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What is the significance of adorning rudraksha
when performing ritualistic worship?
By : mandar
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Contents
1. Application of holy ash (bhasma)
1.1 The ritual of creating holy ash
1.2 What is used as holy ash?
1.3 Where should holy ash be applied?
1.4 Tripundra
2. Adorning rudrakshas
2.1 Origin and meaning of the word rudraksha
2.2 The rudra(rudhir) tree
2.3 The rudraksha
2.4 Special features
2.5 Fake rudrakshas
2.6 An ideal rudraksha
2.7 Practical suggestions for its use
2.8 The technique of using it
Along with Shiva all the deities of His retinue are simple and are easily satisfied. They do not require a
temple as a residence. They can live atop a mountain, beneath a tree, on a pimpal tree or anywhere else
peacefully. They also do not aspire for an offering of food (mahanaivedya). Offering a coconut is sufficient to
appease them.
Preparing for the ritualistic worship
1. Application of holy ash (bhasma)
One should not commence the ritualistic worship of Lord Shiva without application of holy ash ( bhasma).
More information on holy ash is provided in point Holy ash (bhasma).
1.1 The ritual of creating holy ash
Pure holy ash is that which is produced from a cake of cowdung collected before falling to the ground. [The
importance of cowdung is given in Science of Spirituality : Vol. 5 - Path of Devotion (Bhaktiyoga).] This holy
ash is fit for application only after it is consecrated with the efficacious Gayatrimantra. One who has not
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completed the purashcharanof the Gayatrimantramay purify the ash by chanting any other efficacious
Shivamantra.
1.2 What is used as holy ash?
Cowdung is burnt to prepare holy ash. This is mostly used as the average person is unable to tolerate human
ash.
Earth from the site of an ancient sacrificial fire (yadnya).
Holy ash from a mountain at Gangapur.
Human ash: This is used by sorcerers (tantriks).
1.3 Where should holy ash be applied?
1. Along with a mantra
Holy ash should be placed on the palm along with
the chanting of mantrassuch as Sadyojat, etc.
It should be consecrated with mantras
such as Agniritya, etc. - 200
Uttering mantrassuch as Manastoken etc. the holy ash
should be rubbed with the thumb,
Along with mantrassuch as the Tryambak
it should be applied to the forehead. - 201
Chanting the Tryayushe mantrait should be
applied to the forehead and arms,
Thus amidst chanting of the same mantrasthe holy ash
should be applied to different parts of the body. - 202
- Shri Gurucharitra, Adhyay29
2. Along with spiritual emotion (bhav)
One who does not know mantrasshould
apply it with pure spiritual emotion.
If one uses it wholeheartedly, its glory is great !
- Shri Gurucharitra29:218
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1.4 Tripundra
Tripundrarefers to the three horizontal stripes of holy ash.
A. How should they be applied ?
Brahmans(priests) should smear their bodies with holy ash before commencement of various rituals such as
rites for departed souls (shraddhas), sacrificial fires (yadnyaand hom), ritualistic worship (puja) and
Vaishvadev. The ritual of application of holy ash is in the Brahmakarmasection of the Rugveda. It can be
summarised as - after sipping water from the palm (achman) and performing pranayam, soak some holy ash
on the palm of the left hand. Then using the second, middle and ring fingers of the right hand smear it across
the forehead horizontally, apply it to the face, chest, neck, arms, sides of the abdomen, sex organs and legsamidst chanting of mantrassuch as Om agniriti bhasma, Vayuriti bhasma(
,
) etc. After applying all over the body chant the Name of Shiva thrice.
First using the middle and ring fingers
it should be applied to the forehead.
Then with the thumb, the middle line
should be drawn in the reverse direction.
- Shri Gurucharitra29:204
Meaning: First the upper and lower stripes should be drawn from left to right using the middle and ring
fingers. Then the middle stripe should be drawn from right to left using the thumb. [Since the stripes are
drawn in both directions instead of the right or left channel, it facilitates activation of the Sushumnachannel (
nadi).]
The tripundrashould be shaped like eyebrows. Often a dot of holy ash is applied in the middle of these three
stripes.
B.Implied meaning of the three stripes
According to Shri Gurucharitra(29:205-211)
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The stripes
Upper Middle Lower
Letter a () u () m ()
Fire Garhapatya Dakshinagni Ahavaniya
Region (lok) Earth (bhu) Nether (bhuva) Dyu (heaven)
Form of The
Supreme God
The soul The inner soul The Supreme
Soul
Component Raja Sattva TamaVeda Rugveda Yajurveda Samaveda
Energy Energy of
Action
Energy of
Volition
Energy of
Knowledge
Period of the
day
Morning Afternoon Evening
Deity Mahadev Maheshvar Shiva
Tripundrameans spiritual knowledge, purity and penance (spiritual practice of Yoga), so also the three eyes
of Lord Shiva.
According to Vasudevopanishad, tripundrarepresents the trinity (trimurti), the three mystic words uttered
during the ritual of sandhya(vyahyati)and the three rhythms (chandas).
According to astrology the three stripes from below upwards represent the planets Guru(Jupiter), Shani
(Saturn) and Ravi(Sun) respectively.
C. Who should apply it ?: All that is celibates, householders, retired householders and renunciants should
apply it. People from all the four classes (varnas) have a right to apply it.
D. Benefits: Holy ash is useful for cleansing any kind of sin.
2. Adorning rudrakshas
Adorning a rudraksha mala(rosary) when performing ritualistic worship is ideal. Especially followers of the
Nathand Vamsects and Kapaliksuse rudrakshas.
2.1 Origin and meaning of the word rudraksha
The word rudraksha () is derived from two words rudra() and
aksha(). The various meanings of the word rudraare given in point Rudra. Considering someof the meanings of the word akshathe meanings of the word rudrakshaare given below -
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Aksha means the eye. Rudra and akshameans the one who is capable of viewing and doing everything (e.g.
the third eye) is Rudra. Akshameans axis. Since the eye rotates about in only one axis (aksha) it too is called
aksha.
Rudrameans one who weeps. A () means to take and ksha () means to give. Hence aksha() means the potential to receive or give. Rudrakshais the one who has the potential to wipe
off tears and endow one with happiness.
2.2 The rudra(rudhir) tree
This is found at a height of three thousand metres above or below sea level. The rudrakshatree grows in
crevices, not on plain ground. Its leaves resemble those of tamarind or nux vomica but are longer. Annually it
yields one to two thousand fruits. The yatisin the Himalayas survive only on these fruits. These fruits are alsocalled fruits of nectar (amrutphal). If eaten, they curb thirst.
2.3 The rudraksha
Its fruits ripen on the tree and fall during winter. Then the seeds in it dry up. Each fruit has fifteen to sixteen
seeds (that is rudrakshas). The more the number of seeds, the smaller is their size and the less is their cost.
Instead of using a small rudrakshasolitarily, several small rudrakshasare strung together along with a large
one. A rudrakshahas a natural opening from one side to the other. It need not be created. This opening
throughout its length is called a vahini (channel). A rudrakshais reddish in colour with yellow stripes and is
flat like a fish. On one side it has an open mouth.
2.4 Special features
The rudrakshaconverts light frequencies of deities from the universe into sound frequencies in the body of
man and vice versa. As a result, man can absorb frequencies of deities and human thoughts can get
converted into the language of deities.
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The rudraksha absorbs sama(sattva) frequencies. Similarly samafrequencies are emitted by its crests. A
real rudrakshacan be recognised by the vibrations felt by holding it in the hand. At that time the body absorbs
the samafrequencies emitted by the rudraksha. If a rudraksha is held between the thumb and ring finger,
vibrations are felt anywhere in the body. Even if kept nearby the effect of a rudrakshais felt for upto half an
hour. Thus during that period one is able to perceive vibrations even if any other object is held with the
fingers. However if the hands are washed with water then they are not perceived.
A mala(rosary) of rudrakshascan be used for chanting the Name of any deity.
Chanting done adorning a malaof rudrakshasis a thousand times more beneficial than chanting done
without wearing such a mala. Chanting done with a rudrakshamalais ten thousand times more beneficial
than chanting done with a rosary of any other kind. Hence Shaivitesbelieve that one cannot make mantras
efficacious rapidly and without chanting the mantra using or wearing a rudrakshamala.
Rudrakshasfacilitate the activation of spiritual energy (kundalini) and the occurrence of keval kumbhak
(automatic breath holding) in pranayam.
2.5 Fake rudrakshas
A. Bhadraksha: Its tree resembles a rudrakshatree; but its fruits and seeds are round. Its seeds, that is
bhadrakshasdo not have openings, that is no upper and lower parts. Use of bhadrakshasincreases
unfavourable (visham) frequencies. Generally bhadrakshaswere sold as rudrakshas. Birds do not eat its
fruits and if they do, they perish.
B. Vikrutaksha: Nowadays mostly this itself is sold as a rudraksha. This is the seed of a type of wild berry.
Vikrutakshais used for sacrificial fires of tantriks, black magic likejaranand maran, uchchatan, etc. by
sorcerers. A gypsy tribe from Nepal called the Gurangsfirst began using the vikrutaksha. An opening is made
in the seed with a hot needle. Similarly figures like Om, svastik, a conch, a wheel, etc. are carved on it. It is
dyed by immersing in water containing catechu. That is why its colour runs when it is kept in water.
C. Artificial rudrakshas: These are made from sealing wax, wood, plastic, etc.
D. Differences between real and fake rudrakshas
A real rudrakshaA fake rudraksha
1. Form Flat like a fish Round
2. Colour (reddish) Fast Runs when
washed in
water
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3. If thrown in water Sinks
immediately
Either floats or
sinks
gradually with
wavy
movements
4. An opening
thoughout
its length
Present Has to be made
with
a needle5. Rotation about
itself
when hung in a
copper
vessel or in water.
Occurs Does not occur
6. Eaten away by
termites after
sometime.
No Yes
7. Cost of each (in the
year 1997)
Rs 4,000 - 40,000 Rs 20 - 200
8. Which frequencies
does it absorb?
Sama(Sattva) -
9. Perception of
frequencies
Are felt Are not felt
E. Fake rudrakshasand saints: Externally even if saints give a fake rudraksha, with the divine
consciousness (chaitanya) of the former, from within it gets converted into a real one.
2.6 An ideal rudraksha
Features
Heavy and radiant
With distinct openings
One adorned with auspicious symbols such as a Shivalinga, a svastik, etc.
The bigger the rudrakshaand the smaller the shaligram, the more ideal it is. - Merutantra
A rudrakshaobtained from a tree whose girth is beyond the span of ones arms, that is an old tree.
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A rudrakshaobtained from a rudrakshatree situated at a great height above sea level.
A rudrakshaobtained from the top branches of a tree.
Rudrakshasobtained from trees at a great height are more efficacious since they receive the sattva
component coming from above in greater quantities. [Refer Science of Spirituality: Vol. 7 - Supreme God,
God, Incarnations and Deities, point - Guardian deities of the territory (Kshetrapaldevata).]
The white coloured one is the best. Rudrakshasof an inferior quality in the ascending order are crimson,
yellow or black in colour. Generally white and yellow rudrakshasare uncommon while red and black ones are
common.
2.7 Practical suggestions for its use
A. Making the rudrakshaefficacious: First consecrate the rudrakshaby sprinkling it with water five to
sixty-one times amidst chanting of an efficacious mantra. Then the rudrakshamay be touched to a
consecrated linga. Without touching ajyotirlingaor in specific difficult situations, a consecrated linga(pindior
shalunka), a rudrakshacannot be charged with energy significantly. Thereafter choosing an auspicious
moment (muhurt) for instance, Mahashivratra, Amrutsiddhi, etc. depending on the opening of the rudraksha
the corresponding mantraof that opening should be chanted 21, 42 or 102 times and chanting the mrutyunjay
or aghormantrathe rudrakshashould be consecrated (rudrabhishek). Following this the rudrakshais
consecrated either with the Shiva principle or depending on the opening, with the female deity [Divine Energy
(Shakti)]. (Refer point 2.7 G.) Such a rudrakshais said to be an efficacious (siddha) one.
B. Maintaining the efficacy of a rudraksha: Maintaining the efficacy of an efficacious rudrakshaafter
adorning it, is important. To maintain it, it is necessary to observe the rules given below.
Application of holy ash: refer point Application of holy ash (bhasma).
Ritualistic worship of the Shivalinga: Ritualistic worship of Shivas lingaor a rudrakshais important. No other
person should be allowed to touch such efficacious rudrakshas. If someone touches it accidentally, then it
should be purified with urine of a cow or holy water from a place of pilgrimage.
Rememberance of Lord Shiva: After awaking and before going to bed one should remember Lord Shiva.
C. Ritual of adorning a rudraksha: Even to wear an efficacious rudrakshait is customary to choose an
auspicious time. Before this an individual who has activated the energy in the mantraapplies holy ash and
chanting mantrasof Shiva makes a resolve (sankalpa) and ties the rudrakshato the seeker. Then the one
who knows the efficacious mantraadvises the seeker to chant the Shiva mantra.
D. Site where a rudrakshais to be worn depending upon the number of its openings: This is decided
by the ability of the rudrakshato absorb energy, the ability of various organs to tolerate that energy, the
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deities of those organs as well as the objective of using the rudraksha.
Number of
openingsSite Objective
1 Wearing a gold or silver
ring on the appropriate
finger depending on
ones
motive and according to
astrology, so that the
rudrakshamakes
contact
with the skin
4, 6, 9 Right arm
(Variant) 4 Tuft of hair on the crown
of
the head (shendi)
(Variant) 9 Left arm5, 7, 10, 12,
13
Throat
Tuft of hair on the crown
of
the head
Cure of illnesses
Ears Grace of the Sun
deity
Neck Cleansing one of
the
sins of slaying
men and
cows
11, 14 Tuft of hair on the crown
of
the head
(Variant) 14 Forehead
E. Number of rudrakshas: Various holy texts have prescribed the use of 108, 249, 1000 and 1100rudrakshas. The greater the number the more is the benefit. One wearing a rudrakshais cleansed not only of
his sins, but also acquires the ability to cleanse others sins.
All benefits are obtained by touching and looking at a rudraksha(darshan). Hence looking at it everyday and
its contact with the body both are important.
Number of rudrakshasand sites in the body: This depends upon the ability of the organs in the body, to
absorb and endure the energy of the rudrakshaand their deities.
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1. The one who wears a thousand rudrakshasas a garland
becomes like Lord Rudra Himself and is offered obeisance
by all the deities. - 14
If one is unable to tie a thousand then one may wear sixteen
on both the arms, one on the tuft of hair on the head and
twenty-four* on both the wrists. - 15
Wear thirty-two on the neck, forty on the head and twelve
on both the ears as an alternative. - 16
A chain of a hundred and eight may be worn around theneck. Listen O seeker you will be like the son of Rudra by
wearing them this way. - 17
Pearls, corals, marble, silver, a kind of precious stone and
gold may be worn in the chain of rudrakshas. - 18
The benefit of this is immense, a chain of rudrakshasis
great. One should wear a rudraksha as and when one gets it. - 19
- Shri Gurucharitra, Adhyay33.
* 12 on each wrist
2.
Number of beads
in the rosary
(mala)
Site Objective
22 Around the head
6 Ears
27 Neck
32 Neck (hanging
upto level of
the heart)
15 Shoulder Usually those gifted by saints
are tied to the shoulder
12 Wrist
249 Waist Specific penance
1000, 1100 Around thewaist
Responsibility for others orthe brunt of sins
The number of rudrakshasin thejapamala(rosary) depending on the objective: This is decided by the
science of numerology.
Number of beads Objective
32 Wealth
102 Merits
104 Health and strength
107 The Final Liberation (Moksha)
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108 Righteousness (Dharma), wealth, desire
and the Final Liberation
F. Use of rudrakshas
1. For worldly benefits
To fulfill impossible tasks: The opening of the rudrakshashould be kept facing the right, that is southwards.
This activates the sun channel (surya nadi) of the individual.
Mohini kama[one out of the types of black magic from among the shatkarmas(six actions) including
jaran-maran, etc.]: Here one has to control the frequencies of the individual facing oneself. Hence the
opening of the rudrakshais kept facing him. As a result, the frequencies emitted from the rudrakshatrap the
individual opposite it.
2. As a remedy during illness: To cite an example how a rudrakshacan be used in various ways to control
blood pressure is given below.
Water should be poured over a rudrakshaand then that water should be consumed.
The rudrakshashould be tied around the neck or on the waist above the navel at the site of the samanvital
energy.
Bathing for twenty-one days wearing a rudrakshaaround the neck such that its opening faces the right. This
is an excellent remedy for any kind of illness. However before that for sometime the opening of the rudraksha
should be kept facing the left so as to gradually increase the ability of the patient to absorb frequencies.
A rudrakshais placed with its opening facing the left under the pillow of a bedridden patient. Once the patient
becomes ambulatory it is placed with its opening facing the right.
One continues to get the benefit even if one adorns a rudrakshafor a few days and then removes it. Evenafter the death of this person the one who keeps his ashes is benefitted.
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Partaking of the holy ash of a rudraksha.
G. The deities, benefits, special characteristics and uses in illnesses depending on the number of
openings
Most people feel that the number of its openings is equivalent to the complete lines on it. However this is not
so. The number of openings correspond to the number of distinct elevations on the openings. The older the
tree the more are the openings in the rudrakshasthat it yields.
Openings
Deity BenefitUses in an
illness
1 Shiva Cleansing of all sins including
killing Brahmans, materialsuccess, Liberation (Mukti),
the supernatural power of
speech, oratory (winning over
an audience), victory over an
energy, etc.
Thrombosis,
urinarystones, respiratory
diseases
2* Shiva-Parvati
(Ardhanari-
nateshvar)
Cleansing of sins arising from
killing cows
Diseases of the
stomach, liver and
urinary bladder.
3 Agni (deity
of fire)
Benefits like the dakshinavart
conch, splendour, hypnotising
(Vashikaran), acquisition of
knowledge, activation of
kundalini(spiritual energy),
cleansing of sins arising from
slaying of Brahmans and
women.
Remedy over the
defects of the three
humours vata
(wind),
pitta (bile) and
kapha
(phlegm),
purification
of channels (nadis).
4 Lord Brahma Knowledge, happiness andacquisition of wealth,
cleansing
of sins arising from killing
living
beings
Diseases of theear,
throat and the
hastijivhanadi
(channel).
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5** Kalagni Acquisition of Righteousness
(Dharma), wealth, desire and
the Final Liberation (Moksha);
cleansing of sins created by
eating the forbidden, adultery
and sins acquired from birth,
prevention of premature
death
Diseases of the
vertebral column,
overcoming
obstacles
at the site of the
Manipur and
Anahat
chakras6 Ganesh Cleansing of sins arising from
killing human beings,
knowledge and happiness,
supernatural powers,
overcoming a crisis.
Indigestion,
arthritis
7. Saptarushis /
Saptamatrukas
Cleansing of sins accrued by
stealing gold, success,
money,
fame
Purification of
sperms,
increase in semen,
flow of oja
(precursor
of divine energy
8. Batukbhairav Cleansing sins arising from
speaking falsely, longevity
and
Liberation after death.
Diseases of the
nervous
system, prostate
and
gall bladder
9. (Nava) Durga
/ Bhairav
Cleansing of all sins, fame,
happiness, progeny,
becomingrid even of the fear of time
Diseases of the
brain,
epilepsy.
10. Guardian
deities of the
ten directions
(dashadikpal)/
Yamaraj
Elimination of suffering due to
nine planets, spirits, Vetals,
Brahmarakshasas, serpents,
etc., protection from black
magic, averting untimely
death
Fear of an
apparition (feeling
that
someone is
standing
beside one).
11. The eleven
Rudras
Acquisition of happiness,
protection of husband,
longevity, acquisition of
wifehood, acquisition of son,
victory
Excess of saman
and
pran vitalenergies.
12. Vishnu, the
twelve suns
Cleansing of sins arising from
killing cows or man, stealing
gold etc., eliminating
unhappiness
such as poverty, infertility,
etc.,
absence of fear of robbersand
fire, happiness
Disorders of the
eye,
base of the nose,
the
jyotishmati
(seventh)
chakra.
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13. Indra Supernatural powers,
acquisition
of progeny, happiness,
elimination of sins, decrease
in
sexual desire, and increase in
nadibandhaand faith
Psychiatric
illnesses
14. Hanuman Cleansing of all sins,acquisition
of progeny, health
Increase insecretions
of the eighth
(Vishnu)
chakra
15*** Gouri-Shankar
(Shiva-Parvati)
Happiness Maintaining an
even
flow of 108
frequencies in the
body into a facour-
able manner.
16 Channelising the
360
disease causing
frequ-
encies in the body
evenly and
directing
them towards the
108frequencies.
17 The rudrakshasare tied to
the
waist. As a result, the saman
vital energy is affected and it
facilitates the attainment of
the
superconscious state (
samadhi)
18 A fragrant odour facilitates
one
to enter the superconscious
state
19 Facilitates one to travel along
the
path of zero stress nature
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20 If one sits in a posture
compres-
sing the thighs then it
facilitates
movement towards the
Karma
region (lok)
21 Shiva Male principle, adorning themon
the head, around the waist, in
the
neck, under the thighs etc.
Conversation with demigods
(yakshas), celestial singers
(gandharvas) and fairies.
Contact
with Lord Yama (deity of
death).
* The rudrakshahas one white and one blackish side.
** Available everywhere. A minimum of three are worn.
*** Rudrakshasstuck to one another. Such a rudrakshais not worn, but is worshipped.
2.8 The technique of using it
One side of a rudrakshahas crests (openings). Sama frequencies are emitted by them. Hence the opening of
a rudrakshashould face the left of the one wearing it. As a result, sattvafrequencies are expelled to his left
and the moon channel (Chandra nadi) is activated. This makes the persons temperament pleasing.
Reference: Shiva, published by Sanatan Sanstha.
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