Rudraksha History This article is about the rudraksha (or rudraksh) seed. For the principal source of the seeds, see Elaeocarpus ganitrus Rudraksha, also rudraksh, Sanskrit: rudrāk ṣ a, is a seed traditionally used for prayer beads in Hinduism. The seed is produced by several species of large evergreen broad-leaved tree in the genus Elaeocarpus, with Elaeocarpus ganitrus being the principal species. Rudrakshas are primarily used in India and Nepal as beads for organic jewellery and mala and are valued similar to semi-precious stones. As such, they are also the source of superstitious claims similar to beliefs related to magnetic or crystal bracelets, faith healing and other medical pseudoscience. Etymology Rudraksha is a Sanskrit compound consisting of the name Rudra ("Shiva") and ak ṣ a ("Teardrops") Benefits Rudraksha beads are believed to provide good support for those who are constantly on the move and who eat and sleep in a variety of places. T...