Which Rudraksha to Wear on Mahashivratri:

Maha Shivratri in 2017 is on February 24, Friday. It is the most auspicious festival for it is connected with the divine Shiva. One this festival, Shiv pujas are performed, stories of Maha Shivratri are read and chanted, Shivabhishek ceremonies at temples take place and devotional songs are enjoyed.

Vedic scriptures mention numerous items that dear to the deities. For instance, red flowers and modaks are dear to Lord Ganesha, yellow laddoo is dear to Lord Narayana, kheer (sweet rice) is dear to Goddess Lakshmi. Similarly, Rudraksha beads are dearest to Lord Shiva for He Himself wears them. Rudraksha is made of rudra meaning ‘Shiva’ and aksha ‘Tears’, tears of Lord Shiva. Rudraksha personifies the divinity of Lord Shiva. When Lord Vishnu appeared as Lord Vamana, mother Saraswati offered a string of Rudraksha beads to Him at His birth ceremony (Shrimad Bhagvatam 8:18:16). The Lord accepts the purest offerings of all.

 

Rudraksha and Ruling Deities:

People especially devotees of Lord Shiva wear Rudraksha beads for the protection against negative energies. These beads come in various Mukhis (face). One Mukhi, Two Mukhis, Three Mukhis etc. till Twenty One Mukhis. Each of them has a ruling deity.

 

All these Rudraksha beads carry the blessings of the above mentioned deities. For instanc an Eight Mukhi Rudraksha bead is ruled by Lord Ganesha, who is also known as Vignaharta; the one who removes the obstacles to material and spiritual prosperities.  Therefore those who face obstacles in their professional or spiritual undertakings should wear an Eight Mukhi Rudraksha bead.

Similarly, those desire wealth need the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi who resides in the powers of a Seven Mukhi Rudraksha bead for She is the ruling deity of the same. Those who seek protection against the envious, evil forces should wear a Fourteen Mukhi Rudraksha bead for it is ruled by the mighty Lord Hanuman and chant Hanuman Chalisa. This would offer the ultimate protection and increase one’s spiritual strengths. As given in the Hanuman Chalisa sadhu-sant ke tum rakhwale; you protect the saintly people or the people with divine nature. One can wear a Fourteen Mukhi Rudraksha bead and please Lord Hanuman, the Lord’s personal servitor.

Rudraksha Bead on Maha Shivratri:

Maha Shivratri is among the most celebrated festivals of India. It is the festival wherein masses join in kirtana, worship and austerity dedicated to Lord Shiva. Wearing a Rudraksha bead ruled by Lord Shiva reenergizes all the Chakras in your body. It was believed by the sages of the ancient world that wearing a Rudraksha bead equals to the performance of a thousand homas (sacrifices) to please Shiva. In fact, Lord Shiva who wears Rudraksha beads all over His divine body is Rudraksha Himself. Following are the Rudrakshas ruled by Lord Shiva Himself in His various forms.

One Mukhi Rudraksha:

·         It is ruled by Lord Shiva Himself. Wearing a One Mukhi Rudraksha bead purifies your mind (thoughts) and consciousness.

·         The wearer becomes aware of his position in this world.

·         Those who constantly get trapped by their own urge to know the bigger picture of the existence of all living beings should wear a One Mukhi Rudraksha bead.

·         Best for philosophers, meditators, yogis, self-conscious, or anyone who believes in higher consciousness above mundane matter.

Eleven Mukhi Rudraksha:

·         It is ruled by 11 Rudras (all the forms of Shiva). Wearing an Eleven Mukhi Rudraksha bead awards wisdom and sound judgement.

·         The wearer becomes aware stronger in meditation and sadhana.

·         It awakens the inner spirit, increases concentration and strengthens self-confidence.

·         Best for those in highly competitive professions, exams or anything that needs higher intellectual strengths.

Fifteen Mukhi Rudraksha:

·         It is ruled by Lord Pashupati. Wearing a Fifteen Mukhi Rudraksha bead heals Heart Chakra and relieves the wearer from grief, loneliness and ailments.

·         The wearer has their innermost desires fulfilled.

·         It elevates the wearer from mundane affairs and other unnecessary attachments.

·         Best for mitigating malefic effects of planet Mercury, increasing meditational strengths and increased mental powers.

 

Sixteen Mukhi Rudraksha:

·         It is ruled by Lord Mahamrityunjaya. It is a highly recommended Rudraksha bead. Of Mahamrityunjaya, Maha means ‘great’, mrityu means ‘death’ and jaya, ‘victory’. The One who conquers the fears of death.

·         Wearing a Sixteen Mukhi Rudraksha bead removes all the fears from mind and body.

·         It protects as well as makes the wearer tolerant throughout the bad phases of life.

·         Wearing a Sixteen Mukhi Rudraksha bead equals to chanting Mahamrityunjaya Mantra 125000 times.

·         Best for anyone willing to overcome fears of any sort.

 

Wearing these Rudraksha beads on Maha Shivratri certainly award spiritual strengths. When one’s spiritual strengths increase, their focus in life becomes stronger and visions clear.