5 Mukhi Nanhe Rudraksha Mala – 108+1 Beads

The word rudraksha means "the tears of Rudra". It is said that when Lord Shiva opened his eyes after a long meditation, tears of compassion fell to the earth, and from them grew the rudraksha tree.

Look closely at a bead and you will see five natural lines running from top to bottom. Devotees see in them the five faces of Shiva, and the bead is revered as Kalagni Rudra, a form of Shiva himself. That is why the 5 mukhi is the rudraksha most worn and most loved: 108 of them in your hands, and one guru bead to bring you back to where you began.

Wear it, and Mahadev stays close. Devotees who wear the 5 mukhi speak of:

• Strength for a weak Guru: ruled by Guru (Jupiter), it is the traditional remedy when Guru is weak or troubled in the chart, for wisdom, good guidance and blessings on marriage and children.
• Focus for study and work: students, teachers, writers and anyone who works with the mind have long worn it for clarity and concentration.
• A calmer mind: worn for peace, fewer racing thoughts, and a steadier heart through busy days.
• Shiva's protection: traditionally worn as a shield of faith, like carrying Mahadev's blessing on you.
• The heart of japa: the traditional mala for "Om Namah Shivaya", beads that have carried Shiva's name for centuries.

The 5 mukhi suits every rashi, men and women alike, which is why it is so often the very first rudraksha a person wears. For a first mala, for a student, or for someone you love.

These are traditional beliefs, lovingly kept, and not guaranteed results.

The first time: on a Monday, Shiva's day, or on Mahashivratri or during Shravan; if you wear it for Guru, a Thursday is also good:

1. Bathe, light a diya, and sprinkle a few drops of Ganga jal or clean water on the mala.
2. Hold it in both palms and set your sankalp, the one intention this mala will carry with you.
3. Chant "Om Hreem Namah" 9 or 108 times, or "Om Namah Shivaya", and wear it.

For japa: rest the mala on your right middle finger and turn one bead with your thumb for each chant, starting beside the guru bead. When you reach the guru bead, turn the mala around; never cross it.

The fit: 108+1 firmly knotted beads that rest at your chest when worn, and can be wrapped around the wrist. The knots keep the beads from rubbing against each other.

Care for it the way you care for your practice: gently, every day.

• Take it off before bathing, swimming or a workout. Soap and sweat dry out the beads and weaken the thread.
• Keep it away from perfume and chemicals.
• Once a month, rub a drop of sesame or mustard oil into the beads with a soft brush and wipe off the extra. It keeps the rudraksha from drying and cracking.
• Keep it in its pouch or on your altar when you're not wearing it.
• On Purnima or a Monday, many devotees wash it in clean water, pass it through dhoop smoke and offer a short prayer. If this is part of your tradition, let it become your monthly ritual.

Many stores sell rudraksha. Here is what you get only with Arutra:

• Proof: many stores show one common certificate. We show the lab report for your own batch, so your rudraksha is 100% authentic and you can check it yourself.
• What was packed: many stores ship with no record. You can watch the video of your own mala being packed.
• Quality check: many stores ship straight from the supplier. We count every bead, check its mukhi lines, and test every knot and thread ourselves; if a mala doesn't pass, it doesn't leave us.
• Returns: many stores make returns hard. You get 7-day returns, and your refund within 3 days of the return reaching us.
• Your practice: most stores just sell. Arutra is the same app you open for the Gita, Naam Jap and your daily Saadhana, trusted by thousands of devotees.