Rudraksha beads hold significant spiritual and healing powers in Hindu culture. Anyone can wear them regardless of gender, age, or cultural background. This guide will explore how to wear Rudraksha, the preparation process, rules to follow, and tips for caring for your beads to harness their full potential.
Preparing Rudraksha for Wearing
Before wearing Rudraksha for the first time, preparing the beads properly is essential. Follow these steps:
Soak in Ghee: Immerse your Rudraksha beads in ghee for 24 hours.
Soak in Milk: After ghee, soak the beads in milk for another 24 hours.
Stringing Your Rudraksha
Once the beads are prepared, string them on an appropriate material:
Use undyed cotton or raw silk thread.
Alternatively, you can use gold, silver, or copper chains.
Ensure not to cut or damage the beads while stringing.
Purifying and Energizing Rudraksha
Purification: Soak the Rudraksha in clean water or a mixture of water and cow’s milk for a few hours. Wipe them with a clean cloth afterward.
Energizing: Chant the mantra “Om Namah Shivaya” 108 times to energize the beads. You can also ask a priest to bless the Rudraksha for you.
How to Wear Rudraksha
Necklace or Bracelet:
You can wear Rudraksha as a necklace or bracelet.
For a necklace, use 108 beads plus one Guru bead.
For a bracelet, use 27 or 54 beads.
Ensure the beads touch your skin to allow their energy to flow directly into your body.
The Guru bead should rest in the center of your chest.
The best time to wear Rudraksha is in the early morning after a bath and your daily prayers or meditation.
Caring for Your Rudraksha
Respect:
Treat your Rudraksha with respect.
Avoid taking it to impure places like restrooms.
Remove it before sleeping or engaging in activities that could damage it.
Cleaning:
Clean your Rudraksha regularly with water and a soft brush.
Occasionally, re-energize it by chanting mantras and exposing it to sunlight.
Keep your Rudraksha away from soaps, perfumes, and other chemicals.
Rules for Wearing Rudraksha
Sidhhi: Perform the purification and energizing rituals (Sidhhi) before wearing Rudraksha. This includes prayers, chanting mantras, and sometimes a fire ritual (Hawan). Wear it on an auspicious day, preferably Monday or Thursday.
Daily Rituals: Chant the Rudraksha Mantra and Rudraksha Origin Mantra nine times every morning while wearing it and before removing it at night.
Diet and Conduct: Avoid eating non-vegetarian food and consuming alcohol. Always speak the truth and visit Lord Shiva’s temple for blessings.
Avoid Certain Places: Do not take Rudraksha to cremation grounds, funerals, or places where newborn babies are present.
Maintenance: Keep your Rudraksha clean. Dust and dirt can settle in the pores, so clean it frequently with a soft brush. If the thread gets dirty or worn out, replace it. After cleaning, wash your Rudraksha with holy water to maintain its sanctity.
Mantras: Chant the Rudraksha Mantra and the Rudraksha Origin Mantra nine times daily—once in the morning when wearing it and once in the evening when removing it.
Respect: Treat your Rudraksha with respect. Avoid taking it to places considered impure, like restrooms or funerals. Also, remove it before going to bed or engaging in activities that might damage the beads.
Who Should Avoid Rudraksha
Rudraksha is considered to have a warm nature. Some people might experience skin allergies and should not wear Rudraksha. If you cannot wear it, keep the beads in your Puja (prayer) room and offer daily prayers to them.
By following these guidelines on how to wear Rudraksha, you can harness the spiritual power of Rudraksha, bringing balance, peace, and divine energy into your life. Remember, Rudraksha is not just an ornament but a sacred tool for your spiritual journey. Treat it with the reverence and respect it deserves, and it will serve as a powerful ally in your quest for spiritual growth and enlightenment.
