A Rudraksha bead appears to be very strong externally & can be passed on from generation to generation only if maintained properly, however no one could guess the age of a Rudraksha bead as it could even be a few days, months or years.
Hence, one should also keep in mind that it is a natural product & subject to wear & tear if not handled & taken care off properly it can give way.
One should avoid mishandling like throwing the bead / mala or playing with it as its contours might
chip off or the bead might crack. Here are a few tips that would help to maintain the bead.
Ø Rudraksha beads being a natural product contain natural oil, which on drying reduces the life of the bead, hence one should see to it that the beads are regularly oiled & free from fungus & insects. If Rudraksha is worn during bath, it is recommended to keep it away from soap, as excess soap, powder,perfumes spoils or might reduce the life of the bead by drying its natural oil and penetrating or sticking to it. Water is good for the beads but at the same
time one should ensure the Rudraksha is kept for complete drying as wet beads may attract fungus. If it is not worn during bath, the mala should be cleaned & oiled average once in 2 months as mentioned below.
Ø Clean your mala / beads when you feel they require cleaning after regular usage.
Ø Dip the beads in Luke warm water & soak it for around half hour to 45 minutes.
Ø Delicately use a fresh / new & unused plastic / fibre bristle brush to clean the dirt and grime that fixes in the pores of the beads. This can be kept as a dedicated brush only to clean auspicious Rudraksha beads & nothing else.
Ø Place the beads on a cloth or newspaper to absorb the excess water & expose it to Sun for quick drying. Allow it to dry for 1 to 2 days. Meanwhile keep feeling the beads & you would get to know if they have dried up completely.
Ø When the beads turn completely dry apply some oil on the beads by using a brush.
Ø A mixture of sandalwood oil & olive oil is considered to be the best as it leaves a nice soothing fragrance as well as maintains the health of the Rudraksha. Oiling can be repeated whenever the beads seem dry. Kindly do not use ghee as it leaves a typical smell in the Rudraksha beads.
Ø Oiling at least once is two months is recommended, if possible more number of times would be still better. This would maintain the life of the bead.
Other Important Tips
Ø One should not interchange their Rudraksha bead / mala with anyone, onecan pass it on as wishes or blessings to their near & dear ones but should notinter change regularly. This is because Rudraksha & you get use to each other & there has been acceptances by both……So kindly do not disturb the same.
Ø Rudraksha can be worn in any metal, be it gold / silver / copper / panchdhatu or thread. It has electrical and magnetic properties, which enhances when worn with metal.
Ø One can wear any combination of Rudraksha beads as it does not have any negative effects on its wearer or possessor. They are simply the most natural representations of Gods & goddesses & hence can’t have any reverse or negative effects.
Ø One can wear the mala of 54 or 108 beads or rather any number of beads with different mukhis as per their need/requirement.
Ø Anyone can wear Rudraksha, without any discrimination of caste, creed & sex as Rudraksha is made by the Lord for the benefits of mankind.
Ø Rudraksha should be kept well cleaned and oiled, at least once in two months.
Ø Never loose faith in Rudraksha, it is said that it positively gives effects. However, nobody can precisely say when & how much will it effect. The percentage & time of effects is not defined & at the same time there is instrument that could measure the same. Kindly, beware of traders who claim the time period & percentage of effects of a Rudraksha bead at the time of selling as this may be just a marketing stunt to push sales.
