Rudraksha: Types, Benefits & How to Identify a Real One

Rudraksha — the sacred bead of Bhagwan Shiva — is sold widely but faked even more widely: carved betel nut, wood beads and dyed seeds flood the market.

Quick authenticity checks

Real rudraksha has natural, unbroken mukhi lines running end to end, a visible natural hole, and does not float uniformly like painted wood. An X-ray or simple water test helps, but the surest method is a lab certificate from a reputed gem lab.

Common mukhis and their use

5-mukhi is the everyday sattvic bead (safe for all), 7-mukhi for Mahalakshmi, 8-mukhi for removing obstacles, and 1-mukhi is extremely rare — be very sceptical of cheap ones.

Wearing rules

Traditionally worn after energisation on a Monday, preferably touching the skin. Remove before non-satvik activities as per your tradition.