Rudraksha is commonly used to mean the seeds of the rudraksha tree, Elaeocarpus ganitrus. The Rudraksha is a large evergreen broad-leaved tree which grows in the area from the Gangetic Plain to the foothills of Himalayas. Rudraksha trees are also found in middle areas of Nepal. Rudraksha seeds are covered by an outer shell of blue color when fully ripe, therefore, Rudraksha seeds are also called as blueberry beads. Rudraksha is also used for treatment of various diseases in traditional Indian medicine.

In Sanskrit rudraksha literally means "the eye of Rudra" or "red-eyed", from rud, "to cry," and aksha, meaning "eye". In one story by Śaivites, God himself (Śiva) shed a tear, on viewing the misfortunes of humanity. This single tear became the first Rudraksha tree, and a sign of his compassion. In

Rudraraka beads are the material from which sacred garlands (108 beads in number) or rosaries are made. In essence, rudraksha is a Saivite rosary. They are used for japa mala. Rudraraka is a common aid to worship in Śaivism and Ayya Vazhi. Rudraksha mala are worn by Hindu monks, and many devotees wear a single bead hung from their neck. The use of rudraraksha can distinguish denomination amongst Hindus. Vaishnavites use beads made of tulsi while Saivites use rudraraksa.

See also

• Japa Mala
• Japa
• Murti
• relic
• fetish
• mana