Why do people wear rudraksha?

That’s a deep cultural and spiritual question! The Rudraksha is a seed from the Elaeocarpus ganitrus tree and holds immense significance, particularly in Hinduism and Buddhism. It's worn for a combination of spiritual, medicinal, and symbolic reasons. ### The Primary Reasons 1. Spiritual Protection (The Shiva Connection): * The name literally means "Tears of Rudra" (Rudra being another name for Lord Shiva). Legend holds that Shiva wept tears of compassion for humanity, and where these tears fell, the Rudraksha tree grew. * Worn as a symbol of Shiva's protection and blessing, it is believed to ward off negative energy and evil spirits. 2. Health and Wellness (Traditional Belief): * Historically, people believed Rudraksha beads possess electromagnetic properties. They were thought to stabilize the heart rate, improve blood pressure, and calm the nervous system. While modern science is still studying these effects, the calming ritual of wearing and using the beads for japa (chanting) definitely has a grounding effect. 3. Meditation and Japa: * The beads are strung together to form a mala (rosary), used to count repetitions of mantras during meditation. The texture and consistent counting help the mind focus and achieve a deeper state of concentration. Different types of Rudraksha, known as mukhi (faces/lines), are believed to have different benefits. Overall, it's a powerful tool for those seeking spiritual growth and inner peace.