Rudraksha refers to the dried seeds of the Elaeocarpus ganitrus tree, a species found in the Himalayan regions of India, Nepal, and parts of Southeast Asia, including Indonesia and Java. The term is derived from the Sanskrit words "Rudra," a name for the Hindu deity Shiva, and "akṣa," meaning "eye" or "tear," thus translating to "Eye of Rudra" or "Tears of Shiva".

Rudraksha beads can be worn by anyone, regardless of gender, age, cultural, or religious background. Intended to support physical, mental, and spiritual well-being, they are suitable for children, students, the elderly, and those seeking spiritual growth. There are no strict restrictions on who can wear them. 

People wear Rudraksha primarily for spiritual growth, mental peace, and physical health, as these sacred seeds—believed to be tears of Lord Shiva—are thought to create a protective, calming energy field. They are worn to balance chakras, reduce stress, improve concentration, and protect against negative energies, making them popular for meditation and holistic well-being. 

Rudraksha should be worn with faith, preferably after energizing it, on a Monday or an auspicious day during Shukla Paksha. Cleanse new beads by soaking them in ghee and milk for 24 hours each, then string them with cotton, silk, gold, silver, or copper. It should rest directly on the skin, typically as a 108-bead mala around the neck or on the right wrist, maintained by regular cleaning and oiling. 

Authentic Rudraksha can be identified by checking for natural, continuous lines (mukhis) from top to bottom, a rough, thorny, and deeply textured surface, and by ensuring the, X-ray test reveals equal internal compartments and seeds. While a sinking, water-based test is common, it is not conclusive as, fake, heavy beads can also sink

Yes, wearing multiple Rudraksha beads or different types of Mukhi (faced) beads simultaneously is acceptable and beneficial, as it combines their energies to provide multiple, simultaneous effects without any known negative side effects. You can wear a single type of bead, multiple beads of the same type, or a combination of various Mukhis, such as a 2-to-7 Mukhi combination. 

Rudraksha is traditionally used in Ayurvedic and holistic health practices to support well-being and is believed to offer benefits for various ailments; however, it is not a proven cure for diseases by conventional medical standards. Scientific research on the topic is in early stages, and major health organizations like the World Health Organization have not recognized it as a substitute for professional medical treatment. 

Yes, in spiritual traditions and holistic wellness practices, Rudraksha beads are widely believed to help improve concentration, focus, and mental clarity. This effect is attributed to their calming influence on the mind and potential electromagnetic properties that help balance the body's energy. 

Yes, a Rudraksha is considered an auspicious and meaningful gift, symbolizing love, protection, and positive energy for occasions like birthdays, festivals, or milestones. It is believed to provide spiritual, health, and emotional benefits to the recipient. It is generally recommended to gift new, consecrated, and high-quality beads.