How to Wear Rudraksha
How to wear rudraksha is a common question among beginners. Rudraksha needs to be blessed, purified and energized before they are worn.
Bead Configuration
The following are some of the ways to wear Rudraksha.
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A single bead in a pendant.
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A full mala (108+1 beads of the same mukhi rudraksha) for japa or meditation. This is not advisable for all beads, some beads are very potent, and 1 bead is powerful enough for most people.
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A bracelet for daily spiritual support.
- In combination with other mukhi Rudraksha. Such as the Siddha Mala (1 to 14 Mukhi Rudraksha beads, combined with Ganesh Rudraksha and Gauri Shankar Rudraksha) or the Indra Mala (1 to 21 Mukhi Rudraksha beads combined into 1 mala).
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Wearing Rudraksha with Silver or Gold
Silver amplifies Rudraksha's cooling, grounding and protective qualities, without dominating its natural vibration. Many opt to combine rudraksha with silver to amplify its effects.
Gold adds elements of prosperity, power and success. However, it may be energetically overpowering for the Rudraksha. Combination with gold should be done carefully. It is suitable if the Rudraksha is used for jewellery or more of material benefits. For meditation purposes, best to use Rudraksha with cotton/silver thread or with combination of silver.
🛒Explore Rudraksha Silver pendant →
Checklist before Wearing Rudraksha
Following checklist may be reviewed before starting the wearing procedure.
- Ensure that the mala or combination has the correct number of beads.
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Ensure beads are not damaged in any way.
- Ensure that you have paid fully for the beads or mala to the seller, except in cases where it is received as a gift.
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Always use new rudraksha and never use rudraksha worn by someone else. If you have received these as legacy or legitimately from near and dear ones, then first perform the purification ritual or abhishek and then wear them.
How to Wear Rudraksha for the First Time
Follow this simple ritual prior to wearing a rudraksha.
- Choose an auspicious day or any Monday for blessings.
- Wash or sprinkle rudraksha mala with Ganges water or pure water (cold or room temperature water, as warm/hot water can damage the beads by causing cracks).
- Apply sandalwood paste (optional).
- Offer incense/dhoop.
- Offer any white flower.
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Touch the rudraksha on a Shivaling or Lord Shiva’s photo & chant Om Namah Shivaya for a minimum of 11 times.
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Thereafter, the rudraksha can be worn or put at pooja place (altar).
Pooja or blessings of rudraksha has been emphasized in all the epics which have highlighted the merits of rudraksha. Regularly meditating or doing jappa or chanting devotional mantra with the Rudraksha energizes it further.
Shrimad Devibhagawat says that rudraksha should be worn without any expectations and with total devotion. It says that the power of rudraksha is such that even if worn without reciting the mantras it will be beneficial. In Shiva Purana, while giving the beej mantras says that "blessed are those who wear rudraksha chanting mantras".
Dos and Don’ts of Rudraksha Usage
DOs
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Chant mantras when touching the bead.
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Wear on clean body and clean clothes.
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Use Rudraksha for meditation or prayer.
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Always treat your Rudraksh with respect.
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For wearing Rudrakshas that you were worn by your late ancestors or parents, please do special purification and prayers before wearing them.
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Do complete payment when purchasing a Rudraksha, unless it is a gift.
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For optimal effects from Rudrakshas, please familiarise yourself with recommended Beej Mantras for different Mukhis of Rudraksh as stated in the Shiv Puran.
DON’Ts
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Don’t share your Rudraksha with others.
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Don’t use chemical cleaners or soaps.
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Don’t wear while drinking alcohol or eating non-veg (optional, traditional).
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Do not wear while having physical intimacy.
- Do not wear stolen Rudraksha.
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Do not steal Rudrakshas, their effect will not be beneficial.
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Don’t wear while visiting low energy environments (e.g. funeral, hospital, etc).
Important notes
- Do not feel guilty if you break any of the rules unintentionally. In that case, re-purify the beads by washing in pure water and chanting Om Namah Shivaya.
- Rudraksha is not confined to any specific religion It is for the entire mankind the rituals are incidental and are to be followed willingly and with respect.
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Rudraksha does not cause any side effects. Hence, suspicion about its effects may be misplaced. Do not over expect changes or magical effects to happen immediately, wearing rudraksha is not a short term activity.
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For the rudraksha bead colour, darkening over time is normal and happens due to skin oils and environment. This does not reduce authenticity or effectiveness
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Old Rudraksha should be specially checked for any damage of holes or cracks on the bead and if found these should not be used. Damaged Rudraksha is recommended to be buried in the soil or put in the ocean/natural running water, to honour that it has completed its purpose.
