RUDRAKSHA: THE DIVINE BEAD

The seed below is known as Rudraksha.  The word Rudraksha is derived from Rudra (Shiva—the Hindu God of all living creatures) and aksha (eyes). One Hindu legend says that once Lord Shiva opened his eyes after a long time dyana or yoga, because of extreme fulfillment he shed out tear. This single tear from Shiva’s eye grew into the Rudraksha tree.  That is why these beads are known as "Tears of Lord Siva". 

These beads are from the the holy rudraksha tree (Elaeocarpus ganitrus Roxb) which belongs to the family Tiliaceae. Rudraksha beads are covered by outer shell of blue color on fully ripening so it is also called as blueberry beads and can be used for treatment of various diseases.

Rudraksha is a rare gift of nature to mankind.  What is interesting is that most beads come with a natural hole drilled in the centre, as if nature intended man to use it to form a chain. Such rudraksha beads are considered especially auspicious. Rudraksha is often believed to symbolize the link between earth and heaven, between man and god. Hence Rudraksha is the object of veneration and also a source to reach the higher self.

Each seed also possesses from 1 to 38 vertical lines running down its surface, like the longitude lines on a globe. These lines are known as mukhi, or faces, and are natural formations of the seed. Seeds with one vertical line are known as Eka-mukhi (one facet), which are very rare; those with two lines are Dvi-mukhi (two facets), and so on. Each bead has different effects on the wearer, depending on the number of mukhi or faces it has. Each of the many types of Rudraksha Beads have a governing Deity and specific powers and properties.

According to the Vedic scriptures, Rudraksha beads possess mystical and divine properties and can nullify the effects of malefic planets to a great extent. They offer protection to the wearer. No other bead is considered to be as auspicious and powerful as a Rudraksha.

The Rudraksha tree is a large evergreen broad-leaved tree whose seed is traditionally used for prayer beads in Hinduism.

Uses
Rudraksha beads are the material from which garlands (108 beads in number) are made. A rudraksha is a rosary, used for repetitive prayer used by Hindus, Sikhs and Buddhists. Rudraksha is also used for treatment of various diseases in traditional Indian medicine.

References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rudraksha
http://www.rudraksha-ratna.com/rudraksha.htm
www.interessantes.at/rudraksha_e.htm