Different Types of Rudraksha You Should Know
A complete, belief-framed guide to the sacred bead of Lord Shiva — from 1 Mukhi to 21 Mukhi and the rare joined beads — with each bead's ruling planet, presiding deity, beej mantra and what it is traditionally worn for.
What Is a Rudraksha?
Rudraksha, often called the “Tears of Lord Shiva,” is a sacred bead derived from the fruit of the Elaeocarpus ganitrus tree, found predominantly in the Himalayan region across Nepal, India and Indonesia. The name comes from the Sanskrit Rudra (a name for Lord Shiva) and Aksha (teardrop), pointing to its revered origin in Shaiva belief.
In Hindu tradition, rudraksha beads are said to have formed from the tears of Lord Shiva as he meditated for the well-being of the universe. They are worn as a mala (prayer beads) or pendant and used in meditation and daily practice. Scriptures such as the Shiva Purana and Padma Purana describe the many types of rudraksha — classified by the number of natural faces, or mukhi — each associated in tradition with a particular deity and planetary energy. You can explore certified beads in our Natural Rudraksha collection.
Nepali vs Indonesian (Java) Rudraksha
Both Nepali and Indonesian rudraksha are genuine Elaeocarpus ganitrus beads — the difference is in size, appearance and origin, not in authenticity. Choosing between them is a matter of size, budget and personal preference.
| Origin | Appearance | Typically chosen for |
|---|---|---|
| Nepali (Himalayan) | Larger beads with deep, clearly separated mukhi lines and a firm surface. | Traditionally considered premium; preferred when clarity of faces and size matter. |
| Indonesian (Java) | Smaller, smoother beads with faces that are less pronounced. | More affordable and widely available; popular for malas and everyday wear. |
How to Identify an Original Rudraksha
A genuine rudraksha grows a natural number of faces that can be confirmed — here is an honest guide to what actually works.
- Look at the mukhi lines: real faces are natural, continuous clefts running pole to pole. Carved or glued “extra” lines usually look uneven or interrupted.
- The reliable test is an X-ray: a laboratory X-ray reveals the internal seed compartments, which should match the number of faces on the outside. This is the dependable method to confirm both authenticity and mukhi count.
- Folk tests are not proof: popular sink-or-float water tests and copper-coin rotation are commonly quoted but are not reliable indicators of a real bead — don't rely on them alone.
- Insist on certification: every GemsMantra order ships with a verifiable Authenticity Report you can check by number, and an optional X-ray certificate is available. Read more on our Certification & Guarantee page.
The Importance of Mukhi & Beej Mantra
Each mukhi is traditionally linked to a specific deity and planet, and to a beej (seed) mantra that devotees recite while wearing the bead. Selecting a mukhi according to one's goals — or, in astrology, one's chart — is central to the practice. For a personalised suggestion you can use our Lucky Rudraksha Calculator.
Types of Rudraksha by Mukhi (1 to 21)
The table below is drawn from Vedic and Shaiva tradition and texts such as the Shiva Purana and Padma Purana. The “Traditionally worn for” column describes matters of faith and custom — not medical, scientific or guaranteed outcomes. Bead names link to the product where available.
| Rudraksha | Ruling Planet | Presiding Deity | Beej Mantra | Traditionally worn for (in Vedic belief) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Mukhi (Ek Mukhi) | Sun | Lord Shiva | Om Namah Shivaya | Focus, meditation and a sense of higher awareness; the rarest and most revered bead. |
| 2 Mukhi (Do Mukhi) | Moon | Ardhanareshwara (Shiva-Shakti) | Om Namah | Harmony and emotional balance in relationships and the home. |
| 3 Mukhi (Teen Mukhi) | Sun | Agni Dev | Om Kleem Namah | Letting go of past regret; self-confidence and a fresh start. |
| 4 Mukhi (Char Mukhi) | Jupiter | Brihaspati / Lord Brahma | Om Hreem Namah | Learning, clear communication and creativity; favoured by students. |
| 5 Mukhi (Panch Mukhi) | Jupiter | Kalagni Rudra | Om Hreem Namah | Calm, peace of mind and everyday well-being; the universal, most-worn bead. |
| 6 Mukhi (Shat Mukhi) | Mars | Kartikeya | Om Hoom Namah | Willpower, grounding and steady emotions. |
| 7 Mukhi (Sapt Mukhi) | Venus | Goddess Mahalakshmi | Om Shreem Namah | A prosperity mindset, confidence and an outlook of abundance. |
| 8 Mukhi (Asht Mukhi) | Ketu | Lord Ganesha | Om Ganeshaya Namah | Clearing obstacles and steady decision-making. |
| 9 Mukhi (Nav Mukhi) | Rahu | Goddess Durga | Om Dum Durgaye Namah | Courage, inner strength and fearlessness. |
| 10 Mukhi (Das Mukhi) | All Planets | Lord Vishnu | Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya | A sense of protection and security from negativity. |
| 11 Mukhi (Ekadash Mukhi) | All Planets | Lord Hanuman | Om Hum Hanumate Namah | Concentration, discipline and steadiness of mind. |
| 12 Mukhi (Dwadash Mukhi) | Sun | Surya Dev | Om Kraum Ksaum Raum Namah | Confidence, leadership, drive and vigour. |
| 13 Mukhi (Terah Mukhi) | Venus | Lord Indra & Kamadeva | Om Hreem Namah | Charisma, personal magnetism and expression. |
| 14 Mukhi (Chaudah Mukhi) | Saturn & Mars | Lord Shiva & Lord Hanuman | Om Namah Shivaya | Intuition, mental clarity and resilience; one of the rarest beads. |
| 15 Mukhi (Pandrah Mukhi) | Mercury | Lord Pashupatinath (Shiva) | Om Namah Shivaya | Emotional balance and heart-centred calm. |
| 16 Mukhi (Solah Mukhi) | Moon | Lord Mahamrityunjaya (Shiva) | Om Hreem Hoom Namah | Courage and a feeling of security. |
| 17 Mukhi (Satrah Mukhi) | Saturn | Goddess Katyayani & Vishwakarma | Om Hreem Hoom Namah | Ambition balanced with material and spiritual goals. |
| 18 Mukhi (Atharah Mukhi) | Mars | Goddess Prithvi (Earth) | Om Hreem Shreem Vasudhaye Swaha | Grounding, stability and connection to the earth. |
| 19 Mukhi (Unnees Mukhi) | Mercury | Lord Narayan | Om Vam Vishnave Sheershayane Swaha | Fulfilment, confidence and leadership. |
| 20 Mukhi (Bees Mukhi) | Earth | Lord Brahma (Trinity) | Rudrarupaye Kalpante Namastubhyam Trimurtaye | Knowledge, creativity and learning; a very rare bead. |
| 21 Mukhi (Ikkes Mukhi) | Earth | Lord Kubera | Om Yakshaya Kuberaya Vaishravanaya… Swaha | An outlook of abundance and prosperity; among the rarest beads. |
Special & Rare Joined (Sanyukt) Rudraksha
Some rudraksha grow naturally joined together or in a distinctive shape. These are rare and especially revered in tradition. As above, the descriptions are matters of belief, not guaranteed outcomes.
| Bead | Ruling Planet | Presiding Deity | Beej Mantra | Traditionally worn for (in Vedic belief) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gauri Shankar | Venus | Lord Shiva & Goddess Parvati | Om Shree Gauri Shankaraya Namah | Two beads joined as one — love, unity and harmony between partners. |
| Ganesh Rudraksha | Ketu | Lord Ganesha | Om Hoom Namah | Shaped like Ganesha's form — auspicious beginnings and the clearing of obstacles. |
| Garbh Gauri | Venus | Goddess Parvati & Lord Ganesha | Om Shree Gauri Ganeshaye Namah | Family harmony and the bond between parent and child. |
| Trijuti (Tribhagi) | All Planets | Brahma, Vishnu & Mahesh | Om Hoom Namah | Three beads joined naturally — leadership and spiritual strength; extremely rare. |
| Gaurishankar-Sawar / Savar Naag | Venus | Lord Shiva | Om Namah Shivaya | A bead with a naturally attached companion — family coordination, harmony and balance. |
Who Can Wear Rudraksha?
In tradition, rudraksha may be worn by anyone — any age, gender or faith. There is no restriction on who may wear a bead as an object of devotion. The 5 Mukhi is the universal choice suitable for everyone, while other mukhis are selected according to personal goals or, in astrology, the planets in one's birth chart. If you are unsure, our Lucky Rudraksha Calculator offers a starting suggestion, and a detailed consultation can help you choose with confidence.
How to Wear & Care for Your Rudraksha
- Stringing: wear on cotton or silk thread, or capped in silver or gold, as a mala or single pendant against the skin.
- Starting out: many begin on an auspicious day such as a Monday or Shivratri, after a simple wash, reciting the bead's beej mantra as a personal practice.
- Already energised: GemsMantra rudraksha ship pre-energised free of cost, so you can begin wearing them straight away.
- Care: keep the bead clean and dry; oil occasionally with a little sandalwood or mustard oil to nourish it; avoid harsh chemicals and prolonged soaking.
For step-by-step guidance, read How to Wear Rudraksha and How to Energise Rudraksha, and see our full list of rudraksha benefits and the rarest rudraksha beads.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Rudraksha?
How many types of Rudraksha (mukhi) are there?
What is the difference between Nepali and Indonesian (Java) Rudraksha?
How can I check whether a Rudraksha is original?
Which Rudraksha should I wear?
Do I need to energise the Rudraksha before wearing it?
Can anyone wear a Rudraksha?
Find Your Rudraksha
Every GemsMantra rudraksha is X-ray tested, ships pre-energised and carries a verifiable Authenticity Report. Not sure which bead suits you? We're happy to guide you.
Shop Natural Rudraksha Lucky Rudraksha Calculator Ask on WhatsAppGemsMantra by Astro Arun Pandit · Natural gemstones & original rudraksha · This guide was last updated 9 July 2026.
