Rudraksha: Complete Guide to Purity, Wearing, and Maintenance
Rudraksha: Complete Guide to Purity, Wearing, and Maintenance
The Bhrigu Nandi Nadi (BNN) text includes specific guidance on Rudraksha beads. This post presents that guidance in full, with additional context from Vedic tradition.
What is Rudraksha
Rudraksha beads come from the seeds of the Rudraksha tree (Elaeocarpus ganitrus). The name means "tears of Rudra" (Shiva). In Vedic tradition, these beads are sacred and carry spiritual and healing properties.
Different Rudraksha have different numbers of natural lines or clefts (mukhi). Each mukhi type connects to different planetary energies and spiritual purposes.
Purity of Rudraksha
The BNN text emphasizes:
Ensure that Rudraksha beads are authentic and pure. Impure or fake beads may not carry the same energy.
How to test authenticity:
- Genuine Rudraksha sink in water. Fake beads often float.
- Genuine Rudraksha have natural lines (mukhi) that are not perfectly uniform. Machine made lines are too regular.
- Genuine Rudraksha feel neither too light nor too heavy. They have natural density.
- When rubbed between copper coins, genuine Rudraksha should not leave color or residue.
- Purchase from reputable sources with knowledge of Rudraksha tradition.
Impure beads include those that have been chemically treated, artificially colored, or harvested unethically. Such beads may carry negative rather than positive energy.
Maintenance of Rudraksha
The BNN text states:
Clean your Rudraksha regularly with water and oil it occasionally to maintain its potency and longevity.
Cleaning procedure:
- Clean Rudraksha every few weeks, or at minimum on auspicious days like Mondays (Shiva's day) or during full moon.
- Use clean, room temperature water. Avoid hot water which can crack the beads.
- Gently brush with a soft toothbrush to remove accumulated dirt from the grooves.
- After washing, dry thoroughly with a soft, clean cloth.
Oiling procedure:
- Oil Rudraksha every few months or when beads appear dry.
- Use pure sandalwood oil, mustard oil, or sesame oil. Avoid synthetic oils.
- Apply a small amount of oil to fingertips and gently massage into each bead.
- Allow oil to absorb for several hours or overnight.
- Wipe away excess oil with a clean cloth before wearing.
Oiling maintains the bead's natural luster, prevents cracking, and according to tradition, maintains its spiritual potency.
Proper Wearing of Rudraksha
The BNN text states:
Rudraksha should be worn after proper rituals and prayers, preferably in the morning. Some people follow astrological recommendations for wearing specific types.
Recommended wearing procedure:
- Wear Rudraksha for the first time on an auspicious day. Monday (Shiva's day), Thursday (Guru's day), or during Shravan month.
- Morning is the preferred time, ideally after bathing and before beginning daily activities.
- Before wearing, hold the Rudraksha in your hands and offer a simple prayer. The Shiva mantra "Om Namah Shivaya" is traditional.
- Set an intention for what the Rudraksha represents for you: spiritual growth, protection, healing, or connection to divine.
- Rudraksha may be worn as a necklace (mala), bracelet, or single bead. The traditional mala has 108 beads plus one meru (guru bead).
- Rudraksha should touch the skin, not worn over clothing. The bead's energy is believed to interact with the body's energy field.
Astrological recommendations for specific mukhi types:
- 1 Mukhi (rare): Represents Shiva. For spiritual liberation.
- 2 Mukhi: Represents Ardhanarishvara (Shiva Shakti union). For harmony in relationships.
- 3 Mukhi: Represents Agni (fire). For confidence and overcoming past karma.
- 4 Mukhi: Represents Brahma. For knowledge and creativity.
- 5 Mukhi: Represents Kalagni Rudra. Most common. For general well being and spiritual growth.
- 6 Mukhi: Represents Kartikeya. For courage and overcoming obstacles.
- 7 Mukhi: Represents Mahalakshmi. For wealth and prosperity.
- 8 Mukhi: Represents Ganesha. For removing obstacles.
- 9 Mukhi: Represents Durga. For power and protection.
- 10 Mukhi: Represents Vishnu. For protection from negative influences.
- 11 Mukhi: Represents Hanuman. For strength and courage.
- 12 Mukhi: Represents Surya (Sun). For leadership and vitality.
- 13 Mukhi: Represents Indra. For attraction and charisma.
- 14 Mukhi: Represents Shiva. For spiritual awakening.
When NOT to Wear Rudraksha
The BNN text provides specific prohibitions:
Rudraksha should not be worn in places considered impure or unholy, such as during funerals or while consuming alcohol or non vegetarian food.
Complete list of times to remove Rudraksha:
- While attending funerals or visiting cremation grounds (unless specifically worn for such rituals by trained practitioners)
- While consuming alcohol or intoxicating substances
- While eating non vegetarian food
- During sexual activity
- While using the toilet
- During menstruation (traditional guidance; individual practice varies)
- In places of known negative energy or conflict
The principle behind these prohibitions is that Rudraksha absorbs and holds energy. Exposing it to impure environments compromises its spiritual potency. The bead should be treated as a sacred object, not merely jewelry.
Additional Guidance
- Do not lend your Rudraksha to others. The bead forms an energetic connection with the wearer.
- If a Rudraksha mala breaks, restring it with new thread. The breaking is not considered inauspicious; it indicates the mala has absorbed and released energy.
- Rudraksha can be worn during sleep, though some prefer to remove and place on a clean altar.
- Old or inherited Rudraksha carry the energy of previous wearers. Cleanse thoroughly and set new intentions before wearing.
- Combining Rudraksha with other sacred items (Tulsi mala, gemstones) is acceptable. Follow traditional guidance for specific combinations.
Rudraksha in BNN Context
While Bhrigu Nandi Nadi (BNN) primarily uses remedies specific to planetary combinations, Rudraksha provides general spiritual protection and energy harmonization. Wearing appropriate Rudraksha can support the effects of Bhrigu Nandi Nadi (BNN) remedies and provide a foundation of spiritual practice.
For Bhrigu Nandi Nadi (BNN) practitioners, 5 Mukhi Rudraksha is suitable for general purposes. Those with specific planetary challenges may benefit from mukhi types corresponding to those planets.
Similar Posts :
Moon and Venus Combination in Bhrigu Nandi Nadi,
Venus and Rahu Combination in Bhrigu Nandi Nadi Astrology,
Sun and Venus Combination in Bhrigu Nandi Nadi,
Moon and Mars Combination in Bhrigu Nandi Nadi,
Charlie Chaplin Bhrigu Nandi Nadi Case Study, See Also:
BNN Nadi vedic astrology techniques planetary combinations astrology
Comments