Rudraksha Mala and its significance has been prevalent in India and the world for a long time. Lord Shiva is the central figure for the symbolic representation of the Rudraksha. An idyllic depiction of Shiva is incomplete without a Rudraksha mala around the neck and arms. Round beads of dark brown or black color complement every Sadhus and Sanyasi in India.

The Rudraksha Bracelet worn by people today has come to represent spiritual life. Men, women and children not only of Indian origin but also of other ethnic groups are seen playing sports. People who desire a peaceful and spiritual life love to wear these beads because of their scientific and mystical properties.

In this today's article we will look at the meaning of Rudraksha. We will look at its details starting from its origin, spiritual essence and benefits of Rudraksha.

What is Rudraksha

Rudraksha is the seed of the Elaeocarpus ganitrus tree. In India, the tree is found in the Himalayan region. The altitude, climate and soil of the Himalayan region favor the tree's development. Unfortunately, trees are rare in India these days. Elaecarpus Ganitrus trees were used to make railway sleepers; as a result, few remain today.

The best quality of them is grown in the Himalayas. Some of these trees can be found in the Western Ghats of South India, but they are not of such high quality. In addition to India, the tree has Nepal, Thailand, Indonesia and Burma.

Rudraksha and its relation to Lord Shiva

The outer shell of the Rudraksha seed is blue when fully ripe. This causes the seeds to also be known as blueberry seeds. Blue color associates Rudraksha with Lord Shiva. Shiva is also known as Neelkanth. For the benefit of all living entities, Lord Shiva drank the deadly poison. The poison turned his body and throat blue, hence the name.

Another significant mythical origin of the Rudraksha tree is also related to Lord Shiva. It was believed that the tree grew from the tears of Lord Shiva that fell on the ground. 'Rudra' is another name of Lord Shiva. The meaning of the name means one who dissolves all pain and misery. Etymologically, Rudra is a combination of two words. 'Rud' means 'to cry' and 'Ra' is the light of divine consciousness. Together, it means the tears of joy one feels when experiencing the divine.

Benefits of Rudraksha

Now that we know about the origin of Rudraksha, let's learn about the various benefits it contains. It has both scientific and spiritual help.

1. Scientific contributions

Many people have health problems because of the fast life we live. By focusing more on our work and studies, health takes a back seat and is neglected. Diabetes, heart problems, insomnia, depression, hypertension and many other diseases are common among people. Indeed, medicine plays a significant role in tracking these issues. But scientific research also proves that wearing Rudraksha has its meaning from which people can benefit.

Modern research shows that the Rudraksha seed has electromagnetic properties. Below are some of the scientifically proven benefits –

2. Magnetic benefits

Electromagnetic property of Rudraksha helps in stimulating proper flow in our body. Veins or arteries with some kind of blockage can benefit from Rudraksha and its magnetic properties. It helps maintain even blood flow, removes toxins from the body and even relieves body pain. Thanks to all this, it has anti-aging benefits for our body.

3. Anti-inflammatory benefits

The practice of soaking Rudraksha mala in water overnight and drinking this water first thing in the morning is common in India. Many people from the older generation indulge in this custom even today. Research shows that Rudraksha-soaked water is rich in vitamin C. The anti-inflammatory properties of the beads help people grow their immunity. In this way, people can reduce many diseases and maintain a healthy life.

4. Monitoring of cardiac functions

A healthy heart means a healthy body. Our machine-like body needs monitoring from time to time in order to function properly. The system of our body must have a regular and even flow without any trouble. Different parts of the body connect and keep the machine, our body, in working order. The Rudraksha bead has a calming and stabilizing effect. When there is any problem with proper flow circulation, it helps by exerting the right amount of force on our heart. This in turn stabilizes the heart and improves its performance. This helps prevent heart attacks and high blood pressure.

5. Spiritual benefits

Along with the scientific benefits, the spiritual gifts of Rudraksha help people lead a balanced life. Anxiety, depression, insomnia are the result of too many thoughts reflecting in our mind. Our minds are also under pressure and worry, just as our bodies are subject to wear and tear. The mind also requires proper monitoring to be mentally healthy. Wearing can help us find this appearance.

Before going into the spiritual benefits of rudraksha, we must first know the different types of Rudraksha seed and their importance. It is available in different mukhis or faces. There are almost 21 mukhis of Rudraksha. Every face has its own value and purpose. Ascetics advise that before wearing any Rudraksha one should undergo spiritual counseling and find out which Mukhi is suitable according to their characteristics. Whether to wear Ek Mukhi or 5 mukhi Rudraksha varies from person to person.

2 Mukhi Rudraksha is believed to make one isolate themselves from others. Without adequately knowing its meaning, a person wearing Ek Mukhi Rudraksha may end up alone, distant from their loved ones. Panchmukhi Rudraksha is safest and most convenient for all. Panchmukhi is known for its power to maintain overall well-being, health, concentration, regulation of blood flow and more. Other forms of mukhis have their respective benefits and power.

Following are some of the spiritual benefits one can achieve after wearing them.

6. Effective personality

Individuals have different personalities. Each of us has some dominant and some submissive traits. Depending on what we want to achieve, what kind of quality we want to manifest in ourselves, Rudraksha can help us accordingly. Rudraksha and its mukhis have powerful behavioral effects on us. With proper guidance and research, one must choose a suitable mukhi before wearing it. This will help build an influential personality.

7. Optimism

The spiritual benefit of optimism is another scientifically proven fact about Rudraksha. Rudraksha has properties that help influence positive energy in the wearer. Scientific study shows that Rudraksha has dielectric effect. This means that it has properties that help store excess good or bad energy that a person feels. Due to stress and other emotions, people tend to create negative and positive energy. This energy can further lead to diseases like hypertension, anxiety and more. It acts as a stabilizer and balances our emotions. Calming effect, pearls can induce positivity in themselves even under extreme stress.

Few more facts about Rudraksha

A traditional Rudraksha mala contains 108 plus one bead. Another bead is called "bindu". Rudraksha mala must always have a bindu otherwise the energy becomes cyclical. Sensitive people may experience dizziness when wearing a mala without a bindu.

Adults may not wear less than 84 plus one pearl mala.

It helps people feel safe and protected in uncertain situations and has properties that help create a cocoon from negative energy.

It helps alert a person and activate his senses.

Hence the benefits of Rudraksha are extremely powerful and effective. When science comes to terms with its powers, it can actually help people achieve greater balance in their lives.