THE ENIGMATIC STORY OF RUDRAKSHA
Rudraksha is the most divine spiritual bead to have ever walked into the world of the living and the dead. This holy bead is an embodiment of a direct link between the divine and the earthly realms. Rudraksha bead is steeped deep into ancient lore which makes it much more than a mere ornament or accessory or some spiritual bead. Residing in the heart of the Himalayas, where skies touch the peaks, there lies a tale as old as time, whispered by sages and carried by the winds. This is the story of the Rudraksh, a sacred seed that holds the mysteries of the cosmos. The Origin
This mystical story begins with ancient texts of Hindu folklore. Lord Shiva who is regarded as the supreme deity known for his meditative prowess and cosmic dance, once descended into a deep meditation to alleviate the suffering of all beings. During the meditative period, so heightened was his compassion that tears of empathy rolled down his eyes. As soon as these divine tears touched the earth, they crystallised into seeds giving birth to the Rudraksha tree. The seeds of rudraksha tree were known as Rudraksha beads which are till today believed to embody the power and blessings of Lord Shiva himself. The Epic Battle and the Birth of Rudraksh
This legend of Rudraksha bead is said to be intertwined with the tale of a mighty king named May, ruler of Paatal. King May, with his insatiable ambition, sought to extend his dominion beyond his subterranean regions. His quest led him to wage war against the Devtas (deities). Taking himalayas as shelter, he constructed three formidable forts made of gold, silver, and iron. These forts became strongholds of tyranny which caused immense suffering to the inhabitants of those lands.
Witnessing populations drowned in utter gloom, homelessness and desperation, the Devtas sought refuge with Lord Brahma- the creator. Even Brahma’s wisdom couldn’t counter the king’s formidable power. They then turned to Lord Vishnu- the preserver, who recognised the gravity of the situation, which directed them to the ultimate destroyer of evil: Lord Shiva.
Shiva, being moved by their plight, accompanied by Brahma and Vishnu, engaged in a fierce battle against King May. The battlefield reverberated with divine energy as Shiva’s vanquished the forces of darkness. Some of May’s allies were annihilated, while others fled in fear. The triumphant deities reclaimed their land and peace was restored.
After the arduous battle, Lord Shiva, now at peace, retired to the Himalayas to meditate. In a moment of bliss and relaxation, he began to laugh, and tears of joy trickled down his eyes. These drops transformed into flowers, fruits, and leaves, eventually giving birth to the Rudraksha tree. Thus, the Rudraksha beads came to be, named after the tears (Rudra meaning Shiva, and Aksha meaning tears) of the mighty Shiva. Conclusion
The holy bead of rudraksha whispers ancient tales of the gods that offer solace in times of turmoil, and stands as a testament to the enduring connection between humanity and the divine. As you hold a Rudraksh bead, remember that you are holding a piece of history, a fragment of mythology, and a touch of the cosmic mystery.