• Introduction to Rudraksha and chapter contents. It also tells how book author Rajendar Menen got interested in Rudraksha.

Navi Mumbai based Rajendar Menen is an internationally acclaimed writer with an unusual body of work that caters to unconventional subjects and unchartered fields which most writers dare not to deal with. He is an award winning journalist (began career with The Times of India), whose works have been published in several countries.  

He has written five books on different aspects of healing, and freelanced for the BBC, UNFPA, France 2, Ray of Hope Kathmandu, the Teachers Training Centre in Tralee, Ireland, Gulf News and several other international media organisations. His outstanding and enriching contribution in the field of international journalism and literature spans more than four decades.

The latest book by Rajendar Menen is Rudraksha Power. It is a unique and unusual book that enlightens readers regarding the significance of the Rudraksha, the sacred bead which is considered the tears of Lord Shiva, the inception, the varied types of Rudraksha, their medicinal properties and how it is used for spiritual and mental growth, well-being of human life and existence.

Renowned spiritual mentor Sadhguru of Isha Foundation says, “Without some amount of grace no human being, no creature would be alive. But if you consciously make Grace a part of your life, everything will work easily and smoothly, it will be a well lubricated life. Rudraksha enhances that possibility.” 

Rudraksha is a mysterious and powerful tool for self-empowerment and transformation.

The book has twenty-five chapters. Chapter contents

The first chapter says, “Shiva is omnipotent and He exists in atoms and the cosmos.” The second is The Rudraksha Brotherhood. It tells about the author’s encounter with a famous male classical dancer, business man etc who tell how their life transformed after they started wearing the Rudraksha and worshipping the same. The third chapter is the Miraculous Bead. The fourth is Prayer beads. The fifth points out that Rudraksha are not religion specific. The sixth is about The Mukhis (Faces) and its impact. The subsequent chapters are Bead Chants, Retailing the Miraculous Beads, Interesting questions asked regarding the significance and importance of Rudraksha. The eleventh chapter is, “Its Effectiveness has a simplicity around it much like the simplicity surrounding Mahadev.” 

The subsequent chapters are Medicinal Uses of Rudraksha, Chemical composition of Rudraksha, If You wear the appropriate Rudraksha and Work Hard, Everything is Possible, The Divine Accessories and Symbolism of Lord Shiva, the Dentist Wears the Rudraksha, 108 names of Shiva, the Rudraksha Protects Me, Different Avatars of Shiva, Rudraksha is a sacred tool for enlightenment, Global Voices(chapter 21) features individuals from different countries and walks of life and their involvement with the sacred Rudraksha.

The concluding chapters include the 12 Jyotirlingas of India,  Kalpa Vigraha- the 28,450 year old Lord Shiva Pratima, Even the Gopis pray to Lord Shiva for his Blessings. The last chapter is the spiritual journey of an unknown man.

Rudraksha beads are the living seeds of a fruit.

The Rudraksha tree is call “Elaeocarpus Ganitrus Roxb” in the botanical world and seeds from the fruit of this tree are the mystical Rudraksha. The clefts on the surface of this bead are Mukhis (faces). The islands of Java, Sumatra, Borneo, Bali and Timor, in modern day Indonesia and certain parts of Nepal are home to the magnificent Rudraksha trees. About 70% of the beads are found in Indonesia, 25% in Nepal and 5% in India. 

Traditionally Rudraksh beads are used by Yogis and Monks esp. during spiritual practices. The beads empowers them to experience control over the mind and help them in prolonged meditation.

The author narrates as to how for the first time a Baba (monk) presented him with a Rudraksha and blessed him, this incident left an indelible impression that aroused his curiosity to know and discover as what is the Rudraksha.

Subsequently Rajendar met many individuals who have been using the Rudraksha and they revealed interesting experiences that transformed and refurbished their life and their mission in life.

The book is interesting and absorbing. Written in lucid English it explores the mystical world of Rudraksha. A must read for those who are interested in divine Rudraksha and those who worship Lord Shiva.

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Also read

1. Offering Free Rudraksha Beads to Shiva Devotees, My Volunteering Experience at Isha

2. What are the Myths and Misconceptions about Rudraksha

3. About RUDRAKSHA