Rudraksha beads, from the Elaeocarpus ganitrus seed, are valued across faiths for their healing and spiritual power. The name blends “Rudra” (Shiva) and “Aksha” (eye). I.e., they are the “eyes of Lord Shiva.” Rudraksha beads can provide peace, purity, and protection to the wearer or to the meditator.
These sacred beads also differ in shape, size, and mukhi (faces) and contain different energies and ensuing benefits. With a desire to be peaceful inside, to heal the physical form, or to rise spiritually, the Rudraksha bead can serve as a good friend. To allow it to be its best, however, the bead has to be charged. Charging infuses your own intention within the bead, charging it with complete vibrational power to impart its highest spiritual use.
How to Activate Rudraksha Steps
Rudraksha bead activation is a simple but essential process of cleansing, intention, and charging the bead with spiritual energies. The following steps will help you learn how to recharge Rudraksha:
* Selection of the Correct Rudraksha as per Astrology
Each Rudraksha is assigned a particular god and planet to which it is indebted with its astrological significance. So, the initial step in how to recharge rudraksha is the selection of the correct Rudraksha. It is matter of consulting one’s birth chart (kundali) for getting tuned with planetary forces. Some of the most prevalent Rudraksha types and their planetary attributions are detailed below:
- One-Mukhi Rudraksha – Symbolizes the Sun and provides leadership, confidence, and spiritual evolution.
- Two-Mukhi Rudraksha – Governed by the Moon, induces harmony and emotional balance.
- Five-Mukhi Rudraksha – Represented by Jupiter, enhances divine knowledge and wisdom.
- Seven-Mukhi Rudraksha – Represented by Saturn, dissipates ill luck and prosperity.
- Nine-Mukhi Rudraksha – Symbolizes Ketu, which provides divine enlightenment and psychic powers.
* Purification and Cleansing
Cleansing of Rudraksha beads is done before activation to eliminate negative energies picked up during handling. Procedure for how to activate rudraksha:
- Wash the Rudraksha in pure water or leave it submerged in a bowl of Gangajal overnight.
- Add a pinch of raw cow’s milk and honey to the water for further cleansing.
- Wipe the bead gently with a clean, soft cloth.
- Do not clean with chemical cleaners or harsh soap, for they will destroy the natural texture of the bead.
* Preparing the Activation Ceremony
Select a propitious day, e.g., Monday (sacred to Lord Shiva), Thursday (for Jupiter’s grace), or Mahashivaratri. The activation is to be done in a peaceful, sacred area with the east or north direction facing it. Set up a small altar using a Shiva lingam, fresh flowers, sandalwood paste, and an oil lamp (diya) to seek divine grace.
* Sankalpa – Setting the Intention
Before one chants mantras, hold Rudraksha in the right hand and psychically intend. This is called the Sankalpa—a focused intent that brings the energy of the bead in tune with your own desires, be it health, wealth, safety, or spiritual enlightenment.
* Mantras for Energization
The most potent method of energizing the Rudraksha bead is by reciting specific mantras. The energies of the mantras become aligned with the vibrations of the bead and thus become more potent. Mantras are used to transfer divine energy to Rudraksha. Some mantras have to be recited 108 times on a Rudraksha mala, based on the variety of Rudraksha:
1. General Activation Mantra:
“Om Namah Shivaya”
Applicable to all types of Rudraksha.
2. Individual Mantras for Each Mukhi:
One Mukhi Rudraksha – “Om Hreem Namah”
Two Mukhi Rudraksha – “Om Namah”
Three Mukhi Rudraksha – “Om Kleem Namah”
Five Mukhi Rudraksha – “Om Hreem Namah”
Nine Mukhi Rudraksha – “Om Hreem Hum Namah”
Keeping the Rudraksha near your heart will enable the vibrations to resonate with the bead while chanting.
3. Worship to Lord Shiva
After chanting, put the Rudraksha bead on a Shiva lingam or spiritual altar. Perform devotion with white flowers, pure ghee, and sandalwood paste. Meditate for two minutes and imagine divine energy infusing the bead.
4. Sunlight Exposure
After the chanting of the mantra, Rudraksha is stated to be kept in sun exposure to energize it. Keep the bead directly under sunlight for 10-15 minutes. This would energize its natural energies, primarily for healing or energy work. Astrologically, Rudraksha beads are stated to absorb cosmic energies. To make it more potent:
Keep them in morning sunlight for a few hours to make their solar energies strong.
Put them under moonlight on the full moon night to balance emotional and intuitive energies.
5. Wearing the Rudraksha
Wear Rudraksha, after its activation, as per astrological recommendations:
Optimal day to wear: Monday or Thursday after a morning bath.
On which hand to wear: On the right-hand side or around the neck.
Thread material: Wear silk, wool, or gold/silver chains for maximum effects.
Avoid unclean behaviors while wearing: Take off before drinking, or attending funerals.
6. Proper Re-Energization and Maintenance
In order to preserve the Rudraksha in its charged state, wear it daily or place it somewhere that it is constantly being charged by your energy. Wash the bead and charge it in sunlight when needed. In this manner, you preserve its charged field. To keep the Rudraksha in an effective manner, wash and charge it periodically:
- Wash it in pure water and cow’s milk every 15 days.
- Recharge chanting “Om Namah Shivaya” a minimum of 21 times.
- Keep it in a clean, sacred place when not in use.
Conclusion
Rudraksha bead activation is a powerful, conscious process that unleashes the best in these spiritual beads. These are the guidelines on how to activate Rudraksha; through cleansing, intention-setting, and recitation of the right mantras, you can access the complete potential of Rudraksha and bring its energy into your life. Whether for meditation, healing, or spirituality, do remember to do it with respect and reverence.
