Rudraksha Purification and Wearing Procedure

Rudraksha, the sacred seed often associated with Lord Shiva, holds immense spiritual significance in Hinduism. Rudraksha beads bring various benefits, including mental peace, health, and spiritual growth. Here’s a comprehensive guide to purifying and wearing Rudraksha, including the detailed pooja (ritual), mantra chanting, and use of Gangajal and Panchamrit.

1. Preparation for the Ritual

Before starting the purification and wearing process, gather the following items:

• Rudraksha bead(s)
• Gangajal (water from the Ganges River)
• Panchamrit (a mixture of milk, curd, ghee, honey, and sugar)
• A clean, small bowl
• A clean, white cloth
• Incense sticks (agarbatti)
• A diya (oil lamp)
• Fresh flowers
• Sandalwood paste
• A small container for storing Gangajal

2. Purification Process

Step 1: Cleansing with Water

To remove any surface impurities, you can begin by washing the Rudraksha beads under running tap water.

Step 2: Purification with Panchamrit

• • Prepare Panchamrit by mixing equal parts of milk, curd, ghee, honey, and sugar in a small bowl.
  • Submerge the Rudraksha beads in the Panchamrit mixture.
  • Let them soak for at least 30 minutes to an hour.
  • While the beads are soaking, recite the following mantra:

                    “Om Namah Shivaya”

                    Count: 108 times (1 round of mala)

Step 3: Rinsing with Gangajal

After soaking, remove the Rudraksha beads from the Panchamrit and rinse them thoroughly with Gangajal. Then, gently pat them dry with a clean, white cloth.

3. Ritual (Pooja) for Rudraksha

Step 1: Setting Up the Pooja Space

• Choose a clean, quiet place for the pooja.
• Place a small, clean cloth on the surface where the pooja will be performed.
• Arrange the Rudraksha beads, flowers, incense sticks, and diya on the cloth.

Step 2: Invoking Divine Blessings

• • Light the diya and the incense sticks.
  • Close your eyes and invoke Lord Shiva’s blessings by chanting:

                  “Om Namah Shivaya”

                   Count: 108 times

Step 3: Offering Panchamrit and Flowers

• Apply a small amount of sandalwood paste on the Rudraksha beads.
• Sprinkle a few drops of Gangajal on the beads.
• Offer Panchamrit to the Rudraksha by pouring a few drops on them.
• Place fresh flowers around the Rudraksha beads.

Step 4: Reciting the Rudraksha Mantra

   Sit in a meditative posture and focus on the Rudraksha beads. Chant the Rudraksha-specific mantra:

   Count: 108 times (1 round of mala)

Step 5: Performing Aarti

• • Perform aarti (ritual of light) by rotating the diya around the Rudraksha beads in a clockwise direction while chanting:

                   “Om Jai Shiv Omkara”

                   After the aarti, offer the Rudraksha beads and the incense sticks in a circular motion.

4. Wearing the Rudraksha

Step 1: Choosing the Right Day and Time

   The best days to wear Rudraksha are Monday, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and during the auspicious time of Brahma Muhurta (early     morning before sunrise).

Step 2: Initial Placement and Prayer

• Before wearing, place the Rudraksha beads in front of your home shrine or a picture/statue of Lord Shiva.
• Meditate briefly, focusing on Lord Shiva, and seek his blessings.

Step 3: Wearing the Beads

• For a single bead, wear it as a pendant around your neck on a silk or cotton thread or a silver/gold chain.
• For a mala, wear it around your neck, ensuring that the mala reaches your heart center.

Step 4: Daily Mantra Jaap

Step 4: Daily Mantra Jaap: to maintain the spiritual potency of the Rudraksha, it is not just recommended, but essential to chant ‘Om Namah Shivaya’ daily, preferably 108 times. This daily practice will keep you connected to the divine energy of Lord Shiva and enhance the spiritual benefits of wearing Rudraksha.

Step 5: Maintenance and Care

• Remove the Rudraksha beads before sleeping, bathing, or during any act of impurity (like using the restroom).
• Regularly clean the Rudraksha beads with plain water. To keep them shiny, apply a small amount of ghee or sandalwood oil.
• Avoid using chemical cleaners or soaps on the Rudraksha beads.

Conclusion

Wearing Rudraksha is a profound spiritual practice that connects the wearer to the divine energy of Lord Shiva. Through proper purification, pooja, and daily mantra chanting, the wearer can harness the spiritual benefits and protection that Rudraksha beads offer. Always approach this practice with reverence and faith, ensuring that your actions align with the sacredness of the Rudraksha.