ओम नमः शिवाय
Ohm Namah Shivaya
ஓம் நமசிவாய
"Rudraksha beads have been venerated for centuries in both Hinduism and Buddhism, praised for their spiritual, mental, and physical benefits. These sacred beads are believed to be imbued with divine power, offering wearers protection and enlightenment. Understanding the origin, history, and significance of Rudraksha can enhance one's appreciation for these mystical beads". - Suraj Singh.
Hi viewer,
Welcome to my blog on Rudraksha, the sacred tears of Rudra, transformed into holy seeds.
Before we proceed, let us hear this shiva namaskarartha mantra:
Introduction:
Across millennia, humanity has sought connection, peace, and purpose, often finding profound resonance in ancient spiritual symbols. Among these, the sacred beads known as Rudraksha stand as a powerful conduit for such aspirations, holding immense significance in Hinduism and various spiritual practices. These revered beads are not merely decorative items; they are considered potent tools for spiritual growth, healing, and protection, frequently worn as necklaces, often referred to as malas, or as bracelets.
The enduring global appeal of Rudraksha, which transcends its primary Hindu origins to be valued in other traditions such as Buddhism, points to a universal human quest for spiritual connection, peace, and well-being. This widespread acceptance suggests that the core benefits attributed to Rudraksha, including fostering calm and promoting good health, align with fundamental human desires for inner tranquility and vitality, extending their relevance far beyond specific religious doctrines.
This report embarks on a detailed exploration of Rudraksha, delving into its divine origins, its diverse forms characterized by unique "Mukhis," its multifaceted benefits spanning spiritual, mental, and physical dimensions, and providing practical guidance on identifying authentic beads and ensuring their proper care. Readers will discover the profound depth of this ancient symbol and its enduring relevance in contemporary life.
Mythology and Origin of Rudraksha:
The spiritual essence of Rudraksha is deeply intertwined with a poignant myth, central to its revered status. This narrative not only explains its origin but also imbues the bead with profound divine significance.
The most widely believed and cherished story of Rudraksha's genesis traces back to Lord Shiva, the supreme deity in Hinduism. According to the holy scriptures, particularly the Shiva Purana, Lord Shiva once entered a state of deep meditation, moved by immense compassion for the suffering of all living creatures and a profound desire to bring them happiness. After an extended period of this profound contemplation, when the Lord awakened, his tears of compassion fell upon the Earth. These divine teardrops transformed into the seeds of the Rudraksha trees, thus giving birth to these sacred beads.
The very name "Rudraksha" encapsulates this divine origin. It is a compound of two Sanskrit words: "Rudra," which is another revered name for Lord Shiva, and "Aksha," meaning teardrops or eyes. Therefore, Rudraksha literally translates to "Lord Shiva's Tears" or "Eyes of Shiva." This direct connection to the deity is further reinforced by depictions of Lord Shiva himself, who is frequently shown adorned with these beads on his head or arms, inspiring countless religious practitioners to wear them as well.
The Botanical Identity of the Rudraksha Tree:
Beyond its mythical origins, Rudraksha also possesses a precise scientific identity. Botanically, the Rudraksha tree is classified as Elaeocarpus ganitrus Roxb, belonging to the Tiliaceae tree family. This is a large, broad, and evergreen tree characterized by a wide crown, typically reaching heights between 15 to 60 meters. The seeds, which are the sacred beads, take approximately seven years to mature on the tree.
The natural habitat of the Elaeocarpus ganitrus spans a wide geographical range. It is found from the Gangetic plain in the foothills of the Himalayas to Nepal, and further extending across South and Southeast Asia, including countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and certain areas of India. Its presence even extends to parts of Australia, Guam, and Hawaii. This species demonstrates remarkable adaptability, capable of growing in both tropical and temperate climates, and once established, it can even cope with cold weather just below freezing.
Varieties of Rudraksha (Mukhi)
A defining characteristic of Rudraksha beads is their unique surface morphology, which gives rise to their diverse varieties, each possessing distinct energetic properties.
The term "Mukhi" translates to "face" and refers to the natural grooves or lines that run longitudinally from the top to the bottom of a Rudraksha bead. These lines are not merely aesthetic features; they define the bead's unique energetic configuration and spiritual attributes. Traditionally, there are 21 different types of Mukhis, ranging from 1 Mukhi to 21 Mukhi beads, with each type possessing a distinct energetic signature and associated with unique set of benefits. These sacred faces are believed to transform simple seeds into profound spiritual tools, cherished across generations for their mystical attributes.
Below is a detailed overview of the most common and significant Mukhi varieties. The reverence for Rudraksha stems from a wide array of perceived benefits that extend across spiritual, mental, emotional, and even physical realms. These advantages are believed to arise from the bead's inherent properties and its sacred connection.
1 Mukhi Rudraksha:
This bead is considered extremely rare and highly significant, representing Lord Shiva (Brahman) himself and embodying pure consciousness and supreme truth. It is believed to activate the Agnya Chakra (third eye), offering clarity of thought and the ability to perceive beyond illusion. Its wearer may experience inner peace, assistance in attaining moksha (liberation from the cycle of birth and death), and purification of accumulated sins and negative karma. Astrologically linked with Surya (Sun), it enhances inner strength, confidence, and intuition, and is also associated with bestowing material support through Adi Lakshmi. It costs upto Rs. 1 Lakh in the market.
2 Mukhi Rudraksha:
Symbolizing the harmonious union of the two, Shiva and Shakti energies, this bead represents divine balance between masculine and feminine forces. It fosters emotional stability, nurtures the mind, and promotes peace and prosperity in relationships. Ruled by the Moon, it enhances emotional intelligence, increases creative energy, and is often recommended for enhancing fertility or supporting conception, especially when paired with Garbh Gauri Rudraksha.
3 Mukhi Rudraksha:
Connected to Agni, the fire god, this bead possesses purifying energy that helps release fear, guilt, and past karmic burdens. It instills confidence, motivation, and willpower. Associated with the planet Mars, it helps eliminate lethargy, anxiety, and mental fatigue, making it ideal for those seeking karmic purification and momentum in their path.
4 Mukhi Rudraksha:
Blessed by Lord Brahma, the creator who has 4 heads, this bead significantly enhances mental clarity, intelligence, and communication skills. It improves concentration, memory, and speech, making it particularly helpful for students, teachers, and professionals. It allows the wearer to strengthen the planet Mercury, activating creativity and perceptiveness, and supporting intellectual growth and expression.
5 Mukhi Rudraksha:
Representing Lord Shiva, who has five heads, this bead cleanses past sins committed through forbidden acts, guiding the wearer toward purity and inner peace. Blessed by Vaamdev, a form of Shiva, it is considered valuable for everyone. Associated with the planet Jupiter (Brihaspati), it fosters a sense of balance, enhances focus, and brings tranquility to the wearer's life.
6 Mukhi Rudraksha:
Associated with Lord Karthikeya, who has six heads, this bead supports a balanced life by enhancing inner wisdom, courage, and focus. It strengthens willpower and clarity, making it ideal for those seeking both spiritual depth and material progress. Connected to the planet Venus (Shukra), it brings harmony between spiritual practices and material success.
7 Mukhi Rudraksha:
 |
It is ruled and blessed by the Sapta Rishis and Sapta Matrikas, and is connected to Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. It supports inner discipline, spiritual progress, material abundance, and prosperity. Associated with the planet Shani (Saturn), it helps reduce the malefic effects of Saturn and strengthens stability and focus.
8 Mukhi Rudraksha:
Associated with Lord Ganesh, this bead provides enhanced analytical thinking, deep understanding, and strong writing abilities. It helps absolve sins associated with dishonesty and serves as a protective tool to overcome obstacles and achieve success. It is particularly effective for nullifying the malefic effects of Ketu.
9 Mukhi Rudraksha:
Representing Nava Durga (the nine forms of Goddess Durga), this bead carries powerful transformative energy. Associated with Rahu, it helps reduce its negative influence, bringing clarity, stability, and focus. It supports Devi Sadhana, helping remove obstacles from one’s spiritual and material path.
10 Mukhi Rudraksha:
Associated with the Ten Avatars of Lord Vishnu, this bead is known for its powerful role in energy cleansing and protection. It is closely linked to Vastu correction and is often placed at the entrance of homes and offices to remove negative vibrations. It nullifies the negative effects of misaligned Vastu and promotes harmony among all planetary influences.
11 Mukhi Rudraksha:
Associated with Hanuman and Bhairav Sadhana, this bead offers strong protection from negative energies and hostile influences. It helps the wearer become fearless, builds inner courage, and supports spiritual transformation. It brings mental clarity by helping to silence fear-driven thoughts and anxiety.
12 Mukhi Rudraksha:
Associated with the Sun (Surya), this bead is known for boosting confidence, clarity, and leadership qualities. It helps nullify the negative effects of a weak or misaligned Sun in the birth chart and supports stronger decision-making, focus, and self-expression. It is ideal for those looking to strengthen their personal power and build a clear vision.
13 Mukhi Rudraksha:
Associated with Lord Indra and Lord Kamadeva, this bead enhances charm, attraction, and personal magnetism. It helps nullify the negative effects of a weak or misaligned Venus (Shukra) in the birth chart, supporting better relationships, improved social presence, and material comfort.
14 Mukhi Rudraksha:
Considered one of the most powerful Rudraksha beads, it is associated with Lord Shani (Saturn) and Lord Hanuman. It helps nullify the negative effects of misaligned Saturn and Mars, supports karmic cleansing, and strengthens discipline and focus. Known as the Maha Shani Rudraksha, it empowers the wearer with courage, stability, and inner clarity needed for spiritual and material transformation. It is used for 3rd Eye activation and is recommended for serious spiritual seekers.
Other variations
21 Mukhi
Gauri-Shankar
Higher Mukhi's
Ganesh Mukhi
The Profound Benefits of Wearing Rudraksha
Spiritual & Energetic Benefits
Rudraksha is highly revered as a sacred bridge, connecting the physical world with higher consciousness. It is believed to foster a deeper relationship with Lord Shiva and the divine superpower, guiding wearers toward spiritual enlightenment.This connection encourages mindfulness and enhances meditation practices, allowing individuals to experience deeper states of peace and calmness.
The beads are also thought to resonate with the wearer's inner self, promoting the balancing of energy centers, known as chakras, within the body. This alignment, coupled with the cleansing of energy channels (nadis), is believed to lead to significant spiritual growth, mental clarity, and enhanced overall vitality. Furthermore, Rudraksha is considered a powerful spiritual shield, believed to remove and provide protection against negative energies, evil spirits, unwanted influences, and the evil eye effect, particularly for those with a weak aura. For practitioners, Rudraksha Malas are frequently utilized in meditation techniques, as the beads are thought to improve focus, promote mental relaxation, and aid in staying centered by counting breaths or repeating mantras.
Mental & Emotional Well-being
Rudraksha beads are renowned for their soothing properties, which are believed to calm the mind, significantly reduce stress and anxiety, and invite tranquility into everyday life. They are credited with bringing mental clarity and relaxation, enabling individuals to better handle daily problems and stress. Wearing Rudraksha is also associated with an increase in inner strength, courage, and self-belief, empowering individuals to feel more focused and resilient when confronting life's obstacles. The beads are said to promote emotional balance and stability, making it easier to manage emotions effectively, mitigate mood swings, and foster a sense of peace and fulfillment. Moreover, the soothing effect of Rudraksha beads is thought to enhance the quality of sleep by reducing stress and promoting relaxation, potentially alleviating insomnia and other sleep disorders.
Physical Health Advantages
Beyond its impact on the mind and spirit, Rudraksha is also associated with numerous physical health benefits. It is believed to contribute to general well-being by balancing the body's energy centers, which in turn helps control and stabilize blood pressure. Traditional medicine attributes anti-inflammatory qualities to the beads, suggesting they can reduce inflammation in the body and alleviate conditions such as joint pain and arthritis when worn regularly.
Wearing Rudraksha beads is also said to enhance neurological functions by calming the nervous system, thereby supporting reduced stress levels, improved concentration, and emotional stability. Additionally, traditional medicine attributes antimicrobial qualities to Rudraksha, which may help protect against infections by inhibiting bacterial growth on the skin when worn as malas or bracelets. The beads are believed to promote the purging of toxins from the body, contributing to overall health and well-being. In Ayurvedic practices, Rudraksha is commonly used to help maintain a harmonious balance of the doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha), thereby improving overall health and promoting physical well-being, mental clarity, and spiritual growth.
Scientific Perspectives and Potential Mechanisms
The compelling convergence of spiritual, mental, and physical benefits, particularly buttressed by emerging scientific observations, suggests that Rudraksha may function as a sophisticated bio-energetic regulator. This indicates that its perceived energetic properties could influence the body's subtle systems, leading to measurable improvements across multiple dimensions of well-being.
Rudraksha beads are believed to possess inherent electromagnetic properties that create positive energy fields around those who wear them. These electromagnetic fields are thought to seamlessly interact with the body's bioelectrical system, fostering a sense of balance and well-being. Scientific research has also indicated that Rudraksha can reduce "thoughts per second," leading to a calmer and more aware state. It is also believed to induce an "Alpha State" in the brain, which is associated with present-moment living, self-empowerment, a fearless life, enlightenment, and liberation. This state can normalize various physical body functions, including heartbeat, circulation, endocrine gland function, neuron activity, and respiration. Furthermore, the bioelectric stimulation from Rudraksha is suggested to positively impact the biochemical system in the brain, specifically influencing the activity of neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, which can lead to a positive transformation in personality, mindset, outlook, charisma, and confidence. This holistic impact positions Rudraksha not merely as a symbolic religious artifact but potentially as a therapeutic or bio-regulating tool that works on an energetic and biochemical level, bridging ancient spiritual wisdom and modern empirical understanding.
Identifying Genuine Rudraksha Beads
In the market for Rudraksha, discerning genuine beads from imitations is of paramount importance. Only authentic beads are believed to possess the sacred power and deliver the purported benefits, serving as a true conduit for divine energy. Therefore, establishing trust in its origin and verifying its authenticity is crucial. This becomes necessary as there are many reports about fake Rudraksha beig produced by unscrupulos elements to take adavantage of the demand for Rudraksha.
Practical At-Home Tests
Several practical tests can be performed at home to help identify genuine Rudraksha beads:
Physical Examination: A close inspection of the bead is essential. Genuine Rudraksha beads feature distinct "mukhis" (lines) that naturally extend from top to bottom, along with a clear, natural hole running through the center. These lines should appear well-defined and possess good flow and clarity. Caution is advised when encountering beads with thin, poorly carved, or artificial-looking lines.
Touch and Feel: An authentic Rudraksha should feel hard and possess a rough, natural texture. If the bead feels exceptionally light, unusually smooth, or appears to have a plastic-like sheen, it may indicate that it is synthetic or has been tampered with. Some miscreants try to convert a lower Mukhi to a higher one by tampering on it, just to enhance its economic value. Though the Rudraksha, in this case, is genuine, it will not produce the desired results expected from the higher Mukhis.
Water Test: Submerging the Rudraksha in a glass of water for a few hours is a common method. Genuine Rudraksha beads are dense and should sink without fading or crumbling. However, it is crucial to understand that this test alone is not definitive, as some fake or weighted beads can also sink. This test should therefore be used in conjunction with other verification methods.
Thermal Reaction Test: Carefully holding the Rudraksha over a small flame for a few seconds, ensuring no damage is caused, can also provide an indication of faking with plastics or other chemicals. A genuine Rudraksha is resistant to breaking, disintegrating, or melting when exposed to mild heat. But do not prolong this test for longer duration.
Ethical Sourcing and Vedic Energization
Beyond physical verification, the source of a Rudraksha bead plays a paramount role in its authenticity and efficacy. It is highly recommended to purchase Rudraksha from reputable suppliers who adhere to ethical sourcing practices. Such suppliers typically source directly from sustainable farms in native regions like Nepal and other parts of Southeast Asia, meticulously selecting each bead to meet high quality standards.
A significant aspect of acquiring an authentic Rudraksha involves understanding the concept of Vedic energization. Many authentic suppliers perform this spiritual procedure, which entails sanctifying the Rudrakshas with holy water and chanting specific Vedic mantras. This ritual is believed to enhance the bead's inherent qualities, align it with cosmic energies, and "summon the full spiritual power" of the bead. The rigorous emphasis on both physical authentication methods and spiritual energization highlights a belief system where an object's efficacy is derived not solely from its natural properties but also from its ritualistic consecration. This indicates that the "sacred power" of Rudraksha is understood as a synergistic combination of its inherent qualities and human spiritual intent. The dual requirement for authenticity and energization suggests that merely possessing a genuine Elaeocarpus ganitrus seed is considered insufficient; it must also be ritually activated. This implies that the bead is viewed as a vessel, and the Vedic rituals are believed to "charge" or "awaken" its latent spiritual potential.
Trustworthy providers often offer transparency, providing comprehensive information about the bead's origins, characteristics, and authentication advice, frequently accompanied by authenticity and quality certificates. This level of transparency empowers individuals to not only select the appropriate Rudraksha but also to verify its legitimacy.
Care and Maintenance of Rudraksha
Proper upkeep and care are essential to ensure that a Rudraksha bead radiates its beneficial energy and maintains its integrity over time. The detailed and occasionally nuanced care instructions for Rudraksha beads reveal a complex interplay between traditional beliefs about a sacred object's "living" energy and practical considerations for its physical preservation. The strong emphasis on specific rituals, such as ghee and milk conditioning, and the strict avoidance of aggressive cleaning chemical substances, underscore a deep cultural desire to maintain the bead's perceived natural and spiritual integrity.
Essential Conditioning Rituals
For new Rudraksha beads, a specific conditioning ritual is recommended to enhance their longevity. This involves immersing the beads in pure ghee (clarified butter) for 24 hours, followed by soaking them in full-fat milk for an additional 24 hours. After this conditioning, the beads should be gently washed with plain water and wiped with a clean, soft cloth.
This conditioning process should be repeated approximately every six months. Its primary purpose is to prolong the lifespan of the Rudraksha by preventing it from becoming brittle and cracking. It is important to note that this conditioning does not "re-energize" the bead, as Rudraksha beads are believed to possess their inherent quality by nature. After removing the beads from the milk, they may feel slightly slippery and carry a scent of ghee and milk. As a final conditioning step, Rudraksha can be gently rolled in vibhuti (sacred ash) in your palm to help absorb any excess oil. The ghee used for such conditioning should not be further consumed or used for cooking; it can be repurposed as plant food, as oil in a lamp, or saved for subsequent conditioning. A crucial caution is to avoid using copper vessels while conditioning Rudraksha, as copper can oxidize milk products.
Cleaning Guidelines
Regular cleaning helps maintain the bead's vitality. Rudraksha beads should be cleaned occasionally, or at least every two months, particularly if dirt or deposits are noticed. To clean, soak the beads in lukewarm water for about 30 minutes to an hour to loosen any grime. Accumulated dirt can then be gently cleaned using a new, soft toothbrush. Crucially, the use of soap or any chemical cleaning materials must be avoided. These substances can damage the bead's natural integrity and energy, potentially making it brittle and causing it to crack over time. After cleaning, allow the bead to dry thoroughly, ideally for a full day, before applying any oil. Periodically applying natural oils such as olive oil, coconut oil, sandalwood oil, or sesame oil to the beads helps keep them hydrated, prevents them from drying out, and maintains their luster and longevity.
Wearing Etiquette and Storage Recommendations
The Rudraksha mala can generally be worn all the time, including during sleep. Regarding showering, there are differing perspectives. Some sources suggest it is beneficial to shower with Rudraksha, especially with cold water and without chemical soaps, as the water flowing over it and onto the body is considered good. However, other sources advise taking it off before showering or engaging in intense physical activity to prevent damage from warm water, chemical soaps (which can make it brittle and crack), or physical stress. It is advisable to exercise caution and adhere to personal comfort levels or the specific traditions one follows.
It is generally advised not to share your Rudraksha with anyone else, as the bead is believed to adapt themselves to the wearer's energy and become a personal spiritual companion. Always handle Rudraksha beads with clean hands, and avoid dropping them on harsh surfaces, as this can cause them to break or split. When not worn, store your Rudraksha in a clean and holy spot, preferably in a cotton pouch or wrapped in a soft silk cloth. If a Rudraksha is not worn for an extended period, it is best kept in a pooja room.
It is important to avoid keeping Rudraksha on a cement floor for prolonged periods (e.g., a full 48-day mandala or longer), as this can irreversibly damage its quality; such damaged beads should ideally be buried in soil or offered to a body of water. Due to their remarkable receptivity, Rudrakshas are believed to absorb surrounding energies. Therefore, it is advised to stay clear of unfavorable situations, confrontations, or immoral behavior when wearing them. To refresh its powers, a Rudraksha can be exposed to direct sunlight for a few hours, with morning sunlight being particularly advantageous. However, extreme heat should be avoided as it could harm the bead.
Finally, if the thread holding the Rudraksha beads is weak or torn, it is advisable to restring them to ensure their lifespan and security. This meticulous and ritualistic care regimen elevates the act of wearing and maintaining Rudraksha into a continuous spiritual practice in itself, reinforcing the idea that the bead is a "sacred companion" that requires ongoing respect, attention, and proper interaction to maintain its "beneficial energy."
Concluding Remarks
The simultaneous reverence for Rudraksha's mythical, divine origin and its precise scientific, botanical classification reflects a profound cultural approach in India where spiritual beliefs often coexist with, rather than contradict, empirical observation. This demonstrates a deeply integrated worldview that seamlessly blends the sacred with the natural and the scientific. The fact that planting a Rudraksha tree is considered a "great gift" in some cultures, believed to "remove any sin" from a home and provide "good health" to its occupants, exemplifies this fusion, transforming an ecological act into a deeply spiritual one with tangible benefits. This perspective enriches the understanding of Rudraksha beyond a mere religious artifact, positioning it as a symbol of the sacredness inherent in nature itself.
A critical modern consideration, however, is the conservation status of Elaeocarpus ganitrus. This species is currently threatened in its native habitat, primarily due to the over-harvesting of its valuable seeds and widespread deforestation.This adds a layer of ecological responsibility to the spiritual reverence accorded to the Rudraksha, highlighting the need for sustainable practices in its cultivation and collection.
The journey through the world of Rudraksha reveals an extraordinary symbol, from its mythical genesis as Lord Shiva's compassionate tears to its tangible role as a multifaceted spiritual tool for profound spiritual growth, enhanced mental peace, and improved physical well-being. It stands uniquely at the intersection of ancient wisdom and modern inquiry, offering a bridge between the sacred and the scientific.
The consistent message across various accounts, from ancient mythology to contemporary observations, is that Rudraksha facilitates a deeper connection to both the self and the divine, ultimately leading to a more "fearless life" and a path towards "liberation". This indicates that Rudraksha functions as a profound catalyst for personal transformation, integrating spiritual aspirations with practical, empowered living. It is not merely about alleviating symptoms like stress or high blood pressure, but about transforming one's fundamental state of being and relationship with existence. The potential to induce an "Alpha State" in the brain, associated with deeper introspection and heightened awareness, provides a potential neurological mechanism for this profound shift. This positions Rudraksha as an instrument for achieving a state of holistic integration—where spiritual awareness deeply informs and transforms daily life, leading to profound inner freedom and unwavering resilience.
Rudraksha continues to hold enduring significance as a sacred bridge between humanity and the divine, a powerful source of protection, and an invaluable aid in navigating life's complexities with heightened courage, clarity, and resilience. Approaching Rudraksha with reverence, understanding, and personal discernment allows its subtle energies to guide and support one's individual spiritual path. Exploring the profound world of Rudraksha, perhaps by seeking an authentic bead that resonates with one's personal journey, can lead to integrating its timeless wisdom into daily life for a more balanced, peaceful, and purposeful existence.
The intricate mapping of each Mukhi to specific deities, planetary influences, and targeted life areas (e.g., relationships, wealth, health, intellect) reveals a sophisticated ancient system of personalized spiritual technology. This detailed categorization is far from arbitrary; it suggests a profound, ancient understanding of the interconnectedness between cosmic forces (planets), divine archetypes (deities), and human experience (physical, mental, spiritual, karmic). This implies that Rudraksha is not a generic charm but a highly specialized tool, chosen to address individual energetic and karmic needs within a comprehensive cosmic framework. By aligning oneself with the specific energetic signature of a particular Mukhi, one can influence or balance specific aspects of their life or spiritual journey. This nuanced approach elevates Rudraksha to a powerful, tailored instrument for self-transformation and energetic remediation within Vedic and astrological frameworks.
For those interested, I am annexing a reerch report on the magnetic properties of Rudraksha.
That's all for now. See you in my next blog.
************
____________________________________________________
Annexure
Magnetic Characteristics of Different Mukhi Rudraksha Beads: A Comparative AnalysisBy: Shiva Sharma, Durg V. Rai, Manisha Rastogi
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SCIENTIFIC & TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH VOLUME 8, ISSUE 11, NOVEMBER 2019 ISSN 2277-8616 3333
IJSTR©2019
www.ijstr.org
The present study outcomes demonstrated for the first time, the quantitative magnetic characteristics of 3M, 4M, and 5M Rudraksha to the best of our knowledge. Cumulative research outcomes of the present study provide clear evidences for our first research question that Rudraksha beads possess magnetic properties as mentioned in traditional system of system. Coming to the next research question, the present study outcomes demonstrated that all 3M, 4M, and 5M Rudraksha possess weak ferromagnetic character as deciphered from VSM and SQUID analysis. Our next research question aimed to find out the answer about the differences in magnetic property, if any due to the variations in their grooves otherwise commonly known as Mukhi. A number of characteristics at room temperature specifically exhibition of hysteretic loop, moderate coercivity and remanance at relatively small applied magnetic field, presence of Curie temperature above 300K, an inverse relationship between magnetic susceptibility and temperature, and distinct splitting between ZFC and FC curve below Curie temperature cumulatively indicated the weak ferromagnetic behavior of these natural substances. Although the magnetic character of all 3M, 4M, and 5M Rudraksha did not differed due to the variations in Mukhi, differences in the magnetization potential was noticed in the order of 4M>5M>3M. These variations may perhaps be attributed to their compositional differences as deciphered from quantitative mineralogical analysis through XRF. In our last research question, we intended to assess the ions responsible for its weak ferromagnetic characteristics. In EPR analysis, the positions of the hyperfine line structures indicated the presence of magnetic behavior due to the heavy metals. Further, the shift of g value from 2 demonstrated the presence of unpaired e- specifically in valance d and f orbitals with higher spin and unquenched angular momentum. Among the 26 elements detected from XRF, a total of 9 minerals viz. W (5f4), MnO (3d5), Mo (4d4), Ru (4d6), Pd (4d8), Pr (4f3), TiO2 (3d2), Fe2O3 (3d6), and Ni (3d8) possessed valence d and f orbitals and therefore may play crucial role in the magnetic properties of Rudraksha. However, being a bulk material it was not possible to quantify the impact of each ion on Rudraksha magnetic properties and hence warrants further research. Overall, the present study outcomes serve as valuable scientific evidence for the presence and type of magnetic property exhibited by different Mukhi Rudraksha as demonstrated in traditional system of medicine. In Ayurvedic medicine, physical wearing of Rudraksha bead was reported to provide beneficial effect against myriad of diseases due to its electromagnetic property. Although controlled clinical studies to prove their therapeutic benefits is needed, however possibility of its mechanism of action due to its electromagnetic property as mentioned in traditional system of medicine cannot be ruled out. In –addition, the magnetic characteristics of Rudraksha beads can also be compared with magnetic wood which is defined as a composite of wood and magnetic fluid or powder [11-13]. Several research groups have artificially synthesized magnetic wood by dispersing inorganic and organic components such as Fe3O4 [14], CoFe2O4 [15], MnFe2O4 [16], FeNi3 [17] into the wood matrix to create novel products with superior electrical, optical, mechanical or magnetic properties [8, 9]. It is known that while wood biomass is a completely non-magnetic material, introduction of variable amount of metallic components can induce magnetization properties which can be used to device novel products [17]. In this context, Rudraksha beads possess unique combination of wood and metal components which makes it a “natural magnetic wood” with weak ferromagnetic properties. However, future research is warranted to explore the proposed concept of Rudraksha and its potential applications.
___________________________________________________________________
