Rudraksha the dried fruit of the Rudraksha tree grown in India, Indonesia and the Himalayan Kingdoms considered as a symbol of purity if used properly can remedy many a physical and mental deficiencies besides bestowing the wearer good health, fortune, peace and tranquility.

Though most of the Rudrakshas look alike there is subtle difference among them. The identity and the uniqueness of the various types of Rudraksha are represented by their facets. Though it may be difficult for an ordinary person to identify the genuiness and the type of Rudraksha an expert can do this easily.
Fourteen types of Rudrakshas are commonly found in the market.They vary from one facet to fourteen facets. A few varieties of important ones are discussed below.

Rudraksha with one face:- (Ek Mukhi)
One Faced Rudrakshas are rare and the most virtuous and powerful one. It is very costly and should be bought from genuine and authorised persons. It represents Lord Shiva and is used by people of high spiritual order, Rishis, sages and great devotees. It wards of all past sins and bestows the wearer with divine grace, enlightenment, virtuous mind peace and tranquility. It has limited use for mundane affairs. It helps cure the maladies related to an afflicted sun.

Rudraksha with two faces:- (dwi Mukhi)
Representing both Uma and Maheswara this is comparatively available cheap in the market. It is commonly suggested for conjugal bliss, mental disorders, bronchial problems and general prosperity.This do not call for any rigorous restrictions on the sadhaka.

Rudraksha with five faces:- (pancha Mukhi)
This is the cheapest of all varieties available in the market. It provides the wearer spiritual inclination, blessings of elders and the preceptors , financial success and release from all sins. This is normally worn as single or rosary of multiples of 27.

Rudraksha with six faces:- (shashta Mukhi)
This is represented by Lord Subramanya and the scriptures prescribe it to be worn on the right hand of a male and left for a female. It destroys the evil influences, oppositions, enemies, and diseases.

Rudraksha with eight faces:- (Ashta Mukhi)
Rudraksha with eight facets is normally prescribed for frequent ill health. Representing lord Ganesh the wearer is blessed with release of all sins related to immoral acts bestows virtuous character and leads to salvation.

Rudraksha with fourteen faces:- (Chathur dasa Mukhi)
Representing the universal Ardha Nareeswara concept this is the one that is popularly known as Gowri Shankara Rudraksha. Rare and costly among all types of Rudraksha it ensures the wearer all kinds of wealth , power and worldly comforts. People who aspire for mundane success ,money, fame and power may obtain this .

The wearer of all kinds of Rudrakshas is expected to be virtuous , calm and keep the senses under control . He is advised to keep away from bad company , wine meat and cigars. Wearing the same on inauspicious occasions and with unclean body and surroundings may bring negative results.

Who can wear a Rudraksha ?
People of all walks of life can wear the Rudraksha subject to the general restrictions mentioned above. Contrary to the popular belief besides men and children women also can wear Rudraksha during the 10 reproductive days of their monthly cycle and women off the reproductive age throughout the month.

The selection and the identification of the Rudraksha should be made with the help of a an experienced person on the subject and Astrology. It is considered auspicious should the Rudraksha be received as a gift from the preceptor or person of high spiritual order along with proper Manthra(Divine Syllables) and rituals and the latter followed scrupulously to derive maximum benifits.
This is an abridged version of one of my earlier articles published on the subject. If you would like to know more about Rudraksha and its uses Visit this Blog