A Rudraksha is a very sacred holy bead that Hindus hold very dear. It is believed that the first-ever Rudraksha originated from the teardrops of the almighty Shiva himself. There are a total of 21 Rudraksha types. Out of those, the first 14 are the most important, each governed by the different forms of Shiva or deities associated with Lord Shiva himself.

Rudraksha is the signifier of Lord Shiva. There are many benefits of using it. It is believed that 1-Mukhi rudrakshais the rarest holy bead that is governed by Shiva himself. This holy bead can cure respiratory diseases and bring along wealth, good luck, and fortune. The 2-Mukhi Rudraksha in astrology is known to be ruled by Shiva-Shakti (both, Lord Shiva and Mata Parvati). It is believed that this holy bead is significant for married couples. It restores peace, love, and harmony between married couples, cures heart diseases, and blesses childless couples with children. The 3-Mukhi Rudraksha, according to Vedic astrology, is governed by Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh. This holy bead makes the native fearless and brave. The 4-Mukhi Rudrakshais ruled by Lord Brahma and Devi Saraswati. Hence, it is one of the best Rudraksha beads for students. It improves focus, blesses the natives with a good memory, and improves communication skills. The 5-Mukhi Rudraksha (panch-mukhi rudraksha) represents the five elements of nature. It is believed that this Rudraksha blesses the native with long life, offers protection from accidents and untimely death, pleases the planet Jupiter, and brings growth in career and business.

The 6-mukhi Rudraksha is ruled by Lord Kartikeya, the younger son of Lord Shiva. It is believed that this Rudraksha bead ends the cycle of bad luck, brings wealth and fortune, and cures deadly diseases like cancer. The 7-mukhi Rudraksha belongs to Goddess Lakshmi. It is also blessed by the planet Saturn (the planet of karma). According to astrologers, this Rudraksha frees the natives from past life sins and cures heart and stomach diseases. The 8-Mukhi Rudraksha is ruled by none other than Lord Ganesha, the most loved Hindu God and the elder Son of Lord Shiva. It is believed that this Rudraksha brings fortune, good luck, growth in academics and career, and heals health disorders like weak memory, neuro diseases, and Asthma. The 9-Mukhi Rudraksha is governed by Goddess Druga and her 9 forms. All the powers of Maa Durga are bestowed in this Rudraksha. Hence, it is believed that this Rudraksha offers protection from evil spirits and negative energies, makes the native brave, and improves the intellect. The 10-mukhi Rudraksha belongs to the 10 different forms of Lord Vishnu. It is one of the rare Holy beads that offers protection from black magic and evil eyes, safeguards the native from accidents, and removes negative energies. The 11-mukhi Rudraksha is ruled by Rudra Dev (the angry/destructive form of Lord Shiva). It is believed that this Rudraksha has the power to bless the native with long life, unlimited wealth and success, and victory over enemies. The 12-mukhi Rudraksha is ruled by none other than the King of Planets, the Sun (Surya Deva). It is believed that this Rudraksha bead offers growth in career and protects the native the Ill effects of Vastu Dosha. The 13-mukhi Rudraksha belongs to Lord Indra (the ruler of Heaven and a true devotee of Lord Shiva). It is believed that this Rudraksha fulfills the deepest desires of the native. The 14-mukhi Rudraksha is headed by Lord Hanuman and Shani Deva (Saturn). This Rudraksha is known to cure serious heart diseases and bless the native with a long life.

A Rudraksha is known to carry the blessings of Gods and Planets. Hence, it is very important to take certain precautions when wearing this holy bead. Never touch the Rudraksha with dirty hands. Follow the proper vidhi to energize the Rudraksha before wearing it. Astrologers suggest not consuming alcohol and non-veg food while wearing the Rudraksha. It is also common knowledge in astrology that one should not practice gambling. The best day to wear a Rudraksha is either Monday or Thursday. If the bracelet or mala you’re wearing breaks, don’t wear the broken beads that fall to the ground. If you take off the Rudraksha, always clean it with Gangajal before wearing it again.