Rudraksha Q&A - Part 1

Rudraksha have been a significant mark in our culture over many years. With such popularity comes many questions - let’s dig deeper into the most-asked Rudraksha questions in this three-part series:

 

Do Rudraksha always have 108 beads?

No. Traditionally, the number of beads is 108 plus one, the bindu. It’s recommended that an adult should not wear a mala with less than 84 beads, plus the bindu - but any number over that is fine! Depending on the size of the Rudraksha seeds, the mala will have varying number of beads.

 

Are the smallest Rudraksha seeds more spiritual by nature?

 

All Panchamukhi Rudraksha have the same quality, impact and benefits regardless of the size. You can choose any of the seven sizes depending on your preference. The smaller ones cost more simply because the rudraksh is not plucked from a tree, they wait for it to fully ripe and fall down. So, it is much harder to pick up the smaller beads in the mountain so they cost more; otherwise they're about the same.


Can I share my Rudraksha with someone else?

No, you should not share your Rudraksha with anyone else, since the Rudraksha adapts to the person wearing it.

How should I store my Rudraksha if I take it off during Hatha Yoga practices?

It’s best to store Rudraksha in a cotton/silk cloth or in a copper vessel. Remember, copper can oxidize milk products so you should not use a copper vessel while conditioning the Rudraksha. 

Should the bindu on the Panchmukhi mala be positioned in a certain spot on the neck? 

 

The bindu on a Panchmukhi mala doesn’t have to be positioned at any particular part of your neck – when you walk, sleep, do your sadhana, your Rudraksha will shift. It is best to reposition the bindu to be at the center of your chest, but once you start to move again, so will the bindu. This is okay.

 

How can we tell if a Rudraksha has lost its vibrancy?

Rudraksha have a certain quality by nature, so it is important to wear them on the body in a way that treats the Rudraksha with respect and care. Rudraksha should not be worn like jewelry and kept aside later. When a person decides to wear a Rudraksha, it should become like a part of them.

 

If someone decides not to wear their Rudraksha for an extended period of time, it should be kept in a cotton/silk cloth, preferably in altar or sadhana room.

 

There are certain situations that are not conducive for Rudraksha. For example, if Rudraksha are kept on a cement floor for a full 48-day mandala or longer, it should not be used. Conditioning will not help in reversing this process. A Rudraksha in this state should be buried in the soil, if possible, or offered to a body of water, like a river or a well.

 

Read Rudraksha Q&A Part 2, and Part 3 - Conditioning Edition.  

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