Types of Rudraksha Beads - Popular and Special Rudraksh Varieties
Rudraksha Bead Types
Shasta’s speak of 1 to 38 mukhis in Rudraksha Beads, but normally only 1 to 14 faced beads are used for astrological purposes and the rest are considered as rare or special beads. Wearing Rudraksha Beads helps to overcome difficulties and obstacles in life caused by the impact of Planets. It also protects the wearer from several diseases because of its medicinal and healing properties.
There are several types of Rudraksha Beads based on the clefts or faces on the surface of the beads. The clefts or facets on the rudraksha bead are referred to as ‘mukhi’. The best Rudrakshas available in the market are from Nepal with clearly defined faces and is a favorite with Rudraksha Sellers. Given below is a short description of rudraksha bead varieties.
Type of Rudraksha Beads
Click thumbnail to view full-size1- 21 mukhi and special Rudraksha Beads
Given below are the details of the different types of rudraksha beads.
One Mukhi
This Bead is the symbol of Lord Shiva and is ruled by Sun. This bead is used to rectify all sun related problems in the horoscope.
Two Mukhi
This Bead is associated with Moon and is a remedy for Moon related problems in one's horoscope. This bead is considered as a symbol of Ardhanareeshwar.
Three Mukhi
The three faced rudraksha bead is the symbol of the Trinity (Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesha). It also represents the Fire God (Agni) and is ruled by Planet Mars. This is suitable for those with unfavourable positioning of mars in the horoscope like Maglik Dosha.
Four Mukhi
This Bead is ruled by the planet Mercury and is prescribed as a remedy for curing the malefic effects of Mercury in the horoscope. This bead also represents Lord Brahma and gives the wearer the four essentials of life namely Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha.
Five Mukhi
This Bead is the most common of all rudraksha beads. This bead is governed by the planet Jupiter and acts as a remedy for Jupiter related problems in horoscope.
Six Mukhi
This Bead is governed by planet Venus and wearing this bead helps in controlling the malefic effects of Venus in the horoscope. Six Mukhi is also representation of Kartikeya, the son of Lord Shiva and Parvathi.
Seven Mukhi
This bead , also referred to as Kamdev Rudraksha , is ruled by the planet Saturn is prescribed as a remedy for Saturn related problems like Sadesaati and Kal Sarpa yoga.
Eight Mukhi
The ruling planet of this bead is Rahu and therefore is used to reduce the malefic effects of Rahu in Horoscope. The 8 mukhi bead is also represented by Lord Ganesha who is worshipped prior to all the other gods.
Nine Mukhi
This Bead is ruled by Ketu and is worn to control it’s malefic effects of Ketu and is used to remove the effects of Kaal Sarp Yoga.
Ten Mukhi
This bead does not have a ruling planet. The ruling lord of this bead is Lord Mahavishnu, the preserver of the Universe.
Eleven Mukhi
This bead does not have any particular ruling planet. The ruling lords of this rudraksha bead are Lord Indra and Lord Hanuman (eleventh rudra). This bead is also known as 'Ekadash Rudraksha'.This bead is considered a good remedy for problems related with Mars, Jupiter and Saturn.
Twelve Mukhi
This bead is representation of Sun God and is prescribed as a remedy for Sun related problems. The lord of Twelve Faced Rudraksha bead is Lord Vishnu.
Thirteen Mukhi
The Thirteen faced Rudraksha is the symbol of Lord Indra and Kamadeva (Cupid). The ruling planet of this bead is Venus and therefore it inherits virtues like love, affection, beauty and attraction as its attributes.
Fourteen Mukhi
This bead is ruled by planet Saturn and is recommended as a solution Saturn related problems. This bead is a very effective one during the Sadesati and also should be worn by those having Kaal Sarp Yoga. This ruling lord of the 14 mukhi is Hanuman, the eleventh rudra.
Fifteen Mukhi
Fifteen Faced Rudraksha bead is governed by Lord Pashupati. This Rudraksha bead is ruled by "Rahu".
Sixteen Mukhi
This bead, also known as Jai Rudraksha, represents Lord Vishnu and Shiva and therefore is the symbol of victory.This Rudraksha is ruled by "Ketu" and counteracts its bad effects.
Seventeen Mukhi
This bead is representation of Lord Vishvakarma the builder of this materialistic world. It also represents Goddess Durga.
Eighteen Mukhi
This Bead, also referred to as Bhoomi Rudraksha, represents Mother Earth and keeps the wearer happy and healthy.
Nineteen Mukhi
This bead is representation of Goddess Lakshmi and lord Narayana . 19 mukhi also represents lord ganesh, lord Shiva and lordess Parvati.
Twenty Mukhi
This bead is also representation of Lord Brahma . This rudraksha bead enhances knowledge as well as gives mental peace to the wearer.
Twenty One Mukhi
This bead is representation of Lord Kuber who is the God of wealth. This bead is also referred to as ‘Kuber Rudraksha’.
Ganesh Rudraksha
This bead is representation of Lord Ganesha who is the remover of all obstacles and brings in luck to the wearer.
Gauri Shankar Rudraksha
The Gaurishankar bead is formed by the union of two Rudraksha beads and symbolizes Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati as ardhanareeswer. The ruling planet for this Bead is the Moon.
Garb Gauri Rudraksha
The Garb Gauri or Ganesh Gauri bead is the smaller form of Gauri Shankar and symbolic of Goddess Parvati and son Ganesh. In Gauri Shankar both the joined beads are of equal size but in Garbh Gauri one bead is smaller than the other.
Trijuti Rudraksha
Trijuti is a combination of three naturally joined rudraksha beads. This is a very rare phenomenon and is symbolic of the Trinity (Lord Bramha, Vishnu and Mahesh).
1 to 14 faced rudraksha beads have maximum demand and are easily available. Ganesh Rudraksha also has good demand. Above 14 mukhi are rare rudrakshas and the prices are very high.
For more information on the different varieties of rudraksh beads, their benefits, astrological impacts, power to cure diseases and mantras to be chanted visit my Blog on the subject "The Power of Rudraksha Beads".