Rudhraksh actually is combination of two words -Rudra meaning lord Shiva and Aksh meaning Eyes. Basically, it translates to tear drop of Lord Shiva. Shiva was meditating for many years for the welfare of all creatures. When he opened his eyes, tear dop rolled down his cheek and fell onto the earth. Then mother earth gave birth to Rudhraksh tree. Rudhraksh tree is botanically know as Elaeocarpus Ganitrus Roxb. In simple words they are the seeds of Rudhraksh trees. These trees are mainly found in India, Nepal and Indonesia.

Rudhraksh has tremendous energy and power. There are clefts on the surface of the Rudhraksh beads which are used to distinguish the beads. A five facets (face) bead has five clefts, a ten-facet bead has ten clefts. The bad effects of malefic planets in your birth chart are nullified by Rudhraksh. One point is assured that wearing Rudhraksh will not do any harm unlike gemstones which are to be worn only under the guidance of good astrologer. There are three qualities of Rudhrash, one of the size of Aawala (Indian Gooseberry) is the best quality. One of the size of Ber (Indian Jujube) is considered of medium quality and any size lower than that is considered of low quality.

Benefits of Rudhraksh:

1. Rudhraksh with One facet is very rare and it take care of weak Sun in a chart.
2. Rudhraksh with two facet represents Shiv and Shakti. It takes care of marital discord, delayed marriage problem.
3. Rudhraksh with three facet represents Agni dev (lord of fire). People having problems in sexual life and stomach related problems can consider wearing this.
4. Rudhraksh with four facets help in progeny (child birth), improves intellect and also helps in marketing business.
5. Rudhraksh with five facets should be worn by people with weak Jupiter in their chart. It also help in controlling diabetes and blood pressure.
6. Rudhraksh with six facets represents Kartikeya, son of Shiva. This is to be worn by people with weak Venus in their birth chart.
7. Rudhraksh with seven facets represents Saptarishi. People with weak Saturn in their birth chart should wear this Rudhraksh. This is good for people suffering from mental disease or with joint problems.
8. Rudhraksh with eight facets represents Lord Bhairav. It helps in controlling the mind and senses. It gives money, knowledge and success in life. People with weak Rahu in chart should wear this Rudhraksh.
9. Rudhraksh with nine facets represents Maa Bhagwati. People with weak Ketu in their birth chart should wear this Rudhraksh. This takes care of fear and mental anxiety.
10. Rudhraksh with ten facets represents Lord Vishnu. This is very beneficial for stomach and eye problems.
11. Rudhraksh with eleven facets represents eleven Rudras of Lord Shiva. This blesses the wearer with long life.
12. Rudhraksh with twelve facets represents Lord Vishnu and is very useful in curing chronic diseases like Cancer. It also saves the wearer from accidents.
13. Rudhraksh with thirteen facets represents Lord Indra. This is helpful in improving married life and pacifying all nine planets.
14. Rudhraksh with fourteen facets represents Lord Hanuman. Wearer of this Rudhraksh make the person free of negative energy and diseases.

Precautions in wearing Rudhraksh:

1. Rudhraksh should be worn during the month of Shraavan or during Mahashivratri or on Full moon day.
2. It should be cleaned with milk, curd, honey, tulsi (holy basil) and Ganga jal (water from ganga river) before wearing.
3. Wear it with faith and devotion.
4. Don’t wear a broken Rudhraksh
5. Don’t clean it with chemical soap.
6. Don’t eat Non-veg or drink alcohol after wearing it.