Rudraksha beads come from the seeds of the Rudraksha tree. People use them for meditation, prayer, and as protective charms. Each bead is said to have its special properties. They are often worn as necklaces, and bracelets, or used as prayer beads (malas).
Eating Non-Vegetarian Food While Wearing Rudraksha
Yes, you can eat non-vegetarian food even if you are wearing Rudraksha. There is no direct connection between your food habits and the benefits of wearing Rudraksha. Rudraksha is believed to create a positive aura around you that helps your physical health, especially your heart. While eating simple, non-greasy, and pure food also benefits your physical and mental health, these two (Rudraksha and food) influence us in different ways. Furthermore, eating non-vegetarian food is considered less harmful than having harsh thoughts or speaking hurtful words to others.
Can a Non-Vegetarian Person Wear Rudraksha
A non-vegetarian person can wear Rudraksha. None of the major Vedic Scriptures, Upanishads, or Puranas, including the Shiva Mahapurana or the Devi Bhagavatam, mention any food restrictions. This means you can wear Rudraksha even if you consume meat or other non-vegetarian food.
The Shiva Mahapurana Say
The Shiva Mahapurana advises that devotees of Shiva should always wear Rudraksha. It does mention avoiding garlic, meat, alcohol, and other items in certain verses. However, some Rudraksha sellers might say it’s okay to eat these foods. According to the Shiva Mahapurana, Lord Shiva himself suggests avoiding these items, but this mainly applies to pure devotees during specific rituals.
The Srimad Devi Bhagavatam Say
According to the Srimad Devi Bhagavatam, anyone can wear Rudraksha at any time. There are no strict rules that say you cannot wear Rudraksha if you are not a vegetarian. If you are a pure Shiva devotee, you can even wear Rudraksha while performing rituals like Havana or puja, regardless of your diet.
Rules to Follow While Wearing Rudraksha
Although you can eat non-vegetarian food, there are some guidelines when wearing Rudraksha:
- Avoid certain substances: It is generally recommended to avoid non-vegetarian food, alcohol, and smoking.
- Keep hands clean: Always touch the Rudraksha beads with clean hands.
- Wear on specific days: It's best to start wearing Rudraksha on a Monday. If that's not possible, wear it on the day dedicated to the prescribed deity, or any day except Saturday.
- Maintain cleanliness: If you need to remove the Rudraksha, place it in a clean area and put it back on after freshening up.
- Regular cleaning: Clean the Rudraksha beads every six months.
- Set clear intentions: Wear the beads with good intentions. Negative thoughts or desires to harm others will not help you benefit from Rudraksha.
Conclusion
In summary, you can wear Rudraksha regardless of your dietary choices. The key is to maintain respect and care for the beads, follow basic cleanliness and ritual practices, and set positive intentions. The spiritual and health benefits of Rudraksha are believed to come from its unique properties, not from your eating habits.
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