Rudraksha- Means of Divine Grace

About the Book This book is an attempt to bring to light the sacred importance of Rudraksha, Shaligrama, Bana-linga, Shankha, Gomati Chakra and Navaratnas.

The colorful layout, tables containing the characterizes features and benefits of Rudraksha, Shaligrama etc., the mantras required to use these, the procedure for maintaining these etc., are the salient features of the book.

Preface Rudraksha is one of the most potent symbols used in Hinduism. It is considered to be the most potent manifestation of the Cosmic Force. Rudraksha is a blessing from Lord Shiva himself to protect mankind from worldly sufferings and miseries. The term `Rudraksha' is used to refer to both the fruit as well as Rudraksha tree. Etymologically the word Rudraksha means-the eye of Rudra [Shiva]. The legend has it that the tree sprang from the tear drop of Rudra; hence Rudraksha is the object of veneration. This Rudraksha is closest to Shiva's heart. It is extremely sacred. Rudraksha is often believed to symbolize the link between the mortal world and the higher worlds. Indians have used Rudraksha beads traditionally. Yogis and Monks have found that merely wearing the Rudraksha beads gave them astonishingly tremendous amount of tranquility, and concentration that helped them meditate for a longer period of time with spectacular control over their mind.

Rudraksha originated from the tear of Lord Shiva. According to Devi Bhagvata Purana, Maya, an asura, performed severe penance along with Taraka and Vidhyunmali to achieve immortality. Finally they got a boon that they could be killed only by Shiva's single arrow, when that single arrow burns the three cities they live.

Maya, who was destined to be the architect of Demonic race, built three flying cities, each moving with respect to each other in such a manner that they converge in a single line only during a day of Pushya Nakshatra, a conjunction which happens once in millions of years. Taraka's fort was made of iron, Vidhyunmali's was made of copper and Maya's was made of gold.

Very soon, the auras took over the entire Universe. Devas were subdued. Divas prayed to Shiva to fight for them and set them free from the reign of Asuras. Shiva acceded to their prayer and asked them to wait for an opportune moment.

At the end of the stipulated time period, Shiva fashioned his weapons and accessories for war from various cosmic elements. The moment the three aerial cities converged, Shiva mounted on his chariot and with Brahma as the charioteer, he sped upwards. He took out his bow, and hit the converged cities with a single arrow which was none other than Vishnu. The cosmic arrow destroyed the three cities.

Book's Contents and Sample Pages