Rudraksha is termed by joining the two words - "Rudra" and "Aksha". `Rudra` is one of the avatars of Lord Shiva. `Aksha` means tears. The legend goes that the Shiva had to counteract powerful Demons in the ongoing war against gods. When the entire destruction was settled down, Shiva opened his eyes and shed tears. The legendary tree of Rudraksha was born on the very place those tears fell. That is how Rudraksha, known as a divine bead came into existence. Technically Rudraksha are beads from the tree "Elaeocarpus Ganitrus" found mainly in South, South East Asia, Asia pacific and China.

Rudraksha is one of the miraculous creations of nature, where the seed is shaped by number of clefts on its surface. These clefts are known as Mukhis, or faces. There are about 1 to 38 Mukhi rudraksha present. In most cases, 1 to 14 Mukhi rudraksha are used for astrological purpose. A particular Mukhi rudraksha is believed to encounter the malefic effects of a specific planet. This unique bead has got many splendid properties influential enough to control human behaviour and destiny. The secret lies in the wonderful electro magnetic properties the bead invokes, when in interaction with Human aura.

Although it is advised that a competent astrologer should select a rudraksha after carefully going through ones horoscope, any selection of rudraksha bead do not harm the wearer in any case. This is unlike from effect of gems used for the same purpose. Rudraksha carries within itself unique electro magnetic properties, which in turn empowers the possessor when in touch with human body, or, even when it is safely kept in the house. Rudraksha enhances the effects of a weak planet, and streamlines the effects of a malefic one into a positive energy. Rudraksha is also known to produce heat, and can turn out to be allergic to skin in very rare cases. In such cases, a touch with the skin is not advised. Other than that, a rudraksha bead is completely harmless.

A rudraksha gives profound effects in the physical, mental and emotional enrichment of a person. It also empowers all to enhance their destines and attain fulfillment in their lives. It is a bit difficult to procure an original Rudraksha, as there are only a few meaningful out of the many beads that fall from the tree. Still a rudraksha does not gives its full effect till it has been purified and energized through rituals and puja. Any misuse of rudraksha can also cause loss of its powers. A strict precaution regime also has to be followed while wearing it. A proper prana prathishtha activates a rudraksha to give its immense blessings to the one wearing it.

One might easily relate the bead to spiritual significance only, as yogis and sadhaks are seen adorning it in most cases compared to common people. It is because a rudraksha can provide high level of concentration, and sub conscious strength to attain certain Siddhis. In a more worldly sense, a rudraksha can give many physical and materialistic benefits as well. Though there are a few claims for no affects of rudraksha (probably because they have not followed the rituals, or the rudraksha is a fake one), there are many who can vouch for the amazing changes it can bring in a person`s life.

A particular Mukhi rudraksha corresponds to the effects of a certain planet. If a particular planet is weak in the horoscope, the Rudraksha stimulates its qualities. On a planet being too strong or malefic in the chart, the rudraksha has its influence in a positive energy. A thorough checkup of the horoscope must be done to select the appropriate rudraksha. Since none of the rudraksha gives a harmful effect, hence there is no possibility of risk taking. Still, general categorization of its properties and the attributes to which different Mukhi rudraksha relates to are described below:

1. Eka Mukhi
2. Dvi Mukhi
3. Tri Mukhi
4. Chatur Mukhi
5. Pancha Mukhi
6. Shhat Mukh
7. Sapta Mukhi
8. Ashta Mukhi
9. Nava Mukhi
10. Dash Mukhi
11. Ekaadasha Mukhi
12. Dvaadasha Mukhi
13. Trayodasha Mukhi
14. Chaturdasha Mukhi
15. Fifteen Mukhi
16. Sixteen Mukhi
17. Seventeen Mukhi
18. Eighteen Mukhi
19. Nineteen Mukhi
20. Twenty Mukhi
21. Trijuti Rudraksha
22. Ganesha Rudraksha
23. Nag Rudraksha
24. Gaurishankar Rudraksha
25. Gauri Ganesh Rudraksha