The most common and traditional way of wearing rudraksha is to buy a necklace of five mukhi beads from a good source, ensure that the beads are of a uniform size and color, perform a normal pooja and prayers at home, and then wear the necklace. No specialized or expert knowledge is needed for this, and thousands of people across the country have been wearing rudraksha in this manner for generations. In such cases, the wearers do not know anything about the beads or rudraksha, except their belief that the beads are divine, they help in spirituality, and are good for health. However, understanding how to choose a right rudraksha can further enhance these benefits.
Health Benefits Observed by Rudraksha Wearers
It has also been observed that people wearing rudraksha, say from the early age of 24 years, usually do not suffer from blood pressure-related problems or diabetes, even though they have no knowledge about the medicinal properties of the beads. However, if we wish to adopt a rational approach to understand the divine nature of the beads, it is necessary to know that these beads are capable of changing you from within so that you can lead a better life, full of confidence and fearlessness. Understanding how to choose a right rudraksha can help you tailor its benefits to your specific needs.
Common Practices and Misconceptions
Several people who wear a single five mukhi rudraksha have claimed that they benefited immensely. However, without disputing their claim, it must be pointed out that wearing rudraksha in this manner is not in accordance with the scriptures or the generally accepted procedures. There are different ways to select and wear various rudrakshas in multiple numbers or rudrakshas of various mukhis. Knowing how to choose a right rudraksha according to one's expectations or problems can make a significant difference in the effectiveness of these sacred beads.
How to Choose a Right Rudraksha According to Your Expectations
As per one’s expectations: Here, the properties of different mukhi rudrakshas are taken as the basis, and depending on the problems or expectations, the suitable rudraksha is chosen. For example, if you need to flourish in business and acquire wealth, then a combination of 7 mukhi (Goddess Lakshmi), 8 mukhi rudraksha (Lord Ganesha), and 12 mukhi (Sun) beads may be selected. The basis of this suggestion is:
- Seven mukhi rudraksha is assigned to Goddess Mahalakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth.
- Eight mukhi rudraksha assigned to Lord Ganesha is intended to remove obstacles. Usually, Mahalaxmi is worshipped along with Lord Ganesha.
- Twelve mukhi rudraksha assigned to the Sun is chosen to develop administrative skill and authority, which are necessary to run a business. Also, this rudraksha helps the wearer maintain good health.
In addition to this combination, if the person suffers from high blood pressure, then three mukhi rudraksha (Agni) and five mukhi rudraksha (Kalagni) may be added, or a full necklace of 54 or 108 smaller beads may be made in order to increase the contact area over the body and get better acupressure effects. In case the person suffers from blood pressure or diabetes, without any other expectations or problems, then five larger Nepal beads (two beads of three mukhi and three beads of five mukhi) can be strung in a necklace along with smaller beads.
Choosing Rudraksha Based on Horoscope
As Per horoscope: Usually a method followed by priests or astrologers, whereby rudraksha representing a specific planet (or zodiac sign) is recommended. In such cases, there is no stipulation of wearing a minimum of three beads or other combinations. Understanding how to choose a right rudraksha according to astrology can be an invaluable guide to aligning with your planetary influences.
Choosing Rudraksha Based on Numerology
In this method, the selection of beads is based on numbers associated with a person’s psyche and destiny. These numbers are then correlated to planets and the most appropriate rudraksha is recommended. Numbers associated with names are used rarely for choosing a rudraksha. For many, this method has good results as horoscope, astrology, and numerology all combine to get this desired result.
Rudraksha as Guru Prasad
When a guru or any saintly person offers any rudraksha, it becomes guru prasad, and the same should be worn with extreme reverence. However, one can add other beads along with this to fulfill any objective.
If, for any reason, the bead given by a guru or saintly person is not genuine, never ever mention this to the giver. Instead, the bead should be discarded with due respect in a river or sea, as fake articles should not be kept at home.
Using Rudraksha for Specific Objectives
Wearing as per expectations
According to our ancient texts, rudraksha showers the wearer with the blessings of gods or goddesses. These beads are much superior to gems as they have no side effects and they work with the help of spiritual effects and bio-energy. Selecting rudraksha according to one’s problems and objectives is easy, the only prerequisite being an ability to understand the properties of beads with different mukhis.
You may wear several numbers of the same mukhi rudraksha or a combination of different mukhis. For example, if you are not able to focus and have a wavering mind, you can wear a complete necklace of four mukhi rudraksha (27 beads of Nepal origin or 108 small-sized Indonesian beads). Similarly, you may combine seven, eight, and twelve mukhi rudraksha to gain wealth through any business activity or through a career in a senior position. (Seven mukhi is assigned to Goddess Lakshmi, eight mukhi to Lord Ganesha to remove obstacles, and twelve mukhi to the Sun to give you immense energy and power to perform tasks).
It all depends on the individual trying to choose his/ her combination, or on the person who recommends a suitable combination for him/ her, as to what factors should get priority and what their own experiences of different rudrakshas are. For example, someone may have found that 11 mukhi rudraksha is very useful, or a six mukhi has been continuously giving good results. This has led to a strong build-up of faith in favor of rudraksha with certain mukhis. There can never be a unanimous view in this diversified world with so many variable factors.