What is Rudraksha?

Rudraksha is the seed of a tree known as the Rudraksha tree. This tree is as large as the Champaka (or Champa) tree. The Rudraksha bead is typically round in shape, but as the number of faces increases, its shape becomes more oval. The Rudraksha seed is enclosed within its fruit. While it is growing, the fruit remains green, but as it matures, it turns bright blue or violet.

The seed has distinct divisions, with each division containing a core seed that resembles a cartridge. These divisions are referred to as faces or Mukhis. Ancient texts describe Rudraksha beads with faces ranging from one to thirty-eight, though in modern times, beads with up to twenty-one faces have been found. The number of faces can be easily identified by counting the divisions; each face is marked by a complete line running from the top to the bottom of the bead.

Scientific studies have been conducted to understand the effects of various faces, and the Indian epics are well aware of the influence these faces have on the human body. More than 95% of Rudraksha beads found in nature are of the Five-Mukhi variety, which are considered very powerful and carry several beneficial attributes for humanity. The prices of different-faced Rudrakshas vary due to their availability, and should not be directly linked to their effects.