A jewel with healing powers

An exhibition of rudrakshas going on in the City, aims to focus as much on clearing myths about them as on promoting their healing benefits. Rudraksha, meaning Lord Shiva’s eye, is the seed of a non-edible fruit. Rudraksha has been highly valued in Hinduism for its medicinal, religious and spiritual values.

Owing to these benefits, rudrakshas have been worn by people since ages; but over the years, with commercialization of religion, a number of myths have been attached to their usage.

“Shiva Puran and Padma Puran say anyone irrespective of age and gender, can wear a rudraksha. Infact, these scriptures mention that if animals wear it, even they remain untouched from problems” claims Tanay Seetha, founder of Mumbai-based Rudralife which has five patents on medicinal usage of rudrakshas.

Rudraksha is believed to have electro-magnetic, para-magnetic, inductive dia-magnetic and dynamic polarity effects that help in healing various diseases like insomnia, blood pressure, body ache, head ache, depression, maladjustments, heart diseases, skin diseases etc.

The exhibition has brought rudrakshas of all 21 faces from Nepal where its best quality is found.

“According to our scriptures, rudrakshas have a natural hole in the center. They are of the best quality and found largely in Arun Valley in Bhojpur village of Nepal. In India, we have rudraksha trees but they mostly bear fruits which don’t have holes in their seeds. But they are also being sold by making holes in them. Vedic texts also mention about the superior quality of Nepal’s rudrakshas,” explains Tanay.

Rudrakshas of all 21 faces, meaning carved lines, are found inside a blue coloured fruit on trees with the same name that grows in the foothills of the Himalayas.

Different qualities are attributed to the rudraksha based on the number of grooves, or ‘faces’ that it has.

Of all, five faced or paanch mukhi rudraksha, representing Lord Shiva in the Kalagni Rudra (anger) form is worn the most. This form of Shiva symbolises auspiciousness. Recommended to gain health and success, it is said to have the power to curb rising blood pressure and cardiac ailments.

“Various scientific studies and researches have proved that rudrakshas have electrical and magnetic properties that alliance and enhance one’s own aura. A research done by the Mumbai University has also brought out similar findings. Rudraksha finds mention in around 17 Vedic scriptures,” says Seetha whohas organised over 500 exhibitions on rudrakshas in India and abroad including in US, Mauritius, Britain, Singapore and Malaysia.

Various wearable forms of rudraksha beads designed into malas and bracelets are also available at the exhibition. Two naturally joined rudrakshas are called Gauri Shankar. Three naturally joined beads which is a rare phenomenon are termed Trijuti. Rudraksh that has a natural trunk-like elevation is called Ganesh. Rudrakshas available at the exhibition cost between Rs 50 to Rs 2.4 crore.

The exhibition at National Cottage Emporium in Connaught Place will remain on till June 24.