What is Rudraksha?
Sonu Goswami's answer: In Nepal, there’s a temple that holds deep meaning for Shiva devotees→ the Pashupatinath Temple. What sets it apart is the Shivling here, which isn’t just symbolic but deeply unique. It has five faces, each one facing a different direction and representing a distinct form o...
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In Nepal, there’s a temple that holds deep meaning for Shiva devotees→ the Pashupatinath Temple. What sets it apart is the Shivling here, which isn’t just symbolic but deeply unique. It has five faces, each one facing a different direction and representing a distinct form of Shiva.
The west-facing one is called Sadyojata, tied to creation. The north is Vamadeva, standing for preservation. South is Aghora, the fierce aspect linked to destruction. East is Tatpurusha, associated with concealment or mystery. And the fifth face, Ishana, points upward→ representing Shiva’s highest, most formless state.
There’s a spiritual belief that if you visit all 12 Jyotirlingas in India, your yatra isn’t considered fully complete until you’ve also visited Pashupatinath in Nepal. That last stop is said to bring closure, like the final blessing.
Not far from this temple lies the Arun Valley→ a lesser-known gem for something else deeply connected to Shiva: Rudraksha beads. This valley in Nepal is one of the best natural sources of Rudraksha. The weather, altitude, and soil here make the beads especially powerful, with bigger sizes and clearer mukhi lines than what you usually find.
People often don’t realize Rudraksha isn’t just some spiritual jewelry. According to ancient texts, these beads are believed to have come from Lord Shiva’s own tears.
The story goes that Shiva once went into deep meditation for the welfare of all living beings. As he meditated, he became overwhelmed with immense compassion for the suffering in the world. That emotion was so pure, so powerful, that a single tear fell from his eyes and touched the earth. From that very spot, the first Rudraksha tree grew.
So no→ it wasn’t a tear of pain or sorrow. It was a tear of divine love. And that’s why Rudraksha is more than a bead. It’s seen as a symbol of Shiva’s grace, compassion, and spiritual power→ meant to protect, calm the mind, and support one’s spiritual path.
The most commonly found Rudraksha is the 5-mukhi. It’s easily available and grows in Nepal, India, and Indonesia. Prices usually fall somewhere between ₹100 to ₹5,000 depending on size, origin, and whether it’s certified. This one is linked to mental peace, clarity, and even helps with blood pressure.
On the opposite end is the 21-mukhi Rudraksha. It’s super rare and mostly comes from Nepal. Some pieces have sold anywhere between ₹30 lakh to ₹5 crore. It’s believed to represent Kubera, the god of wealth, and is associated with prosperity, abundance, and spiritual power. Obviously, you’ll find a huge price difference depending on whether it’s genuine, certified, and who’s selling it.
Globally, Indonesia actually produces the most Rudraksha→ about 70%. Nepal is second, with around 25%, and India makes up a small part. But people often prefer Nepalese beads because they’re bigger and the lines on them are sharper, making them feel more alive, spiritually speaking.
You’ll see Rudraksha being worn by everyone→ from monks and yogis to everyday people and celebrities. Some wear it for spiritual discipline, some for health reasons, and others simply because it brings them peace. The beauty is→ it’s been around for centuries, and it’s still just as relevant.
And in case you ever wondered: Rudraksha literally means *the eye (or tear) of Rudra.* That’s Shiva. The story says his tears fell on places like Arun Valley→ and from those tears, the Rudraksha trees grew.
So whether you’re ending your Jyotirlinga journey at Pashupatinath or holding a Rudraksha bead during your morning meditation, both are ways of feeling closer to something timeless.
during your morning meditation, both are ways of feeling closer to something timeless.