Tapping into the Power of Rudraksha: All About the Beads, their Benefits & Proper Care

Author Teresa Mayville Round
Teresa Mayville

For millennia, Rudraksha beads have captivated seekers on the spiritual path. Worn by yogis, adorning statues of deities, revered in ancient scriptures, and imbued with profound symbolism, these sacred seeds hold a unique place in the world of mala beads. This article delves into the transformative potential of Rudraksha malas, exploring their benefits, traditional uses, and the art of caring for these precious treasures.

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Table of Contents

A Seed Steeped in Legend:

Rudraksha, literally translating to “the eye of Rudra” (an aspect of Lord Shiva), is believed to embody Shiva’s tears. Legend tells how these tears, shed in compassion for humanity, crystallized into the seeds we see today to bless humanity. Hindu scriptures like the Shiva Purana and Padma Purana extol the virtues of Rudraksha, attributing them with great value and the power to appease deities, enhance meditation, and foster spiritual growth.

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Faces of Power: Mukhi and their Meanings:

One of the most fascinating aspects of Rudraksha is the number of faces (mukhi) each bead possesses. These naturally occurring divisions hold distinct energetic properties. Here’s a glimpse into some of the most common mukhi and their associated benefits:

  • Ek Mukhi (One-Faced) is the rarest and most revered, symbolizing absolute reality and Shiva himself. It brings immense blessings, enhances intuition, and promotes spiritual awakening.

  • Gauri Shankar (Two-Faced) represents the union of Shiva and Parvati, the divine feminine. It balances masculine and feminine energies, promotes relationships, and cultivates inner peace.

  • Tri Mukhi (Three-Faced) is associated with the fire element and the power of Agni (god of fire). It ignites creativity, dispels negativity, and enhances willpower.

  • Chaumukhi (Four-Faced) symbolizes Brahma, the creator god. It increases knowledge, wisdom, and clarity of thought.

  • Panch Mukhi (Five-Faced) represents the five aspects of Shiva (creation, preservation, dissolution, concealment, and grace). This powerful all-rounder is known for fostering peace, harmony, and well-being. It balances the five elements and promotes overall health and prosperity.

    • At Malaology, we use a combination of four and five-faced Rudraksha Seeds. This combination offers the well-rounded, practical benefits and blessings provided by both.
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A Tapestry of Benefits: Unveiling the Benefits of Wearing Rudraksha Malas:

Beyond their symbolic significance, Rudraksha malas offer a range of potential benefits for those who wear them. Here are some of the most well-known:

  • Spiritual Growth: Rudraksha enhances meditation, increases focus, and promotes inner peace. Their grounding energy helps quiet the mind and create a space for deeper spiritual connection.

  • Stress Relief: Rudraksha’s calming vibrations ease anxiety and promote well-being. Wearing a mala can be a powerful tool for managing stress in daily life.

  • Physical Health: Traditional practices associate Rudraksha with positive effects on blood pressure, circulation, and overall health. While more research is needed and scientific evidence is limited, some studies show improved health and general well-being.

  • Emotional Balance: Rudraksha’s harmonizing properties promote emotional stability and inner clarity. They help alleviate negativity, cultivating a sense of peace and emotional well-being.

  • Protection: Rudraksha is a powerful amulet, warding off negative energies and offering protection from harm.
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How Rudrakshas Age

When you first receive your mala, it will be relatively light in color, from light brown to brick red. The color depends on where the seeds were harvested and how they were treated or preserved originally. This variation is natural. 

Sometimes, however, you’ll receive beads dyed an unnatural shade of orange. You can remove this dye by soaking your beads in lukewarm water, agitating them a bit, and letting them dry. Some thicker dyes may require several rounds of soaking and a good deal of patience.

  • At Malaology, we only use undyed beads, and we always clean and lightly oil your beads before stringing and knotting them. This is ideal, ensuring your beads are sanitary.
     
  • I recommend you message your mala maker to ensure your beads will not be dyed and request they clean the Rudrakshas before stringing them onto your mala.

As you wear your beads, they will interact with your skin oils and gradually grow darker and deeper in hue. This is a natural process. I love the look of aged and well-worn Rudraksha beads. My Rudraksha mala is darkened with many hours of mala mantra and wearing. It reminds me of older wood that gets more beautiful with each oiling as the years pass.

Many liken the resonance of aging Rudraksha to a cocoon of energy it shares with you. Your mala grows closer to your vibration as you use it, wear it, and keep it close to you. 

You can see the extent of this energy exchange in the aging of your beads. If you keep your mala on a shelf, it will look like new. Of all the materials I work with, this is the only one that changes in appearance as it changes in vibration. Again – beautiful.

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Nurturing Your Sacred Connection: Caring for Your Rudraksha Mala

Your Rudraksha mala is a powerful tool for spiritual growth and meditation. Proper care is essential to preserve its beauty and energetic properties like any precious object. This section delves into the traditional methods of cleansing your Rudraksha mala with water and conditioning it with oil, alongside other practices for maintaining its sacred connection.

Gentle Cleansing with Water:

There are various ways for cleansing Rudraksha beads. These are natural seeds, so they are naturally absorbent. It’s important to be mindful when cleaning them. The traditional method is to soak the mala in lukewarm milk or ghee with a pinch of turmeric for a few hours, then rinse it with clean water and dry it under the morning sun.

  • Malaology is 100% Vegan and Cruelty-Free, so we do not endorse cleansing with dairy products for several reasons. Our primary rationale is that there is a cleaner and easier way!

     

Here’s how to cleanse your Rudraksha Mala with water:

  1. Gather your supplies: A bowl of lukewarm water, a soft cloth, and a drying rack or soft cloth.

  2. Prepare the water: Use clean, clear water, or add a pinch of uncooked rice or a few drops of rosewater to the bowl. Rice absorbs negativity, while rosewater adds a gentle fragrance and high vibrations.

  3. Cleanse the mala: Gently submerge your mala in the water for a few minutes. Avoid harsh soaps or detergents, as these can damage the beads.

  4. Clean with care: If there is any visible dirt on the beads, gently brush them with a soft bristle brush like a toothbrush. This helps to access the little crevices but avoid scrubbing.

  5. Drying the mala: Press your beads softly between two sheets of paper towel or a dry, soft cloth. Let your mala air dry completely. Hanging it or placing it on a drying rack in a well-ventilated area is ideal. Avoid direct sunlight or artificial heat sources, as these can crack the beads if too intense. Don’t dry them in a cool, dark place either. If your beads take too long to dry, they can get moldy.

     

Conditioning with Oil:

 

After your beads are dry, I recommend conditioning your Rudraksha mala with natural oil to maintain its luster and prevent the beads from drying out. Here’s how:

Choose your oil: Select a natural oil with a subtle scent, such as Olive, Sesame, or Coconut oil. Feel free to add a few drops of essential oil to the carrier oil, but avoid synthetic oils and perfumes.

  • If you received your mala from Malaology, it arrived with Olive Oil and Nag Champa blended anointing oil. This oil is perfect for conditioning your beads.

  • See the footnote below regarding patch testing when using essential oils.
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  1. Apply the oil sparingly: Dip your fingertips into the oil and gently rub it onto the beads. A little goes a long way!

  2. Buff with a soft brush: Use a soft toothbrush (preferably new and used only for this purpose) to gently buff the oil into the beads, ensuring an even distribution.

  3. Wipe off excess: Press your beads softly between two sheets of paper towel or a dry, soft cloth to remove the excess oil. The beads should have a slight sheen and not be greasy.

  4. Rest your beads: Leave your freshly oiled mala on a clean paper towel or soft cloth overnight to absorb the oil more deeply. You’ll be surprised how thirsty these seeds can be!

     

Additional Care Tips:

 

  • Regular Cleansing: If you wear your mala regularly, I recommend cleansing it with water quarterly (every three months). This ritual is most auspicious at the beginning of each new season, such as on the solstices and equinoxes.

  • Storage: When not in use, keep your mala on your altar or store it in a clean, breathable pouch made of natural materials like cotton or hemp. Avoid storing it in extreme temperatures or direct sunlight.

    • If you received your mala from Malaology, your beads arrived with a hemp pouch. This is the ideal holder for your beads.

  • Respectful Handling: Treat your Rudraksha mala with respect. Avoid wearing it during activities that could damage the beads, such as strenuous exercise or showering.

  • Develop a Routine: Create a regular cleansing and care routine for your mala. Let this become a mindful practice that strengthens your connection with your sacred tool. If doing so quarterly, try incorporating other ways to anchor your intentions, like clearing out clutter (seasonal cleaning) or reviewing the intention you chose for your beads.

  • Caring for Your Rudraksha Mala is not just about maintaining its physical appearance but also about nurturing the energetic connection you share. Following these simple care practices will ensure your mala remains a cherished companion on your spiritual journey for years to come.

 

Browse meaningful malas handcrafted by me just for you and your intentions.

Mala Blessings, Love, and Light,

Teresa Mayvville, MscD

Teresa Mayville, MscD, is a Doctor of Metaphysics specializing in Gemstone Healing, Tarot, and Spirit Guides. She has guided individuals on their journeys of self-discovery and energetic healing for over twenty years. Visit Malaology.com and YouTube for more information on mantra meditation and other energetic practices, and explore her books on Amazon.

Footnote: Patch Testing Essential Oils, A Safe Practice

Essential oils offer a range of potential benefits, but it’s important to use them safely. Patch testing is a simple way to check for skin sensitivity before using an essential oil, especially when incorporating it into anointing blends.

Here’s how to patch test:

 

  1. Dilute the Oil: Essential oils are highly concentrated and can irritate the skin. Always dilute them with a carrier oil like Olive or Almond before applying. A typical dilution ratio is one drop of essential oil to 10 drops of carrier oil.

     

  2. Apply to a Small Area: Choose a small area on your inner forearm, as it’s less sensitive than other areas. Apply a tiny amount of the diluted essential oil to this spot.

     

  3. Wait and Observe: Leave the test area uncovered for 24 hours. Monitor for any signs of irritation, such as redness, itching, or burning.

     

  4. Safe to Use: If you experience no irritation after 24 hours, the diluted essential oil is likely safe for you to use topically.

     

Remember:

 

  • Patch testing is essential, especially if you have sensitive skin or haven’t used a particular essential oil before.

     

  • Everyone’s skin reacts differently. Even if an oil has been safe in the past, it’s wise to re-test occasionally.

     

  • When in doubt, leave it out. If you experience any discomfort during the patch test, discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional.

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