What is Rudraksha !

Know the rudraksha

Rudraksha(also Rudraksh; Sanskrit: rudrākṣa ("Rudra-eyed")) is a large evergreen broad-leaved tree whose seed is traditionally used for prayer beads in Hinduism. The seed is borne by several species of Elaeocarpus, with E. ganitrus being the principal species used.

Botanical Description of Rudraksha

Botanical Name     

Elaeocarpus Ganitrus Roxb.

Family   

Tiliaceae, the Lime/Linden family.

Extents

The Rudraksha tree inhabits in Manila, Philippines, Myanmar,North-East India, Bangladesh,Nepal and Bhutan.However, in present era, the good Rudraksha tree is localized only in Eastern Nepal.

The tree is a perennial i.e. grows throughout the year and is about 50-200feet high. Rudraksha tree takes a pyramidal shape. The leaves of Rudraksha tree are shinning green on the upper side with a dull leathery dorsal side. 

Rudraksha flowers are white with fringed petals and they appear in April-May.

Rudraksha fruits appear in June and ripen by August-October. 

They are globular in shape with a fleshy exterior.

The bead present inside is hard and tubercle. 

Composition   

Rudraksha is covered by a blue outer shell on ripening. Rudraksha beads contain 50.031 % carbon, 0.95% nitrogen, 17.897% hydrogen and 30.53% oxygen.