Panch Mukhi Rudraksha: Beads, Bracelets and Malas

Panch mukhi rudraksha formats on this page

• Single beads: the 5 Mukhi Nepali Rudraksha Bead and the Natural 5 Mukhi Nepali Rudraksha.
• Bracelets: plain and gold cap designs, including the Golden Cap 5-Mukhi Rudraksha, listed as lab certified.
• Malas: the 5 Mukhi Rudraksha Kantha Mala and the 5 Mukhi Nepali Rudraksha Mala, both with 54+1 beads.
• Combinations: the 108-bead mala and bracelet combo, plus pieces that pair the bead with Karungali (ebony).

Each listing states its own bead size, count and finish.

How to choose: mukhi, size and count

Three details describe a 5 Mukhi piece, and they are separate. The mukhi is the number of faces on each bead. The size is the bead’s diameter. The count is the number of beads in a mala or bracelet.

Some people wear a bracelet or a 54+1 bead mala every day. For japa, many devotees use a mala with 108 beads plus a guru bead. When you compare a loose bead with a ready-to-wear design, check the thread, cap or chain and any certificate information shown for that item.

How to wear a 5 Mukhi Rudraksha

Many devotees first wear the bead on a Monday, after a bath, while chanting Om Namah Shivaya. Some keep the mala in the puja room and wear it only for japa. Follow your family custom or your guru’s guidance.

A bracelet sits on the wrist, while a single bead is usually worn on a thread or chain. For pendant designs, browse Rudraksha pendants and check the mukhi named on each. For more wrist designs, see Rudraksha bracelets.

Caring for your beads

Keep Rudraksha dry and away from soap, perfume and chemicals. Take it off before swimming, and wipe it with a soft cloth after wearing. Store it in a clean pouch when you are not using it.

Some people rub a few drops of oil into the beads from time to time so they do not dry out. Follow any care guidance given on the product page for capped or Karungali designs, such as the Karungali Rudraksha Bracelet.