Rudraksha holds immense cultural and spiritual significance in various spiritual traditions. Rudraksha, the name itself tells a tale—“Rudra” means Shiva and “Aksha” means tears. According to Vedic scriptures, Rudraksha beads were formed from the divine tears of Lord Shiva, shed during deep meditation or compassion for humanity.
Revered as sacred beads, they are believed to carry the divine energy of Lord Shiva. Across different cultures, Rudraksha is cherished for its power to balance energy, ward off negativity and promote harmony, purity, protection and spiritual growth. Our Vedic scriptures Shiv Puran, Devi Bhagavat Puran and Padma Puran, among others, highlight its sacredness and spiritual power and emphasize its ability to protect the wearer, enhance spiritual growth and balance energies. Rudraksha is also a symbol of devotion, a means to attain higher consciousness, to invoke Shiva’s blessings, promote inner peace and a remedy for physical and mental well-being.
Types of Rudraksha
Rudraksha beads are classified based on the number of natural lines or “mukhis,” on their surface. These lines determine the type of bead and its unique spiritual and energetic properties. The mukhis range from 1 Mukhi to 21 Mukhi, with each type believed to have distinct benefits and astrological/ numerological significance. Each type of Rudraksha serves a specific purpose and is chosen based on spiritual goals, health needs and/or astrological/ numerological requirements.
Connection with Numbers and Planets
Each type of Rudraksha is associated with a number (1 to 9) and its corresponding ruling planet, influencing the wearer’s energy, personality and life circumstances.
1. Ek Mukhi Rudraksha (One-Faced)
- Symbolizes Lord Shiva himself.
- Associated Number, Planet: 1, Sun
- Rare and highly valued; Represents leadership, self-confidence and clarity. It balances ego, brings enlightenment, supreme consciousness and detachment from material desires.
- Barah Mukhi (Twelve-faced) Rudraksha is also associated with Number
2. Do Mukhi Rudraksha (Two-Faced)
- Represents the union of Shiva and Shakti (Ardhnarishwar), symbolizing harmony and balance.
- Associated Number, Planet: 2, Moon
- Signifies emotional balance, harmony and relationships. Promotes mental peace, unity, understanding and controls emotional turbulence.
3. Teen Mukhi Rudraksha (Three-Faced)
- Linked to Agni (Fire element), symbolizing purification and transformation.
- Associated Number, Planet: 9, Mars
- Represents energy, courage and confidence. Known to release past karma and increase confidence, inner strength & self-belief.
4. Chaar Mukhi Rudraksha (Four-Faced)
- Represents Lord Brahma, the creator.
- Associated Number, Planet: 5, Mercury
- Enhances creativity, communication and intellectual abilities. Supports clarity in thought and expression.
5. Paanch Mukhi Rudraksha (Five-Faced)
- Symbolizes Lord Kalagni Rudra, a form of Shiva.
- Associated Number, Planet: 3, Jupiter
- Most commonly worn Rudraksha, associated with wisdom, spiritual growth, good health and peace of mind. It balances knowledge and intuition
6. Chheh Mukhi Rudraksha (Six-Faced)
- Represents Lord Kartikeya
- Associated Number, Planet: 6, Venus
- Promotes love, beauty and material comforts. Enhances willpower, confidence, focus and mental clarity. Balances emotional and physical energies.
7. Saat Mukhi Rudraksha (Seven-Faced)
- Linked to Goddess Mahalaxmi, symbolizing wealth and abundance.
- Associated Number, Planet: 8, Saturn
- Brings abundance, wealth and success. Reduces the impact of hardships and stabilizes energy during challenging times. Helps overcome financial issues.
8. Aath Mukhi Rudraksha (Eight-Faced)
- Represents Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles.
- Associated Number, Planet: 4, Rahu
- Removes obstacles and provides clarity in decision-making, protection from negative energies and unexpected challenges. Provides success, wisdom and stability in life.
9. Nau Mukhi Rudraksha (Nine-Faced)
- Represents Goddess Durga, symbolizing power and courage.
- Associated Number, Planet: 7, Ketu
- Represents power, courage and spiritual awakening. Provides protection from negativity and aids in overcoming challenges, fears and achieving transformation.
Apart from these there are several other variants of Rudraksha like from Ten-faced Rudraksha to Twenty-one faced rudraksha, Gaurishankar Rudraksha, Ganesh Rudraksha which are rare. They hold special spiritual significance and powerful energies and are associated with harmony, wealth, spiritual mastery or divine blessings.
Connecting Numerology and Spirituality
This deep connection between numbers, planets and Rudraksha emphasizes its multidimensional role in spiritual, astrological & numerological practices. The numbers associated with Rudraksha and planets align with numerological principles, influencing personality traits and life patterns.
Selecting the right Rudraksha based on one’s ruling planet or life path number can enhance positive energies and reduce planetary imbalances. Proper energization and wearing rituals further amplify their benefits. By wearing the appropriate bead, one can harmonize planetary influences and promote holistic well-being.
Disclaimer: Information shared here is for general wellness purposes & information only. Please consult a professional astrologer or numerologist before choosing any rudraksha for wearing purposes. In no way, only this information can be used to choose rudraksha for any individual, as there are lots of other factors to be considered. Information & the views expressed in this article reflect the author’s personal understanding, learning and interpretation.
Jyotsnaa G Bansal is a Reiki Grandmaster, Author, Numerologist, Researcher, Counselor, Crystals & Spiritual Guide, Dowsing & Switchwords Practitioner.