History of Origin

Source: Shiva Purana, Padma Purana, Srimad Devi Bhagavata (Chapt. XII-VII), Rudraksha Jabalo Upanishad, and various Myths from Great Rishis & Munis

Introduction:

Rudraksha beads, the holy beads, scientifically called Elaeocarpus Ganitrus. The word Rudraksha comes from Sanskrit and literally means the "eyes of Lord Shiva" (rudra = Shiva, aksham = tear of an eye).

Lord Shiva, an important deity of the Vedic age (125,000 years B.P.), is often depicted wearing a rosary of Rudraksha beads in icons of different historical eras. This reveals that the merits of Rudraksha were first realized by Shiva himself and then handed over for the benefit of later generations.

These holy beads have been worn by the people of Nepal and India for thousands of years to maintain physical and mental health, and to gain a fearless life on their spiritual path towards enlightenment and liberation.

According to the Srimad Devi Bhagavatam (one of the oldest holy books), the origin of Rudraksha is described in Chapter XI, Khanda VII as follows. The exact dialogue during the discussion of Rudraksha between Vishnu and Narad Muni Rishi is given below:

• Narad Muni: “Narayan (God Vishnu), I know the greatness of Rudraksha beads that you have explained, but may I know how Rudraksha came to this earth and was honored?”
• Narayan said: “O Child! This is the very question once asked by Kartikeya, the six-faced son of Rudra dwelling in Kailash. What Rudra replied, I shall now tell you. Listen carefully.”
• Rudra Deva spoke: “O Child Kartikeya, I will briefly tell you the secret cause of the greatness of Rudraksha beads. In ancient days there was a devil named Tripura who could not be conquered by anybody. When Brahma, Vishnu, and other Devas requested, I contemplated the divine great weapon named Aghora—beautiful, terrible, and containing the strength of all the Devas—to kill him. It was inconceivable, blazing with fire.”

For one thousand divine years I remained awake with eyelids wide open, contemplating the Aghora weapon, the destroyer of all obstacles. My eyes were affected, and drops of tears came out.

O Son Kartikeya, from those drops of tears, the great tree of Rudraksha sprang forth for the welfare of all Devas and mankind. These Rudraksha beads are of twenty-eight varieties: from my Surya Netra (right eye), symbolizing the sun, twelve varieties appeared; and from my Soma Netra (left eye), symbolizing the moon, sixteen varieties.

O Intelligent One! Whoever holds this great Rudraksha—whether with or without faith and devotion—shall attain Rudrahood, be freed from all sins, and their religious merit shall be inexhaustible.

Since then, Rudraksha trees have grown in Gauda Land, the favorite place of Lord Shiva, ranging from the great Himalayan belt to Southeast Asia. Although they grow in many countries—Nepal, India, Burma, Bhutan, Indonesia—they are primarily localized in Nepal.

To bless the devotees of Shiva, these Rudraksha beads were given to the four Varnas—Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya, and Shudra—represented by their colors: white, red, yellow, and black respectively. People of all Varnas—men, women, and children—can wear any color of Rudraksha, and whoever does so is freed from sins and suffering and receives blessings from all the Gods.