the aforesaid process, rudrakshas may be reverently displayed in one’s home puja room. Their presence draws divine currents, creates positive vibes, and amplifies the benefits of worship.
However, certain protocols must be followed:
- Keep the mala on a cloth placed above floral offerings, facing the deity.
- Renew purification periodically.
- Avoid wearing rudrakshas during menstruation or funeral services, as their pronounced energy needs shielding under such circumstances.
With loving care and respect, rudrakshas aptly complement daily practices and grace the sacred space with their soulful blessings.