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1-Introduction to Rudraaksh
Read
Rudraaksh before reading forward----
Shiv
Puraan clearly states that Rudraaksh trees are grown in various places: "Rudraksh
grown in Gauda land became great favorites of Shiv. They were grown in
Mathuraa, Lankaa, Ayodhyaa, Malaya, Sahya mountain, Kaashee and other
places."
To the Rudra who is in fire, who is in water, who is in trees and plants,
who has entered into the entire universe, to that Rudra let our
salutations go. Vaidik Literature shows that the Rudraaksh Bead was created
from the tears of Rudra, the fierce form of Lord Shiv thus endowing it
with medicinal and Spiritual Powers. Each of the many types of Rudraaksh
Beads have a governing Deity and specific powers and properties. Two of
the most important rules to be observed in the Asta Aavaran that are the
eight aids or protections are the uttering of the five syllable formula or
Mantra that is Namah Shivaaya and the wearing of the Sacred Rudraaksh.
Buying Rudraaksh
All the Rudraaksh, be it the
cheapest and most available 5-Mukhee or the costlier higher Mukhee or even the rarest round
1-Mukhee, all are same embodiments of Lord Shiv and are equally powerful. In
fact, many times I lamented in the groups publicly that Lord Shiv is truly
Bholaa and kind enough which is why he has made the 5-Mukhee
Rudraaksh available at such a price which is affordable even by the poorest
person below poverty line. For record sake, in wholesale market a normal sized
5-Mukhee Rudraaksh costs less than one rupee per bead. Many Rudraaksh retailers
give away 5-Mukhee Rudraaksh freely as gifts to buyers who buy other Rudraaksh.
Shiv Puraan has maximum narration of benefits attributed to a Rudraaksh to
5-Mukhee and it is the most preferred Rudraaksh or Rudraaksh Maalaa worn by
ascetics and renounced people.
Shiv Puraan explicitly states
that six types of Rudraaksh are to be discarded:
1. that which is defiled by worms
2. that is cut
3. that is broken
4. that has no thorn-like protrusions
5. that has cracks
6. that is not circular
Despite the above prohibitory
warning, crores of Kaajoo or cashew nut (crescent) shaped Rudraaksh are
sold like hotcakes across the world. so are oval shaped Rudraaksh.
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