Guide to Wearing and Taking Care of Rudraksha Ornament
Introduction
Rudraksha, also known as the ‘tears of Lord Shiva’, is a powerful bead that has been used for centuries in Hinduism for spiritual and medicinal purposes. It is believed that Rudraksha has immense healing powers and can bring positivity and prosperity to the wearer’s life. However, like any other spiritual object, there are certain dos and don’ts that one must keep in mind while wearing Rudraksha beads.
Who Can Wear Rudraksha
Shiva Mahapurana Chapter 25, Vidyesvara Samhita :
सर्वाश्रमाणां वर्णानां स्त्री शूद्राणां शिवाज्ञया।
धार्याः सदैव रुद्राक्षा यतीनां प्रणवेन हि॥ ४७॥
Translation: People of all the Varnas, Ashramas and the women should wear Rudraksha as it is Lord Shiva’s command.
Here Ashramas means age group or stage of life which is Brahmacharya (Student), Grihasta (Householder), Vanaprastha (Hermit) & Sannyasa (Renunciation). Therefore as per Shiva Puran regardless of your age you can wear any Rudraksha.
Pre-Purchase Checklist:
Before you move on to following the comprehensive guide, please ensure that you follow these essential steps prior to purchasing your Rudraksha. This will help you make an informed decision and ensure that you receive the highest value for your investment.
- Make sure your Rudraksha is genuine: The Rudraksha market has seen significant growth in the last decade. However, with this growth, the number of manipulated beads has also seen a rise. Therefore, customers must ensure that they purchase from a trustworthy vendor with proper certification for the Rudraksha that they purchase.
- Confirm the Energization status of your bead: The Rudraksha ornament must be energized in accordance with Vedic principles using the name and Star sign of the user. Japam Veda energizes each and every Rudraksha ornament in accordance with Vedic principles and is performed in one of the most revered temple of Lord Shiva.
Taking Care of Rudraksha Ornament
Oiling the Rudraksha Bead
It is fair to say that oil (Preferably Almond oil) is Rudraksha’s best friend. The expert tip is to use a soft brush to apply oil to your Rudraksha.
Keep your Rudraksha away from chemicals
Keep your rudraksha ornament away from chemicals found in soap, hand wash, sanitizers, deodorant, or other beauty products that might cause your Rudraksha bead to dry and gradually lose color. The best practice is to remove your Rudraksha ornament during the application of these products.
Do not use too much water on your Rudraksha orament
Do not use too much water on your Rudraksha ornament. If your Rudraksha does come into contact with water, please air dry your Rudraksha or use cotton cloth to dry your Rudraksha bead. Apply oil to the Rudraksha after it is dried to prevent cracks.
Do not soak Rudraksha ornament in Ghee or milk.
This is a false and baseless practice and is certain to cause fungus to develop on your Rudraksha bead. During energizing, the Rudraksha is washed with Panchamrit, but Japam Veda ensures that proper precautions are taken before and after the ceremony to maintain the quality and durability of your Rudraksha ornament. Hence, it is not advisable for customers to practice this without proper knowledge.
Rules for Wearing Rudraksha
Authentic ancient texts do not mention any taboos on wearing Rudraksha beads. You can wear them when consuming non-vegetarian foods, beverages, using the restroom, or during a woman’s menstrual cycle, during times of intimacy with your partner etc.
Children may also wear Rudraksha, depending on the nature of their emotional and health concerns. They respond to Rudraksha faster than adults, and it makes their growing years smoother.
A person can wear a mala or bracelet with a combination of various mukhi Rudrakshas.
However, you should avoid wearing Rudraksha while visiting a cemetery or during the death of a family member or while performing Shraadh rituals (Last Rites).
Do not share your Rudraksha beads with others and if you wish to donate it to someone else make sure to not wear it for at least 2 weeks before giving it.
Also, do not desecrate or intentionally disrespect Rudraksha.