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{{short description|Fruitstone used as a prayer bead in Hinduism}}
{{about|the rudraksha fruit and beadwork made from its fruitstones|the film|Rudraksh (film)}}
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{{More citations needed|date=April 2019}}
{{Religious text primary|date=April 2019}}
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[[File:RudrakshaBeads.jpg|thumb|''Rudraksha'' beads are the dried stones of the fruit of the ''Elaeocarpus ganitrus'' tree]]
{{Saivism|expanded=Practices}}
A '''''rudraksha''''' ([[IAST]]: ''{{IAST|rudrākṣa}}'') refers to the dried [[Pyrena|stone]]s or seeds of the [[genus]] ''[[Elaeocarpus]]'' specifically, ''[[Elaeocarpus ganitrus]]''.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book |last=Bhattacharyya |first=Bharati |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=snZBCwAAQBAJ&dq=rudraksh+plant&pg=PA23 |title=Golden Greens: The Amazing World of Plants |date=2015 |publisher=The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) |isbn=978-81-7993-441-8 |pages=21–25 |language=en}}</ref> These stones serve as [[prayer beads]] for [[Hinduism|Hindu]]s (especially [[Shaivism|Shaiva]]s) and  [[Buddhism|Buddhist]]s. When they are ripe, ''rudraksha'' stones are covered by a blue outer fruit so they are sometimes called "blueberry beads".<ref>{{Cite journal|title=Pharmacognostic and antifungal investigations of Elaeocarpus ganitrus (Rudrakasha) | pmc=2929793 | pmid=20838538 | doi=10.4103/0250-474X.65021 | volume=72 | issue=2 | year=2010 | journal=Indian J Pharm Sci | pages=261–5 | last1 = Singh | first1 = B | last2 = Chopra | first2 = A | last3 = Ishar | first3 = MP | last4 = Sharma | first4 = A | last5 = Raj | first5 = T | doi-access=free }}</ref>

The stones are associated with the Hindu deity [[Shiva]] and are commonly worn for protection and for chanting [[mantra]]s such as [[Om Namah Shivaya]] ({{langx|sa|ॐ नमः शिवाय}}; {{IAST|Om Namaḥ Śivāya}}). They are primarily sourced from [[India]], [[Indonesia]], and [[Nepal]] for jewellery and [[japamala|mala]]s ([[garland]]s) and valued similarly to semi-precious stones.<ref name=":0" /> ''Rudraksha'' can have up to twenty one "faces" ({{langx|sa|मुख|mukha}}, {{lit|face}}) or [[locule]]s – naturally ingrained longitudinal lines which divide the stone into segments. Each face represents a particular deity.<ref name=":1">{{Cite book |last=Lochtefeld |first=James G. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GnmPzgEACAAJ |title=The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Hinduism: N–Z |date=2002 |publisher=Rosen |isbn=978-0-8239-3180-4 |page=576 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Official Website of Sadhguru, Isha Foundation {{!}} India |url=https://isha.sadhguru.org/en/wisdom/article/rudraksha-benefits-panchamukhi |access-date=2024-03-24 |website=isha.sadhguru.org}}</ref>

== Etymology ==
''Rudraksha'' is a [[Sanskrit]] compound word consisting of "''[[Rudra]]''"({{langx|sa|रुद्र}}) referring to Shiva and "''{{IAST|akṣa}}''"({{langx|sa|अक्ष}}) meaning "eye".<ref>{{Cite book |last=Stutley |first=M. |title=The Illustrated Dictionary of Hindu Iconography |publisher=Munshiram Manoharlal Publishers |year=1985 |isbn=978-81-215-1087-5 |location=New Delhi, India |pages=98, 119}}</ref>{{efn|{{harvp|Stutley|1985|p=119}}:"'Rudra-eyed'. Name of the dark berries of ''Elaeocarpus ganitrus'', used to make Śaiva rosaries ({{IAST|mālā}}), or necklaces. The berries have five divisions symbolising Śiva's five faces ({{IAST|[[pañcānana]]}})."}}<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Singh |first=Ishar B. |date=2015 |title=Phytochemical and biological aspects of Rudraksha, the stony endocarp of Elaeocarpus ganitrus |url=https://doi.org/10.1080/07929978.2015.1020659 |journal=Israel Journal of Plant Sciences |volume=62 |issue=4 |pages=265–276 |doi=10.1080/07929978.2015.1020659 |via=Brill|url-access=subscription }}</ref> Sanskrit dictionaries translate ''{{IAST|akṣa}}'' ({{langx|sa|अक्ष}}) as eyes,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Aksa: English Translation of the Sanskrit word: Aksa – Sanskrit Dictionary |url=https://sanskritdictionary.org/aksa}}</ref> as do many prominent Hindus such as [[Sivaya Subramuniyaswami]] and Kamal Narayan Seetha; accordingly, ''rudraksha'' may be interpreted as meaning "Eye of Rudra".<ref>{{Cite book |last=Subramuniyaswami |first=Sivaya |url=https://archive.org/details/dancingwithsivah00subr_0 |title=Dancing with Siva |year=1997 |isbn=9780945497974 |publisher=Himalayan Academy|location=USA |page=799 |url-access=registration}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Ziegenbalg |first=Bartholomaeus |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=EXsOAAAAQAAJ&dq=rudraksha+hinduism&pg=RA1-PA27 |title=Genealogy of the South-Indian Gods: A Manual of the Mythology and Religion of the People of Southern India, Including a Description of Popular Hinduism |date=1869 |publisher=Higginbotham |pages=27 |language=en}}</ref>

== Description ==

=== Rudraksha tree ===
[[File:RudrakshaTree.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|''Rudraksha'' tree, ''[[Elaeocarpus ganitrus]]'']]
{{main|Elaeocarpus ganitrus}}
Of the 300 species of ''[[Elaeocarpus]]'', 35 are found in India. The principal species of this [[genus]] is ''Elaeocarpus ganitrus'', which has the [[common name]] of "''rudraksha'' tree", and is found from [[Indo-Gangetic plain|the Gangetic plain]] in the foothills of the [[Himalaya]]s to [[Nepal]], [[South Asia|South]] and [[Southeast Asia]], parts of [[Australia]], [[Guam]], and [[Hawaii]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2001/20010513/spectrum/main3.htm|title=Bond with the beads|author=Koul, M. K.|date=2001-05-13|work=Spectrum|publisher=The Tribune|location=India}}</ref>

These tree species typically found at higher altitudes, primarily in the Himalayan region, has become scarce in India due to its previous use in making railway sleepers. The finest quality seeds originate from specific altitudes in the Himalayas, where the soil, atmosphere, and environmental factors contribute to their unique vibration.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Official Website of Sadhguru, Isha Foundation {{!}} India |url=https://isha.sadhguru.org/en/wisdom/article/rudraksha-benefits-panchamukhi#point1 |access-date=2024-03-24 |website=isha.sadhguru.org}}</ref>

''Elaeocarpus ganitrus'' trees grow to {{Convert|60|-|80|feet|meter|abbr=on}}. They are evergreen trees which grow quickly, and as they mature their roots form buttresses, rising up near the trunk and radiating out along the surface of the ground.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rudraksha Hub |url=https://rudrakshahub.com/blogs/Difference-Between-Indonesian-Rudraksha-and-Nepali-Rudraksha |access-date=2024-09-10 |website=Rudraksha Hub |language=en}}</ref>

=== Fruit ===
[[File:Rudraksha Fruit From Java.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|Ripe ''rudraksha'' fruits displaying their typical blue colour]]
The ''rudraksha'' tree starts bearing [[drupe]]s (fruit) in three to four years from germination. It yields between 1,000 and 2,000 fruits annually. These fruits are commonly called "''rudraksha'' fruit", but are also known as ''amritaphala'' (fruits of [[Amrita|ambrosia]]).{{citation needed|date=August 2021}}

The [[pyrena]] of the fruit, commonly called the "pit" or "stone", is typically divided into multiple segments by seed-bearing [[locule]]s. When the fruit is fully ripe, the stones are covered with a blue outer fleshy husk of inedible fruit. The blue colour is not derived from a pigment but is due to [[structural colouration]].<ref>{{cite journal|author=Lee, D. W.|year=1991|title=Ultrastructural Basis and Function of Iridescent Blue Color of Fruits in ''Elaeocarpus''|journal=Nature|volume=349|issue=6306|pages=260–262|doi=10.1038/349260a0|bibcode=1991Natur.349..260L|s2cid=13332325}}</ref> ''Rudraksha'' beads are sometimes called "blueberry beads" in reference to the blue colour of the fruit.

==== Chemical composition ====
''Rudraksha'' fruits contain [[alkaloids]], [[flavonoid]]s, [[tannin]]s, [[steroids]], [[triterpene]]s, [[carbohydrates]], and cardiac [[glycoside]]s. They also contain rudrakine,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/322486571|title=Rudrakine chemical|website=ResearchGate}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Jawla|first1=Sunil|last2=Rai|first2=D. V.|date=2016-06-08|title=QSAR Descriptors of Rudrakine Molecule of Rudraksha (Elaeocarpus ganitrus) Using Computation Servers|url=http://neredataltics.org/journals/index.php/GJPLS/article/view/591|journal=German Journal of Pharmacy and Life Science |language=en|volume=1|issue=1}}</ref> an alkaloid which had been discovered in ''rudraksha'' fruit in 1979.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Ray |first1=A.B. |last2=Chand |first2=Lal |last3=Pandey |first3=V.B. |title=Rudrakine, a new alkaloid from Elaeocarpus ganitrus |journal=Phytochemistry |date=January 1979 |volume=18 |issue=4 |pages=700–701 |doi=10.1016/S0031-9422(00)84309-5|bibcode=1979PChem..18..700R }}</ref>

==== Bioelectrical properties ====
It is evident that a bead of Rudraksha (Elaeocarpus ganitrus) possesses mild electrical signals which can be directly measured using a simple multimeter device.{{cn|date=May 2025}}

=== Types of ''rudraksha'' beads ===
[[File:Rudraksha mukhi.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|5-faced (''panchamukha'') ''rudraksha'' stone with the lines delineating its faces labelled<ref>{{Cite web |last=Meet |first=Vedic |date=2024-01-19 |title=20 Reasons why you need Panch Mukhi Rudraksh in 2024 |url=https://vedicmeet.com/vedic-learnings/wearing-a-panch-mukhi-rudraksha-for-some-benefits/ |access-date=2024-04-15 |website=Vedic Meet |language=en-US}}</ref>]]
''Rudraksha'' beads are described as having a number of facets or "faces" (''mukha/mukhi'') which are separated by a line or cleft along the bead. Typically, these beads possess between 1 and 21 faces, although instances of rudrakshas with up to 26–27 faces have been reported, albeit rarely. Those with a single face (''ekamukha'')<ref>{{Cite book |last=Subramuniya (Master.) |url=https://www.google.co.in/books/edition/How_to_Become_a_Hindu/LK94EAAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=&pg=PT269&printsec=frontcover |title=How to Become a Hindu: A Guide for Seekers and Born Hindus |date=2000 |publisher=Himalayan Academy Publications |isbn=978-0-945497-82-0 |pages=269 |language=en}}</ref> are the rarest.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite book |last=Dalal |first=Roshen |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DH0vmD8ghdMC |title=Hinduism: An Alphabetical Guide |date=2010 |publisher=Penguin Books India |isbn=978-0-14-341421-6 |pages=1668–1669 |language=en}}</ref> A rudraskha with eleven faces is worn by renunciants, those who are married wear a two-faced bead and a five-faced bead is representative of Hanuman.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Blackman |first=Winifred S. |date=1918 |title=The Rosary of Magic and Religion |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/1255280 |journal=Folklore |volume=29 |issue=4 |pages=255–280 |doi=10.1080/0015587X.1918.9719067 |jstor=1255280 |url-access=subscription }}</ref> Similarly different faces of rudrakshas are related with different deities and planets astrologically such as 2 faces associated with Moon, 3 faces with Mars, 4 faces with Mercury, 5 faces with Jupiter, 7 faces with Saturn and so on.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1 to 21 Mukhi Rudraksha Benefits |url=https://nepalirudraksha.com/blogs/blog/1-to-21-mukhi-rudraksha-benefits |website=Nepa Rudraksha}}</ref> Rudrakshas from Nepal are between {{Convert|20|and|35|mm|inch|abbr=on}} and those from Indonesia are between {{Convert|5|and|25|mm|inch|abbr=on}}. Rudraksha beads are most often brown, although white, red, yellow, or black bead may also be found.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://blog.occultscience.in/rudraksha-beads/ |title=Colors of Rudraksha Beads: Which Color Rudraksha Is Good To Wear |website=Occult Science |access-date=January 13, 2025}}</ref>


Many types of stone are described. A savar is a type of rudraksha bead that is naturally conjoined, or attached to another bead. ''Gauri Shankar'' refers to two beads which are naturally conjoined. ''Ganesha'' refers to beads which have a trunk-like protrusion on their bodies. ''Trijuti'' refers to three beads that are naturally conjoined. Other rare types include ''veda'' (4 conjoined savars) and ''dvaita'' (2 conjoined savars).<ref>{{Cite book|title=Power of rudraksha|last=Seetha|first=Kamal Narayan|year=2005|isbn=9788179929810|publisher=Jaico Publishing House|location=India|pages=15, 20 and 21}}</ref>

== Uses ==

=== Religious uses in Indian-origin religions ===
The ''rudraksha'' is sacred to and popularly worn by devotees of Shiva.<ref name=":1" /> [[File:108+1 five mukhi Rudraksha mala.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|A 108+1 ''rudraksha mala'' constructed with 5-faced stones<ref>For the five-division type as signifying Shiva's five faces and terminology ''{{IAST|[[pañcānana]]}}'', see: Stutley, p. 119.</ref>]]
''Rudraksha'' beads may be strung together as beads on a [[garland]] (''[[Japamala|{{IAST|mala}}]]'') which can be worn around the neck. The beads are commonly strung on silk, or on a black or red cotton thread. Less often, jewellers use copper, silver or gold wires. The ''rudraksha'' beads may be damaged if strung too tightly. The [[Devi-Bhagavata Purana|Devi Bhagavata Purana]] describes the preparation of ''rudraksha'' garlands.<ref name="SeethaKN">{{cite book |last=Seetha |first=Kamal Narayan |title=Power of Rudraksha |publisher=Jaico Publishing House |year=2008 |isbn=978-81-7992-844-8 |edition=4th |location=Mumbai, India |pages=64–65}}</ref>

Hindus often use ''rudraksha'' garlands aids to prayer and [[meditation]], and to sanctify the mind, body, and [[soul]], much as Christians use [[prayer beads]] and [[Rosary|rosaries]] to count repetitions of prayer.<ref>{{cite book|title=Rudraksha. Die Perlen der shivaitischen Gebetsschnur in altertümlichen und modernen Quellen|author=Laatsch, M.|publisher=Akademische Verlagsgemeinschaft München|year=2010|isbn=978-3-89975-411-7|location=Munich}}</ref>{{additional citation needed|reason=A more accessible reference would help verification, particularly for the comparison between Hindu and Christian practice.|date=October 2022}} There is a long tradition of wearing 108 ''rudraksha'' beads in India, particularly within [[Shaivism]], due to their association with Shiva, who wears ''rudraksha'' garlands. Most garlands contain 108 beads ''plus one'' because as 108 is considered sacred and a suitable number of times to recite a short mantra. The number 108 is sacred in many spiritual traditions, symbolising the universe’s completeness.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://rudrakshakavach.com/guide-to-use-rudraksha-mala/|title=A Simple Guide to use Rudraksha Mala for Spiritual Growth|website=rudrakshakavach.com}}</ref> The extra bead, which is called the "meru", {{IAST|bindu}}, or "guru bead", helps mark the beginning and end of a cycle of 108 and has symbolic value as a 'principle' bead. ''Rudraksha'' garlands usually contain beads in combinations 27+1, 54+1, or 108+1. The mantra [[Om Namah Shivaya]], associated with Shiva, is often chosen for repetitions (''[[Japamala|japa]]'') using ''rudraksha'' beads.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.himalayanacademy.com/media/books/dancing-with-siva/web/ch10_12.html|title=Dancing with Siva|website=www.himalayanacademy.com|access-date=2018-04-07}}</ref>

== History ==

=== In Hindu religious texts ===
[[File:Fourteen-face-rudraksha.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|14-faced ''rudraksha'' stone made into pendant.]]
{{over-quotation|section|date=August 2021}}

==== Upanishads ====
Several late-medieval [[Upanishads]] describe the construction, wearing, and use ''rudraksha'' [[garland]]s as well as their mythological origin as the tears of [[Rudra]].

{{blockquote
|multiline=yes
|text=
Sage Guha replied: (It is made of any one of the following 10 materials) Coral, Pearl, Crystal, Conch, Silver, Gold, Sandal, Putra-Jivika, Lotus, or Rudraksha. Each head must be devoted and thought of as presided over by the deities of Akara to Kshakara. Golden thread should bind the beads through the holes. On its right silver (caps) and left copper. The face of a bead should face, the face of another head and tail, the tail. Thus a circular formation must be made.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://yousigma.com/religionandphilosophy/akshamalika.html|title=AkShamalika Upanishad english}}</ref>{{efn|तं गुहः प्रत्युवाच प्रवालमौक्तिकस्फटिकशङ्ख रजताष्टापदचन्दनपुत्रजीविकाब्जे रुद्राक्षा इति । आदिक्षान्तमूर्तिः सावधानभावा । सौवर्णं राजतं ताम्रं तन्मुखे मुखं तत्पुच्छे पुच्छं तदन्तरावर्तनक्रमेण योजयेत्<ref>{{Cite web |title=AkShamalika Upanishad |url=https://sanskritdocuments.org/doc_upanishhat/akshamalika.html |access-date=2025-02-02 |website=sanskritdocuments.org}}</ref>}}
|source=
[[Akshamalika Upanishad]]
}}

{{blockquote
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|text=
Sage [[Sanatkumara]] approached Lord Kalagni Rudra and asked him, "Lord, kindly explain to me the method of wearing Rudraksha." What he told him was, "Rudraksha became famous by that name because initially, it was produced from the eyes of Rudra. During the time of destruction and after the act of destruction, when Rudra closed his eye of destruction, Rudraksha was produced from that eye. That is the Rudraksha property of Rudraksha. Just by touching and wearing this Rudraksha, one gets the same effect of giving in charity one thousand cows."<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://yousigma.com/religionandphilosophy/brihadjabala.html|title=Brihad Jabala Upanishad english}}</ref>{{efn|अथ कालाग्निरुद्रं भगवन्तं सनत्कुमारः पप्रच्छाधीहि भगवन्रुद्राक्षधारणविधिं स होवाच रुद्रस्य नयनादुत्पन्ना रुद्राक्षा इति लोके ख्यायन्ते सदाशिवः संहारकाले संहारं कृत्वा संहाराक्षं मुकुलीकरोति तन्नयनाज्जाता रुद्राक्षा इति होवाच तस्माद्रुद्राक्षत्वमिति तद्रुद्राक्षे वाग्विषये कृते दशगोप्रदानेन यत्फलमवाप्नोति तत्फलमश्नुते स एष भस्मज्योती रुद्राक्ष इति तद्रुद्राक्षं करेण स्पृष्ट्वा धारणमात्रेण द्विसहस्रगोप्रदानफलं भवति । तद्रुद्राक्षे एकादशरुद्रत्वं च गच्छति । तद्रुद्राक्षे शिरसि धार्यमाणे कोटिगोप्रदानफलं भवति<ref>{{Cite web |title=Brihat-Jabala Upanishad |url=https://sanskritdocuments.org/doc_upanishhat/brihajjabala.html |access-date=2025-02-02 |website=sanskritdocuments.org}}</ref>}}
|source=[[Brihajjabala Upanishad]]
}}

{{blockquote
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He should count using a rosary (mala) whose beads are either made of the [[tulsi]] plant or rudraksha.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://yousigma.com/religionandphilosophy/ramarahasya.html|title=Rama Rahasya Upanishad english}}</ref>{{efn|तुलसीपारिजातश्रीवृक्षमूलादिकस्थले ।  पद्माक्षतुलसीकाष्ठरुद्राक्षकृतमालया<ref>{{Cite web |title=Shri Ramarahasya Upanishad |url=https://sanskritdocuments.org/doc_upanishhat/ramarahasya.html |access-date=2025-02-02 |website=sanskritdocuments.org}}</ref>}}
|source=[[Rama Rahasya Upanishad]]
}}

{{blockquote
|multiline=yes
|text=
After prostrating himself before the celebrated form of Sri Mahadeva-Rudra in his heart, adoring the sacred [[Vibhuti|Bhasma]] and Rudraksha and mentally reciting the great Mahavakya-Mantra, Tarasara, Sage [[Shuka]] asked his father Geat Sage [[Vyasa]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://yousigma.com/religionandphilosophy/rudrahridaya.html|title=Rudra Hridaya Upanishad english}}</ref>{{efn|हृदयं कुण्डली भस्मरुद्राक्षगणदर्शनम् । तारसारं महावाक्यं पञ्चब्रह्माग्निहोत्रकम्<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rudrahridaya Upanishad |url=https://sanskritdocuments.org/doc_upanishhat/rudrahridaya.html |access-date=2025-02-02 |website=sanskritdocuments.org}}</ref>}}
|source=[[Rudrahridaya Upanishad]]
}}

{{blockquote
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|text=
Sage Bhusunda questioned Lord Kalagni-Rudra: What is the beginning of Rudraksha beads? What is the benefit of wearing them on the body? Lord Kalagni-Rudra answered him thus: I closed my eyes for the sake of destroying the [[Tripurasura]]. From my eyes thus closed, drops of water fell on the earth. These drops of tears turned into Rudrakshas. By the mere utterance of the name of 'Rudraksha', one acquires the benefit of giving ten cows in charity. By seeing and touching it, one attains double that benefit. I am unable to praise it anymore.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://yousigma.com/religionandphilosophy/rudrakshajabala.html|title=Rudraksha Jabala Upanishad english}}</ref>{{refn|अथ हैनं कालाग्निरुद्रं भुसुण्डः पप्रच्छ कथं रुद्राक्षोत्पत्तिः । तद्धारणात्किं फलमिति । तं होवाच भगवान्कालाग्निरुद्रः । त्रिपुरवधार्थमहं निमीलिताक्षोऽभवम् ।निमीलिताक्षोऽभवम् तेभ्यो जलबिन्दवो भूमौ पतितास्ते रुद्राक्षा जाताः ।&nbsp; सर्वानुग्रहार्थाय तेषां नामोच्चारणमात्रेण दशगोप्रदानफलं दर्शनस्पर्शनाभ्यां द्विगुणं फलमत ऊर्ध्वं वक्तुं न शक्नोमि<ref>{{Cite web |title=RudrakShajabala Upanishad |url=https://sanskritdocuments.org/doc_upanishhat/rudrakshajabala.html |access-date=2025-02-02 |website=sanskritdocuments.org}}</ref>}}
|source=[[Rudrakshajabala Upanishad]]
}}

==== Tirumurai ====
Like the Upanishads, the ''[[Tirumurai]]'' describes the wearing of ''rudraksha'' garlands and their use as [[prayer beads]] for chanting [[mantra]]s. Accordingly, the Tirumurai identifies wearing a pair of rudraksha garlands as a sign of [[piety]].

{{blockquote
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|text=
They who walk the twin paths of ''charya'' and ''kriya'' ever praise the twin feet of the Lord. They wear holy emblems—the twin rings in earlobes, the twin rudraksha garland around the neck—and adopt the twin mudras, all in amiable constancy.
|source=[[Tirumantiram]] 1423. TM<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://www.himalayanacademy.com/media/books/dancing-with-siva/web/ch08_15a.html|title=Dancing with Siva|publisher=Himalayan Academy|year=1997|isbn=9788120832657}}</ref>
}}

{{blockquote
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|text=
Thinking of Him, great love welling up in their heart, if they finger the rudraksha beads, it will bring them the glory of the Gods. Chant our naked Lord's name. Say, "[[Om Namah Shivaya|Namah Shivaya]]!"
|source=[[Tirumurai]] 3.307.3. PS, 217<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/dancingwithsiva000subr|title=Dancing with Siva|publisher=Himalayan Academy|year=1997|isbn=9780945497479|url-access=registration}}</ref>
}}

== Cultivation ==

=== Herbal and sacred groves ===
{{expand section |date=July 2021}}
{{see also | Sacred groves of India | Bodhi Tree | List of Banyan trees in India}}

[[Ch. Devi Lal Herbal Nature Park|Ch. Devi Lal Rudraksha Vatika]], is a {{convert|184|acre|km2}} grove dedicated to ''rudraksha'' which also has over 400 endangered [[ayurvedic]] [[Herbalism|medicinal herb]]s in [[Yamunanagar district]] of [[Haryana]] state in [[India]].<ref name=rf1>{{cite web|url=http://old.projectsmonitor.com/detailnews.asp?newsid=10212|title=Herbal Park at Hisar|author=PM News Bureau|work=old.projectsmonitor.com|access-date=23 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141023075825/http://old.projectsmonitor.com/detailnews.asp?newsid=10212|archive-date=23 October 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>

''Rudraksha'' is primarily cultivated in the foothills of the [[Himalayas]], mainly in Nepal and India.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-05-01 |title=Breaking the cycle of poverty with education in the most remote parts of the world |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/photography/breaking-the-cycle-of-poverty-with-education-in-the-most-remote-parts-of-the-world-b1837563.html |access-date=2023-01-25 |website=The Independent |language=en}}</ref> The most popular varieties of ''rudraksha'' are found in the regions of [[Kathmandu]], around Arun Valley Region in Nepal and [[Kullu district|Kulu]], and [[Rameswaram|Rameshwaram]] in India. There are several naturally occurring trees of ''rudraksha''s in the alpine forests of [[Dhauladhar]] and lower [[Sivalik Hills|Shivalik]] ranges of the [[Himalayas]].{{citation needed|date=May 2023}}

Groves are mostly found in [[Uttarakhand]] state of India.{{citation needed|date=May 2022}}

== Gallery ==

=== Tree ===
{{gallery
|File:Original Rudraksh 03.JPG|''Rudraksha'' tree leaves
|File:Rudraksha.jpeg|''Rudraksha'' tree with flowers
|File:Rudraksha flower.jpg|''Rudraksha'' flowers
|File:Country where Rudrasksha is available.png|Countries to which [[Elaeocarpus ganitrus]] is native.
}}

=== Fruit ===
{{gallery
|File:Original Rudraksh 07.JPG|Unripe ''rudraksha'' fruit on the tree
|File:Rudraksh fruits.jpg|alt1=Drying rudraksha fruits|On drying ''rudraksha'' fruits turn black
|File:Rudraksh fruit freshly plucked.jpg|Freshly plucked raw ''rudraksha'' fruits; when ripe these are blue in colour
|File:Blue Rudraksha Fruit.jpg|Ripe ''rudraksha'' fruits with typical blue colour
}}

=== Stones ===
{{gallery
|File:Favorite selected big Rudrakshas .jpg|Handful of ''rudraksha'' stones
|File:Panchamukhi Rudraksha.jpg|Red 5-faced ''rudraksha'' stone
|File:7 Mukhi Rudraksha cut into Half.png|Cross-section of a 7-faced ''rudraksha'' stone
|File:X-Ray of 10 Mukhi Rudraksha.png|X-ray of 10-faced ''rudraksha'' stone reveals 10 seeds storing chambers ([[locule]]s) and one central chamber
}}

== See also ==
{{columns-list|colwidth=20em|
* Similar religiously-significant natural objects
** [[Shaligram]]
* Associated [[mantra]]s
** [[Om Namah Shivaya]]
** [[Om mani padme hum]]
* [[Prayer beads]]
** [[Japamala]]
** [[Misbaha]]
** [[Rosary]]
* [[Garland]]s and [[beadwork]]
** [[Phuang malai]]
** [[Kombolói]]
}}

== Notes ==
{{notelist}}

== References ==
{{reflist|2}}
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{{Worship in Hinduism}}
{{Shaivism}}
{{Subject bar|Religion|Hinduism|Plants|auto=yes|wikt=rudraksha}}

[[Category:Plants in Hinduism]]
[[Category:Prayer beads]]
[[Category:Decorative fruits and seeds]]
[[Category:Elaeocarpus]]
[[Category:Articles containing video clips]]

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