The world of meditation and spiritual accessories is vast, and there are literally thousands of choices if you decide to buy one. Now, among thousands of such accessories, Rudraksha Mala holds a special place. This mala is, after all, deeply associated with Lord Shiva, one of the holy trinities in the Hindu pantheon. Furthermore, beaded mala made from Rudraksha is also associated with various aspects of life, including health and Vastu. Wearing accessories made from Rudraksha, such as Rudraksha Mala, is believed to balance the three Ayurvedic Doshas of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. But in real life, just knowing these associations is not enough. But what about Rudraksha uses and benefits?
In this blog, we provide you with a brief but ultimate guide to Rudraksha mala uses and benefits. Along with this, we shall also provide you with brief information regarding its rules, disadvantages, who can wear them, and some common myths and misconceptions. So, keeping this in mind, let’s get started!
What Is Rudraksha Mala?
Before we talk about its uses and go into the rest of the topic, let us tell you what a rudraksha mala is first. In simple words, a Rudraksha Mala is a beaded necklace made from the seeds of the Rudraksha Tree, also known as Elaeocarpus ganitrus. This beaded necklace is used in a wide range of practices across the world, especially in parts with Hindu influence for meditation and other spiritual purposes. Furthermore, it is also believed to have spiritual healing proper in each of the beads. This spiritual healing is amplified with each bead, which is a lot considering the fact that Rudraksha Mala typically has 108 beads and one guru bead.
Even if you do not have the full-length beaded mala necklace and only have Rudraksha Wrist Mala, the healing effect is amplified by a factor of at least a few tens of times, as each wrist mala contains at least 18 beads.
Rudraksha Mala Uses and Benefits: Embrace Its Power
With the definition cleared out of the way, let’s move on to discuss the core aspect of this topic: Rudraksha Mala uses. Now, as you can guess since Rudraksha Mala is a spiritual object, its uses and benefits are directly associated with the spiritual and metaphysical realm. But what are these uses? Some of the key uses of Rudraksha Mala include:
1. Spiritual Uses Of Rudraksha Mala
One of the key areas where Rudraksha Mala is used is in the spiritual aspects. Since this mala is deeply associated with enhancing the spirituality of a person, it would only make sense that there are multiple spiritual uses of Rudraksha. Some of the key spiritual uses of Rudraksha Mala include;
- The mala is traditionally used for chanting mantras in Japa Mala Meditations. It is believed that chanting mantras while using Rudraksha Mala deepens the connection to higher realms and aids in achieving mental clarity.
- The Mala also acts as a physical anchor to reality when you meditate and allows you to stay grounded in reality while you explore the fantastical world of spirituality.
2. Balancing Energy And Aura
Another key Rudraksha Mala uses is that it balances the energy and aura of the user such as yourself. This mala is considered as made from the tears of lord Shiva (as per the myths, Rudraksha is considered as the tears of lord Shiva) and therefore has deep spiritual roots. Lord Shiva is known for both his forgiving and destructive nature and is seen as the perfect balance between two extremes. Therefore, wearing accessories associated with this lord is said to bring balance to your energy and aura. So if you too want to balance your internal energy and external aura, then you can let the Rudraksha fulfil one of its uses.
3. Enhancing Focus And Concentration
The Rudraksha Mala uses is not just limited to spiritual aspects either. You can also use this beaded necklace to enhance your focus and concentration. While the simple act of constantly wearing this beaded mala itself has the effect of enhancing focus and concentration, you can amplify this effect by counting the beads in the mala while meditating. The simple act of counting the mala during meditation allows your mind to remain sharp and enhance your concentration abilities.
4. Calming Mind And Reducing Stress
Following the use of enhancing concentration and focus, using this beaded mala also calms down your mind and reduces stress. The simple act of counting the beads, without the need for any form of meditation, allows you to take a break from reality and take a breather, which calms down your mind during stressful situations. This, when added to the natural calming effect, further enhances the overall use of enhancing the calmness within the user, which in this case is you.
5. Protecting From Energy
It is said that lord Shiva is the one who protects and destroys all evil in this world. Therefore, it should not be a surprise that a mala made from the material which is considered as the tears of this lord, protects you from the influence of evil forces and negative energies. Because of this, many use this beaded necklace as a way to protect themselves and their loved ones from the influence of the ill forces. If you are having a particularly unlucky time, you can even use this to reduce the effect of ill forces on your life and get back to normalcy.
These are just some of the key and general Rudraksha Mala uses. Besides the ones we mentioned here, there can be even more specific uses depending on your religious sect or the religion you follow.
What Are The Rules for Rudraksha Mala?
Now, while knowing Rudraksha Mala is great and all, you do have to note that Rudraksha is a deeply sacred object and is held in high regard. So, although it is fine not to follow any Rudraksha Mala wearing rules if you just see it as an aesthetic piece, you must be bound by its use to reap its spiritual benefits. But what are the rules? The six key rules you must follow before using this beaded necklace for its spiritual and meditative purposes include:
- Take a bath before sunrise and chant Om Namah Shivaya eight times with an empty and pure heart before wearing the Rudraksha Mala.
- Clean the Rudraksha Mala at the end of every week with a mixture of water and Ganga Jal if you do not have access to Gangajal. If you do not intend to use the mala for a long duration, soak them for the night and let them dry.
- You should store Rudraksha Mala in an airtight container when not in use for a long time.
- While wearing the Rudraksha, meditate and focus on Lord Shiva, remembering all his aspects.
- Wear the Rudraksha as much as possible unless it becomes uncomfortable, but remove it during work or other incompatible activities.
- Regularly oil the Rudraksha beads to maintain their quality and spiritual potency.
Now do note that these are just the general rules. If you want to know all of the rules, you should check out our blog on “Rudraksha Bracelet: Rules and Restriction” and “Rudraksha wearing rules for females”.
Disadvantages of Wearing Rudraksha
Now, while wearing Rudraksha Mala does provide you with enhancement, and they are overall good to wear, you should note that when it comes to spiritual items such as Rudraksha Mala, not everyone can reap its benefits, and they can become harmful instead. Therefore, if you are incompatible with the beaded mala, you can face the disadvantages of wearing Rudraksha Mala instead. So what are these disadvantages? Some of the key disadvantages of Rudraksha Mala include the following;
- Some people might experience discomfort, emotional sensitivity, or heightened awareness when first wearing Rudraksha beads, as the energy can feel overwhelming for those unaccustomed to it.
- Rudraksha beads require regular cleaning, oiling, and proper storage to maintain their effectiveness, which can be time-consuming and inconvenient.
The beads should not be worn during certain activities, such as while eating meat, consuming alcohol, or engaging in impure acts. - Failing to follow these guidelines may reduce their effectiveness.
- Some people may experience irritation or discomfort from the bead texture, especially if the mala is worn tightly around the neck or wrist.
- Rudraksha malas are deeply tied to Hinduism and spirituality. If worn without respect or understanding, it may offend cultural or religious sentiments.
- Many counterfeit or low-quality Rudraksha beads are available in the market. Wearing fake beads might not yield any of the benefits, leading to disappointment or distrust.
- People who are not spiritually inclined or do not follow the recommended practices may not experience the desired benefits and could view the mala as ineffective.
Who Should Wear Rudraksha Mala?
By this point, you should be aware that this beaded necklace is a Hindu artefact and might be worried that you may not be compatible to wear them. But the good news here is that you do not need to be of any specific religion to wear the said mala. But there are specific people for whom the mala is more compatible than the rest. Some of the most compatible people to wear this type of beaded necklace include:
- Individuals practising meditation or engaging in spiritual activities often find that Rudraksha Malas enhances their focus and deepens their practice.
- Those working in stressful environments may find the calming properties of Rudraksha helpful in managing stress and staying balanced.
- The concentration-boosting qualities of Rudraksha make it a useful tool for students pursuing academic success.
- People interested in natural and holistic well-being often include Rudraksha in their lifestyle for its reputed health benefits.
- Rudraksha is believed to support emotional balance and promote a sense of inner peace and harmony.
Common Myths and Misconceptions About Rudraksha Mala
Now, since you have read till this point, we believe that you are curious about some more aspects of the Rudraksha Mala. So, let’s talk a bit more and clear some myths and misconceptions regarding Rudraksha Mala. Some of the common myths and misconceptions include:
- Gender Restrictions: There is a common myth stating that women cannot wear Rudraksha Mala when it is not true. While there are some restrictions for women on wearing this mala, there are rules for males as well. Both born as genders can wear this necklace as long as they follow the rules.
- Age Limitations: Another common myth is that kids and teens cannot wear this necklace while they can. The only catch here is that kids and teens need supervision white wearing the mala, as they need while doing just about everything.
- Religious Affiliations: Now, although Rudraksha Mala is associated with Hinduism, there are no restrictions on who can wear this mala. The popular myth that only Hindus can wear the mala is not true.
- Lifestyle Requirements: A common myth is that only vegetarians or those following an ascetic lifestyle can use Rudraksha. In truth, there are no specific dietary or lifestyle requirements for wearing it.
These are some of the most common myths – busted about Rudraksha Mala. But these are just four of the most common ones but we can spend the entire blog busting the most common ones if you want us to.
How to Find A Genuine Rudraksha Mala?
When we talked about the disadvantages of Rudraksha Mala, we mentioned that sometimes there are counterfeit or low-quality ones out in the market. And this one might be stuck in some of your minds. So, how can you find a genuine rudraksha mala? Well, there are three key ways how you can detect genuine high-quality mala. These methods include:
- Boiling: The colour of genuine and high-quality mala does not change when you boil it for a few hours. If the colour fades, it is either a low-quality one or a counterfeit.
- Drowning: Genuine Rudraksha Mala does not drown but rather floats in water.
- Mustard Oil: Dip it in mustard oil. If it darkens, then it is a genuine one and if not, it’s either one of low quality or a fake one.
Buy Rudraksha Mala at Nirvana Mala
When all is said and done, the end goal of reading and learning about the uses of Rudraksha mala is to fulfil your curiosity and make a purchase. But the question here is, where can you buy the best Rudraksha Mala in Nepal? The answer to this question is obviously Nirvana Mala, the best retailer and wholesaler of spiritual accessories in Nepal. But why? Some of the key reasons include:
- Each Rudraksha mala is meticulously crafted to ensure durability and Rudraksha Mala significance in spiritual aspect, providing users with a high-quality experience.
- Handmade using traditional techniques that honour the cultural heritage of Rudraksha malas.
- Available in various bead sizes, designs, and combinations to cater to diverse personal preferences and spiritual needs.
- Premium-quality males are offered at affordable prices, making them accessible to everyone.
- A dedicated and knowledgeable team is available to guide you in choosing the perfect Rudraksha mala and to answer any questions you may have.
Conclusion
Rudraksha is a deeply spiritual item that is directly linked with lord Shiva and is often considered as his tears, which he shed during elation after waking up from a meditation. So naturally, the beaded necklace made from this seed is bound to have a wide range of uses, restrictions, and some misconceptions.
In this blog, we provide you with five prime Rudraksha Mala uses. Along with this, we also provided you with some added information as well. We hope you found this helpful. If you seek further insights into the various aspects of Rudraksha and other spiritual accessories, do check out some of our other blogs. And if you want the best Rudraksha Mala in Nepal, look no further than Nirvana Mala – the best wholesaler and retailer of spiritual accessories in Nepal. Thank you for reading till the end.
FAQs on Rudraksha Mala Uses and Benefits
1. What is Rudraksha mala used for?
A Rudraksha mala is primarily used for meditation and prayer, aiding practitioners in focusing their minds during mantra chanting. The beads help in maintaining concentration, promoting inner peace, and enhancing spiritual growth. Additionally, wearing a Rudraksha mala is believed to balance energy, protect against negative influences, and support overall well-being.
2. What is the benefit of wearing Rudraksha?
Wearing Rudraksha beads is associated with numerous benefits, including stress reduction, improved concentration, and enhanced spiritual awareness. The beads are believed to have a calming effect on the mind, aiding in meditation and promoting emotional stability. They are also thought to protect the wearer from negative energies and misfortunes.
3. What happens if we wear Rudraksha mala?
It is believed that wearing a Rudraksha mala develops an aura of energy protection around its wearer, thereby preventing him from negative influences and bestowing calmness within the mind. It is said to enhance spiritual practice and better concentration, along with good health for the well-being of a person. Its regular use is said to balance the energy centers in the body, leading to a harmonious state of mind and body.
4. Why is Rudraksha used?
Rudraksha beads are put to spiritual uses, thus helping in meditation and prayer and the chanting of sacred mantras. They have properties of healing, bringing one’s mind and emotions into better stability and physical health. Used as protective talismans, they ward off vices and negative energies; hence, they bring on prosperity and peace for that wearer.
5. Is Rudraksha really powerful?
A lot of people believe that Rudraksha beads have huge spiritual and healing powers. They are believed to radiate positive vibrations that could alter the energy field of a person wearing them and hence promote health, peace, and spiritual growth. But how far this is possible is subjective and personal for every individual. It should, therefore, be used with respect, knowing the cultural and spiritual background of the beads.
6. How to know Rudraksha is original?
Identification of the real Rudraksha mala will be difficult as most of the sold beads are fake or of poor quality. So, there are three simple tests by which you can check its authenticity:
- Boiling Test: Boil the Rudraksha mala in water for a few hours. If the color of the beads does not change, then it is genuine and of good quality. If the colour fades, it indicates a counterfeit or low-quality mala.
- Drowning Test: Place the mala in water. Authentic Rudraksha beads are lightweight and will float, whereas fake or poor-quality beads may sink.
- Mustard Oil Test: Immerse the beads in mustard oil. A genuine Rudraksha mala will darken over time when dipped in the oil. If the colour remains unchanged, it may not be authentic or could be of inferior quality.
7. How to use Rudraksha mala for chanting?
To use a Rudraksha mala for chanting:
- Hold the Mala: Hold the mala in your right hand, draped over the middle finger and thumb, avoiding the index finger.
- Since most of the Rudraksha malas sold in the market are either fake or low quality, it is quite tricky to identify a real one. However, here are three easy tests to determine whether it is genuine or fake:
- Start at the Guru Bead: Begin at the guru bead, the larger bead that separates the mala into two halves.
- Chant and Move Beads: Chant your chosen mantra, moving one bead at a time with each repetition, using the thumb to move the beads.
- Complete the Cycle: Reverse direction to continue in the cycle at the guru bead without crossing over the guru bead.
8. How to identify Nepali Rudraksha?
Nepali Rudraksha beads are regarded as finer quality and show some distinguishing features:
They are mainly bigger in size and naturally shaped compared to beads from other parts of the world.
- Mukhis: Nepali beads generally display well-defined mukhis (grooves), thereby easily identifiable.
- Weight: They are much heavier in weight as they are denser.
- Origin Certification: Buying from sources with certification can ensure the origin of this bead.