Rudraksha for Mahashivratri: The Focus Aura Edit

What is Rudraksha, and why at Mahashivratri?

Rudraksha is the dried seed of the Rudraksha tree. Its name joins Rudra, a name of Lord Shiva, with aksha, often read as eye. In Hindu tradition the bead is closely linked with Shiva.

On Mahashivratri, many devotees keep a fast, stay awake through the night and chant Om Namah Shivaya. Some begin wearing a new Rudraksha or start japa on a new mala on this day.

Single mukhi beads in this edit

Single beads range from the 1 Mukhi Lab Certified Rudraksha to the 14 Mukhi Lab Tested Certified Rudraksha. Others include the 5 Mukhi Nepali Rudraksha Bead, the 7 Mukhi Premium Rudraksha and the 9 Mukhi and 11 Mukhi beads.

Mukhi means the natural faces on a bead. The mukhi count is different from the number of beads in a mala. Check the certification and origin stated on each listing.

Necklaces, malas and Karungali combinations

• 54-bead designs, such as the OM Shiva Trishool Rudraksha Necklace and the Rudraksha Mala with Golden Cap.
• 1–14 Mukhi malas, such as the 1–14 Mukhi Rudraksha Siddha Mala, listed as Nepal origin with Ganesh Mukhi and Gaurishankar.
• 108-bead malas, including the 3-in-1 Rudraksha Stretchable Mala and a 5 Mukhi mala and bracelet combo.
• Karungali pairings, such as the Divine Rudraksha and Karungali Malai and a silver-cap malai with Shiv Trishul and Nandi pendant.

Choosing Rudraksha for japa or for wearing

For japa, a 108-bead mala is the usual count for one round of a mantra. Check the bead count and how the strand is made, as stated on the listing.

For daily wear, compare the length, the cap finish and the pendant. A single bead in a silver cap, such as the 1 Mukhi Rudraksha Pendant, sits differently from a 54-bead necklace. Keep Rudraksha away from soap and perfume, and wipe it with a soft, dry cloth.