Rudraksha Q&A Part 2

Rudraksha Q&A - Part 2

In the first part of our three-part Rudraksha Q&A series, we covered some of our most popular questions. Now we’ll continue with more intricate aspects of this unique seed. 

 

If a few beads of the mala break, do I need to buy a whole new mala?

Cracked beads on a Rudraksha mala should be removed, as their energy will be altered and may not be conducive to the wearer. Individual beads need not be replaced as long as the total bead count on the mala is 84, plus the bindu, for people who are age 14 or older. Any number above this is fine to wear for those who are 14 years or older.

To remove the cracked beads, the mala can be opened and re-strung. When re-threading, any bead can act as the bindu – it doesn’t have to be the one that was originally used. People under the age of 14 should only wear the Shanmukhi Rudraksha. 

 

Should the Rudraksha mala beads always touch each other?

To experience the full benefits of Rudraksha, the beads should always touch each other in a mala. This has to do with the energy movement in the mala. It is important not to thread the mala too tightly or else the beads may become pressed against each other and crack. Gently strung, with all the beads touching, is ideal.

 

What is the best vessel to store or condition Rudraksha in?

Since Rudraksha are natural seeds with a unique composition, it is best to store them in natural vessels. When conditioning, using mud, glass or wooden bowls are best. Alternatively, gold or silver bowls can be used, if available. When conditioning, it is important not to use copper bowls as the ghee and milk can react to the copper. But it is fine to store Rudraksha in copper when not conditioning. Using plastic to store or condition a Rudraksha is not ideal because plastics can react and leak harmful substances.

When wearing Rudraksha, silk thread is the best natural option to use due to its quality and strength. Thin gold or silver chains can also be used if malas are threaded with utmost care to ensure no seeds are cracked or harmed in the process.

 

How to tie the Gauri Shankar to the Panchmukhi Rudraksha?

A Gauri Shankar Rudraksha comes with a metal loop intended for you to tie to the end of a Panchmukhi mala, or to easily tie to any silk thread or gold or silver chain. When adding a Gauri Shankar to a Panchmukhi mala, it’s important to leave the bindu in place; the Gauri Shankar can be added as an additional bead below the bindu. The bindu is important because it ensures that the energy flow in the mala is not circular. If it becomes circular, it might cause some people to feel dizzy.  

 

Are there any obvious ways to spot fake Rudraksha? 

Sadhguru: Traditionally, malas were always dealt with by people who held it as a sacred duty in their lives. For generations, they did only this. They also made their living out of it, but fundamentally it was like a sacred duty of offering it to people. But once the demand became too much, commerce came in. Today in India, there is another seed called badraksh which is a poisonous seed, which grows extensively in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and that area. To look at, both these seeds look the same. You cannot make out the difference. Only if you take it in your hand and if you are sensitive, you will know the difference. This should not be worn on the body, but these are being sold as authentic beads in many places. So it is important that you get your mala from a trusted source. Read More

 

Read Rudraksha Q&A Part 1, and Part 3 - Conditioning Edition.