What is a Rudraksha Japa Mala?

A Rudraksha Japa Mala is a sacred string of prayer beads traditionally used in Hinduism and Buddhism, primarily for meditation and chanting mantras. The beads are made from the seeds of the Rudraksha tree (scientific name: Elaeocarpus ganitrus), which is found mainly in the Himalayas and parts of Southeast Asia. The word “Rudraksha” is derived from two Sanskrit words: “Rudra”, meaning Lord Shiva (a principal Hindu god), and “Aksha”, meaning tears. It is believed that these seeds are the tears of Lord Shiva, which gives the beads their sacred significance.
Here’s more detail about it:

• Japa Mala: “Japa” means chanting or repetition, and “Mala” means a garland or string of beads. The mala typically has 108 beads (a standard number in Hindu and Buddhist traditions) plus one meru bead (the “guru bead”), which is not counted in the recitation but signifies the starting and ending point of the mala.
• Use in Meditation: The Rudraksha beads are used to count repetitions of mantras or prayers during meditation or spiritual practice. As the person chants, they move their fingers from bead to bead, keeping track of the repetitions.
• Spiritual Significance: Rudraksha malas are believed to have various spiritual and health benefits, like enhancing concentration, calming the mind, and increasing spiritual awareness. Some people believe that wearing or using Rudraksha beads can help balance energy, reduce stress, and even protect the user.
• Different Types of Rudraksha: Rudraksha seeds come in different “faces” (called mukhis), with the most common being the 5-mukhi (five faces) variety. Each type of face is believed to have different spiritual or healing properties.