The Sacred Journey of Rudraksha: What It Is, How it can be Identified and its Worth
Apart from being a sacred item of worship, rudraksha beads are also an important part of the culture and religion of the Hindus. These beads, which are said to have a divine source and bear great spiritual importance, have over the ages attracted countless people. In this article, we focus on the evolution of rudraksha beads. On the way, we also look for methods and steps on how to identify original rudraksha.
What Is Rudraksha?
Rudraksha beads also known as Rudraksha tree (Elaeocarpus ganitrus) seeds are native to Nepal, Indonesia and some regions of India. Beads of rudraksha are classified according to the number of faces or ‘mukhis’ they bear, from one to twenty-one. Each mukhi has its unique spiritual benefits and significance.
Origin of Rudraksha | Evolution of Rudraksha beads
The word “Rudraksha” is a combination of two Sanskrit words: one ‘Rudra’ connotates Lord Shiva whereas, the other “Aksha” means eyes. Based on Hindu mythology, rudraksha beads appeared between Lord Shiva’s eyes when he was in a state of deep contemplation. The tradition has it that after slaying the demon Tripurasura, Shiva cried tears of pity for the human race that fell to the ground and turned into the first rudraksha trees.
These trees only grow in specific locations such as the Himalayan foothills, some regions in India, Indonesia and Nepal. The seeds that these trees bear are said to be sacred seeds that carry divine energies which assist in meditative practices and self-realization.
Historical Significance
The Original Rudraksha beads have been worn and used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years for spiritual activities. Even Shiva Purana, an ancient text, has emphasized the usage of rudraksha while performing pujas and meditations and during interactions with deities. Rudraksha necklaces help to calm the brain and protect the wearer simultaneously.
Types of Rudraksha
Based on how many “faces,” or mukhis the beads have, rudraksha beads are classified into different categories. Different mukhi symbolize different gods and have different qualities:
- One Mukhi: Depicts Lord Shiva.
- Five Mukhi: Worshipped by Kalagni Rudra.
- Six Mukhi: Worshipped by Kartikeya.
- Seven Mukhi: Depicts Goddess Durga.
- Eight Mukhi: Depicted by Lord Ganesha.
- Nine Mukhi: Depicted by Goddess Durga.
- Ten Mukhi: Depicted by Lord Vishnu.
- Eleven Mukhi: Depicted by Lord Hanuman.
- Twelve Mukhi: Worshipped by the Sun God.
- Thirteen Mukhi: Depicted by Lord Krishna.
- Fourteen Mukhi: Depicted by Lord Shiva.
The bead and its type represent its use and purpose during spiritual activities.
What are the spiritual properties associated with different Mukhi Rudraksha beads?
These original rudraksha beads are highly revered in Hinduism and Buddhism because of their spiritual benefits and healing properties. They are derived from the seeds of a Rudraksha tree aka Elaeocarpus ganitrus. These beads feature a specific number of closed subsections or facets called mukhis that determines its energy vibrations and benefits. The table which will be included later gives a detailed insight regarding the spiritual properties of various mukhi rudraksha beads.
1 Mukhi Rudraksha (Ek Mukhi)
- Spiritual Significance: The bead is directly associated with Lord Shiva. As a result, it is the most uncommon of all mukhi beads and has the most purpose and truth.
- Benefits:
- It promotes spiritual and self-realization.
- It is useful in strengthening the practice of tampering with thoughts and focusing.
- It helps one remain calm and in control of their emotions.
2 Mukhi Rudraksha
- Spiritual Significance: It embodies duality of existence, or conflict, both of which are workable through balance, In regards to psychological issues and also human and nature relationships.
- Benefits:
- Ideal for couples, becomes a natural means to harmonize relations.
- It induces tranquility as it balances one’s emotions.
- An effective means of getting rid of any fears or insecurity.
3 Mukhi Rudraksha
- Spiritual Significance: Fire signifies transformation and energy, the splendor of the Mukhi that is closely associated with the deity Agni.
- Benefits:
- It helps in boosting confidence and self-esteem.
- Effective in lot of instances where a person has past experiences which can effect them, the unresolved emotional experiences.
- Increases the level of creativity and drives motivation towards goals.
4 Mukhi Rudraksha
- Spiritual Significance: This more commonly known as ‘bead of the mind’ helps bring peace and chant to one achieving their goals.
- Benefits:
- Increases the level of intellect and learning capabilities.
- Helps in articulating thoughts effectively; useful for speakers and writers.
- Raises a level of zen towards the clouds.
5 Mukhi Rudraksha (Panch Mukhi)
- Spiritual Significance: symbolizing the five elements earth, water, fire, air, space – Lord Kalagni Rudra is depicted together with the five.
- Benefits:
- Grounds and steadies the person in times of war.
- Promotes good health physically and overall well- being.
- Shields one from the harsh rays of negativity.
6 Mukhi Rudraksha
- Spiritual Significance: This is associated with Lord Kartikeya. This bead demonstrates natural force and dominion.
- Benefits:
- Gives one hope in trying moments.
- Increases the level of will power and drive.
- Strengthens the mind and emotions.
7 Mukhi Rudraksha
- Spiritual Significance: Cherished by the Goddesses Durga, bestowing love and wealth.
- Benefits:
- Investors enjoy the new flow of funds and new capital.
- Provides a cloak to threats.
- Boosts the level of gut feeling and positivity.
8 Mukhi Rudraksha
- Spiritual Significance: One can’t mention over coming obstacles without calling the name of the pattern Lord Ganesha.
- Benefits:
- Avoids hurdles in personal and professional fields.
- Provides foresight and better comprehension.
- Facilitates achievements in efforts.
9 Mukhi Rudraksha
- Spiritual Significance: A representation of the Goddess Durga known for her strength and protective powers.
- Benefits:
- Conducive for spiritual advancement and illumination.
- Shields from negative energies and dark forces.
- Strengthens one’s capacity to withstand adversities.
10 Mukhi Rudraksha
- Spiritual Significance: In charge of Lord Vishnu, it is protective and nurturing.
- Benefits:
- Affords a sense of safety and mental tranquility.
- Promotes peace in the family or in relationships.
- Helps deal with the fear of abandonment, the fear of loss, etc.
11 Mukhi Rudraksha
- Spiritual Significance: This loomed on Lord Hanuman who depicts strength, courage, and devotion.
- Benefits:
- Promotes physical strength and vitality.
- Ensures clarity of thoughts even during stressful periods.
- Encourages devotion and dedication in spiritual centers of practice.
12 Mukhi Rudraksha
- Spiritual Significance: Associated with the energy of the sun of which power, authority and leadership orbit.
- Benefits:
- Manifests confidence, hence builds leadership capabilities.
- Increases energy and better health levels.
- Greatly assists in professional pursuits achieving success.
13 Mukhi Rudraksha
- Spiritual Significance: Krishna, a lord of love, kindness and happiness is epitomised in this bead.
- Benefits:
- Helps in sprouting ideas while coursing through in arts.
- Improves ability of emotions and understanding in relation to other people.
- Enhances the ability to maintain good relationships.
14 Mukhi Rudraksha
- Spiritual Significance: It is known as the “devotion bead”, representing the connection with the higher cosmological realm.
- Benefits:
- Helps in practicing deeper states of meditation.
- Provides affirmation of purpose through heightened sense of self and spirituality.
- Serves as a fantastic instrument of self-exploration.
Every mukhi rudraksha bead is full of different spirit manifestations which can help one or other area of life. If you want self evolution, inner strength, or expansion of mind and spirit, choosing appropriate rudraksha will be life changing. Always remember to choose rudraksha beads according to your needs and your intentions so that the benefits from the rudraksha beads are maximally achieved.
Original Rudraksha Price
Not only are rudraksha beads popular for spiritual purposes, but their price also depends on their variety, rarity, and overall quality. Below is a comprehensive summary of pricing for the original rudraksha beads.
The Pricing Range for Original Rudraksha
One Mukhi Rudraksha:
- Price Range: INR 21,000 to INR 2,500.
- Details: The one mukhi rudraksha is the linchpin in eastern spirituality and it commands the highest value amongst all other types. Prices can fluctuate a lot depending on the quality and the source.
Two Mukhi Rudraksha:
- Price Range: From ₹300 sale price to ₹1000 recommended retail price.
- Details: This particular type is cheaper and much more common than the one mukhi.
Three Mukhi Rudraksha:
- Price Range: From ₹300 sale price to ₹1100 recommended retail price.
- Details: Like two mukhis, three mukhis are also roughly of the same price range.
Four Mukhi Rudraksha:
- Price Range: From ₹300 sale price to ₹1100 recommended retail price.
- Details: This bead happens to be expensive because of its value towards spirituality, and the pricing of it happens to be with the same pricing as 3 mukhis.
Five Mukhi Rudraksha:
- Price Range: From ₹350 sale price to ₹1100 recommended retail price.
- Details: Five mukhi rudraksha’s membership towards the devout can be seen on the affordable side.
Six Mukhi Rudraksha:
- Price Range: Lowest is ₹350 (sale price) while the highest is ₹1,250 (original price)
- Details: Sows some level of understand as to why these is regarded as protective.
Seven Mukhi Rudraksha:
- Price Range: Covers the spectrum of ₹650 (sale price) to ₹1,600 (original price)
- Details: It is fair to state that due to demand seven mukhi beads are going for fair prices.
Eight Mukhi Rudraksha:
- Price Range: Price fluctuates between ₹2,000 (sale price) and ₹5,000 (original price)
- Details: This bead is sought after because of its auspicious properties.
Nine Mukhi Rudraksha:
- Price Range: Price spans from ₹4,000 (sale price) to ₹9,999 (original price)
- Details: This bead is an embodiment of Goddess Durga giving it a lot of significance in spiritual matters.
Ten Mukhi Rudraksha:
- Price Range: Estimate: Lowest is ₹3,000 (sale price) while the highest is ₹5,500 (original price)
- Details: Much popular for purpose of meditation and prayer.
Eleven Mukhi Rudraksha:
- Price Range: The accounts for ₹3,000 (sale price) and ₹7,000 (original price).
- Details: This bead appears to be a hot cake for spiritual enthusiasts.
Twelve Mukhi Rudraksha:
- Price Range: Base price is ₹4,000 (sale price) while the cut off is at ₹7,500 (original price)
- Details: Very strong value connected with the Sun God.
Thirteen Mukhi Rudraksha:
- Price Range: Starting: ₹8,000 (sale price) and maximum: ₹20,000 (old price)
- Details: This bead is rare and a big catcher in terms of sales.
Fourteen Mukhi Rudraksha:
- Price Range: Price starts from 30000 (sale price) and it has not crossed the old price of 40000
- Details: Also known as the ‘devotion bead’ this is one of the most precious.
Gauri Shankar Rudraksha:
- Price Range: From ₹4,000 (sale price) and it is expected to go around ₹4,500
- Details: This special bead is a symbol of Shakti-Shiva union.
Factors Influencing Price
- Rarity and Demand: The cheaper the bead type, the more expensive it will be.
- Quality: Beads of better quality which are properly shaped and functionality are also the most expensive.
- Source: Nepali rudraksha beads are considered superior bead so they tend to sell at high prices then other regions with Indonesia or India as examples.
- Market Trends: These prices tend to change with demand and availability in the market.
The prices of original rudraksha beads have been noted to be dependent on their type as well as their quality. When buying the rudraksha remember these words: “nobody gives you raw materials fake, nobody gives you raw materials fake, nobody gives you raw materials fake”. These are the three golden rules. Always check for authentication certificates from the seller.
Determining authenticity of Original Rudraksha | Rudraksha original test
Hinduism places deep importance on the beads known as ‘rudraksha’ for their spiritual essence and healing capabilities. Sadly, fake rudraksha is also available in the market too, therefore any buyer needs to know how to recognize the original beads. This guide takes you through the detailed steps and processes that will enable you to check the original rudraksha from the counterfeit ones.
How to identify original Rudraksha: Step-by-Step Instructions
How To Identify Original Rudraksha? | How to check original rudraksha?
1. Visual Examination
- Natural Features: Rugged in appearance, real rudraksha beads will be angular or rather rough in their appearance with mukhis, or vertical lines that are generally natural. Such lines should be visible but shouldn’t be unnaturally cut into or polished.
- Surface Texture: As a general rule, real beads have a rough surface while the imitation tend to be overly smooth or shine even in a polished form.
- Color: All hues between brown and dark brown are considered typical for original rudraksha beads. Be cautious with too light or monochromatic beads as these could probably be artificially enhanced.
2. Weight and Density Test
- Heaviness: Original rudraksha beads have higher density and weight than the imposter beads. You will notice a significant weight difference while holding 2 beads of similar size, with the real bead feeling heavier.
- Water Test: Fill up a container with water and drop the bead inside; real rudraksha beads will submerge. Take care as some of the fake beads may also sink.
3. Counting Mukhis
- Each mukhi represents a specific number of compartments inside the bead. For example, one expects a five mukhi rudraksha to have 5 distinct compartments within the bead.
- To ascertain this, an x-ray test can be used, which is the best technique to view the internal arrangement and structure of the ptiwi without destroying it. Fake beads may show on the surface more mukhis than they really have inside the beads.
4. X-Ray Testing
- For higher mukhi rudraksha (more than six), X-ray examination is essential to establish their authenticity. This technique helps you visualize the internal structure clearly and easily.
- X-ray and other examination methods are available with many sellers and should accompany a certificate or lab report as proof of the beads authenticity.
5. The Sound Test
- If you strike two real rudraksha beads, you will likely differ the sound, however, do not confuse the rivets or with the fakes. This goes back to their thickness and internal texture.
6. The Flame Test
- A tiny section of the bead should be ignited and closely observed. It might be difficult to set rudraksha on fire and the beads synthetic will emit dangerous gases.
7. Professional Certification
- It is better to get rudraksha beads from trusted dealers who also sell them along with a certificate stating genuineness of the product. It is also worth noting that the certificate should affirm that rudrakshas is real.
Common Myths About Original Rudraksha Identification
- Floating Beads: This argument is taken out of context, rudraksha is not real if it floats which fails to be the case here. Floating beads is not a conclusive test since a few undoubted real ones are known to float.
- Polished Appearance: beads self-polished most___likely are confirmed malfunction and that’s the stereotype US consumers have of rudraksha beads.
The identification of original rudraksha, in fact, is quite a complicated process and requires a lot of practices and observations of minor details like the methods discussed take through the later parts of this article. By following them: visual inspection, weight tests, x-ray examination and professional certification, one is able to validate rudraksha beads purchased.
While shopping for original rudraksha, one must always buy from the authenticated sellers so that real products are received. This way one not only receives original beads but also the spiritual advantages they are said to bring along.
Original Rudraksha ki pahchan
In order to properly determine the original rudraksha, think about the following signs:
- Shape: Normal and authentic beads are rough beads that have the shape of an irregular prism instead of being perfectly round.
- Color: The color may be dark or very dark brown; completely bright beads offer no texture or variation and should be avoided.
- Size: Real beads come in all sizes but should not be larger or smaller than most.
How to Identify an Original Atemoya Rudraksha
Rudrakshas are religious items and should be treated as such. Therefore, be careful with the place where you buy it and look for:
- Good-Reputation Vendors: It is best to buy from dealers who have received positive feedback.
- Potential Authenticity Certificate: Inquire about a certificate of authenticity.
- After-Sales Service: In most cases, trustworthy sellers often exercise any available – policy in case of any post-sale discrepancies.
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Conclusion
Rudraksha beads, are of considerable spiritual importance, being closely associated with Hindu mythology. It is thanks to such determination and appreciation of the values, structure, and history of rudrakshas that these beads evolve from mere decorative pieces into priceless spiritual assets.
Adopting these habits also offers not only improved mental and spiritual health but also deeper integration into the religions and practices which have stood the test of time. Whether adorning them as ornaments or as pendants for chanting, these beads define the purpose of this life while being connected to the true spirituality of creation beyond this reality.
Frequently asked Questions (FAQs)
How can I verify the authenticity of rudraksha beads purchased online?
To avoid getting deceived through buying what almost turns out to be counterfeit, only look for sellers that list a certificate of authenticity. This certificate should assert that scientific means such as CT scan or X-ray check was used to test them for genuineness.
In addition, look for reviews on the seller, as well to see how reliable particular sellers are. It is best to buy from established retailers or reputable brands because they are more likely to have strict quality control systems in place.
Are there any specific tests to identify authentic rudraksha beads?
Yes, several tests can help identify authentic rudraksha beads. The water test involves placing the bead in water, and it is believed that genuine beads usually sink because they are denser than water.
The cut test is destructive to the bead, which makes it the most conclusive, revealing triangles, or sections, within the bead that number according to the mukhis.
Other tests focus on even more details of the bead such as natural striation lines using a magnifying glass or X-ray analysis to see and confirm the internal structure of the bead without breaking the bead.
What are the key factors that determine the quality of rudraksha beads
The quality of rudraksha beads is characterized by several factors such as the number of mukhis, the size of the bead, the texture of the bead, the geographical area it comes from, and the actual weight of the bead:
Mukhi Count: The more the number of mukhi; the less there will be its beads found which are worth more.
Size: The bigger the beads, the betters.
Surface Texture: Blemishes, cracks and other features are visible in authentic beads while fakes are smoother in design.
Origin: Most people believe that the nepal rudraksha is best because it is denser and stronger when it comes to spirituality.
Weight: The imitations are lighter than the real beads because the former are not as sophisticated as the latter.
How to find rudraksha is original or not?
When attempting to determine whether a rudraksha is genuine or not, begin with a close visual examination and search for all natural grooves and disfigurements and categories.
– Douse it in water: most of the genuine beads tend to sink.
– Get a handwind magnifying glass and inspect the beads, all too often a bead is said to have multiple mukhis when this is not the case which renders it false.
If this is of utmost importance you can actually have it done through x-ray imaging demonstrating what the internal composition is like without harming the actual bead. Make sure the seller is one that is credible and that they can show you proof that the item sold is original.
How to test original rudraksha?
One can perform a rudraksha test using original methods as shown below:
Water Test: Take a bead and place it in a container of water, the original markings should sink while the rest will float on top.
Cut Test: This is cutting the bead apart in order to examine it for internal compartments but it ruins the bead.
X-ray Analysis: This is a non-invasive technique that allows one to obtain internal features and ascertain the mukhi count.
Visual Inspection: Look for natural grooves and roughness of the surface.
Scientific Tests: Electrification tests explaining more of the bead’s characteristics are offered in some laboratories.
How much do certified Rudraksha beads cost compared to non-certified ones?
The price for Certified rudraksha beads is usually higher than Non-certified ones because they are guaranteed to be authentic and are of higher quality. The price of such certified beads can be elevated by between twenty to fifty percent due to the mukhi count and size among other factors.
This extra cost is seen as a deterrent due to the thoroughness and the trust certification brings to the table which in the eyes of potential buyers of such beads who are in search of authentic spiritual products is positive.
How do prices of Rudraksha beads differ between online and offline markets?
There is a noticeable difference in the prices of original rudraksha beads online as compared to the prices at physical retail outlets. Market strategies for online shops are often priced at the lower end amongst their competition as they have less overhead while in person retailers have the burden of overhead rental costs and the cost amongst offering additional services.
The advantages, on the other hand, pertain to certification as the risk associated with online purchasing is the authenticity of the beads and the buyers are therefore required to seek for genuine sellers that offer certification. In case of offline purchasing, the customer has the opportunity to touch the bead and therefore the increased price is justifiable in some circumstances.