Rudraksha beads, believed to hold potent spiritual energy, have captivated seekers for centuries. These sacred seeds, born from the Elaeocarpus Ganitrus tree, are not just beautiful ornaments but are revered for their potential to enhance meditation, promote well-being, and foster a deeper connection with the divine. However, the allure of Rudraksha has also given rise to a market filled with imitations. In this guide, we'll delve into the art of discernment, exploring key techniques to identify genuine Rudraksha beads and ensure you're investing in authentic spiritual tools.
Understanding Rudraksha: A Brief Overview
What has made the Rudraksha unique needs to be understood before the methods of identification.
Not Man Made: Rudraksh's are not manufactured. It is a seed which grows within the fruit of the Rudraksha tree.
Mukhis: The most distinguishing feature of a Rudraksha is the natural grooves or lines known as "Mukhis." There can be many Mukhis and each is unique. It has significance in determining the bead.
Hardness and Density: Original Rudraksh's are hard and dense. They are smooth but with a slightly rough feel.
Main Ways to Identify the Original Rudraksha:
Counting Mukhi: Do count the number of Mukhis. They must be uniformly distributed and formed naturally, not artificially carved.
Form and Dimension: The overall form or shape and dimensions of the beads. Basically it's close to all in different natural shapes and dimension Rudrakshas. Do not accept spherical shaped or of nearly the same sizes ones as those would possibly be molded into.
Color and Texture: Fresh Rudraksh beads are actually very diverse on color ranging light brown, gets darker to what is considered nearer to black at times.
They should appear completely natural with fine graininess in contrast to heavily glazed or colored-like.
Weight test:
True beads are typically always denser in its absolute than the fakes. Place the bead inside your palm-measure the weights. They'll present themselves quite substantive relative to their size and weight.
Tap the bead gently on a hard surface. A genuine Rudraksha will sound crisp and clearly ring while the false one is dull or hollow sounding
Water Test:
Dip the Rudraksha bead in a glass of water.
Rudraksha: In the normal scenario, all authentic Rudraksha beads sink in the water, but some low density versions float.
Fake Rudraksha: Most of these fake beads are low in weight; they float.
Note: This is not fool proof as sometimes fakes are also weighed to enable sinking.
Heat Test (Caution Needed):
Place a low flame under the bead holding it in between fingers for a little over half a second or so.
Original Rudraksha: A real rudraksha can tolerate heat but with minimum damage yet they do not crack nor break down
This should be done very careful. Sudden jerky heating will probably split a precious bead.
X-ray Test:
X-ray test is considered the best test for proving the originality of the Rudraksha beads.
Internal Structure: The X-ray visibility through the bead can look inside to check artificial stuffing or changes in the beads
Expert Analysis: X-ray needs to be done by experts with well-known laboratories
How to Obtain Natural Rudrakshas:
Well Established Traders: Buy from famous jewelers, temples, or from authentic online dealers whose previous sales record of genuine products is excellent.
Consult Professionals: Consult the experienced dealers or spiritual gurus who would be better to advise regarding authentic beads.
Certificate: Obtain Rudraksha beads that are coming with the authenticity certificate issued from a reliable source.
Actual characteristics of Rudraksa beads
Natural Mukhis, right weight and density, smooth with slight rugosity.
FAQs
How can fake beads be tested for?
Ans: Visual testing, weight and density testing, water test, X-ray test,
Is the water test an appropriate test to confirm the authenticity of the Rudraksh?
Ans: No, it is not; Synthetic beads may weight so that they go down in water
Where the authentic Rudraksh bead be available?
Ans: Only recognized vendors should be permitted to purchase the Rudraksha beads with expert advice. Plus, search for certified Rudraksha.
How many Mukhis are in the Rudraksha bead?
Ans: Religious worth of a bead will be provided by the number of Mukhis.
