Whether Rudraksha of a specific colour should be worn by a particular caste ?
No, certainly not. Truly spiritual person does not make any difference or comparison in any religions. He considers Almighty God is one and the teachings of different religions are the different ways for salvation and to reach the God. Rudraksha is the gift from the lord Shiva to the world. It is one of the tool to achieve better quality of mental and physical health, and to fulfill our worldly desires. It is certainly not a monopoly of any religion. A simple question may be asked to own self. We use different types of vegetables and fruits as our food. Is there any plant on this globe, which should only be used by people of a particular religion ? Certainly not. We all inclusive of every living being on the globe has equal right on it. Rudraksha also can not be an exception.
As per the information, the commonly available flat Two Mukhi Rudraksha, of the species Elaeocarpus tuberculatus is commonly used in the north India by many Sufi Muslim saints for sadhana. It is further important to note that the commonly available and popular 'Cashew nut shaped Ek Mukhi' and a flat 'Shiva Pindi Ek Mukhi' are the morphological variants under the same species.
Yes. Certainly yes. It is very unfortunate that in earlier days ladies and shudras were not given any status in the society. "Manu Smriti" and the social system describing 'Chaturvarnya' is no more in use. It was certainly a black side of the Hindu religion. Gargi and Maitreyi had very high standard in the society. We worship goddesses Santoshi Ma and Vaishnodevi. Kali Puja is one of the biggest festival in Bengal. . Without woman this world would not have come in existence. We see both the forms of Shiva and Shakti in the diety Shiva as 'Ardhanarinateshwar'. We respect our mother and sisters. Then why to prevent ladies from using Rudraksha ?
Yes. Certainly yes. Menstruation is a natural process in a woman's life. Women experience body pain and other related physical and hormonal problems during this period. The idea behind observing non- touchability during this period was to give sufficient rest to the woman. It was then exaggerated and related to religious rituals. It is very unfortunate that unnecessary importance is given to such practices.
No, certainly not. It is true that there is a reference in the sculpture 'Shri Devi Bhagwatpuran' , Scanda. 11, Adhyay. 7, Shlokas 8 to 10 that White Rudraksha are for Brahmins, Yellow for Kshatriyas, Reddish brown for Vaishyas and Black for Shudras. In fact, pure milky white Rudraksha are not yet reported. Sandy white beads are rarely available only in Indian oval two and three mukhi type, commonly known as 'Haridwar Two and Three Mukhi'. Sandy white beads are not known in any other mukhi and are treated as rare. Light yellow beads are considered to be more powerful but rare, especially in higher mukhi type. Reddish brown Rudraksha are the most commonly available beads in all mukhis. Walnut colour beads come next to reddish brown, however, jet black beads are also very rarely seen. Jet black beads with beautiful luster are commonly available in Cashew nut Ek Mukhi type, however, these beads float in water. Few people believe that jet black beads are the most powerful beads though are rarely used by a common man. I personally, so far have not seen walnut or jet black coloured bead from a fresh fruit. It is believed that reddish brown beads of any mukhi, if worn continuously for few years turn to walnut or jet black colour, with an exception of cashew nut shaped walnut or black Ek Mukhi beads. It is also believed that reddish brown beads if kept in oil for a longer time turn to walnut or black colour.
It is important to know that old 'Chaturvarnya Social System' now a days does not and (of course) should not exist. World is coming closer day by day. Artificial barriers of caste, creed, religion and sex are slowly collapsing, which is the sign of an evolving society. And of course, for our own spiritual development we should accept the change.
To conclude, no caste wise differentiation exist in Rudraksha.
No, in present days certainly not. Of course, it is mentioned in the sculpture 'Jabalopanishad' that Rudraksha wearer should not eat non vegetarian food, alcohol, garlic, and onion. All these types are treated as 'Tamas Diet' in sculpture. It is true that excess of non vegetarian food creates many health problems like cardiac disorders, cancers etc. However, it has also been scientifically proved that non vegetarian food in a limited quantity is very essential for our health. It is also medically proved that limited quantity of alcohol like red wine is useful for our health. Garlic and Onion are now a days treated as wonder plants. Garlic and Onion are proved to contain cholesterol reducing agents. These two plants also develop immunity. International symposia are regularly conducted to discuss research results of Garlic and Onion plants. Scientific development should be respected as it is for the betterment of the mankind. Science and Spirituality should go together hand in hand.
It is further interesting to note that, in 'Kashmiri Shaivaism', non vegetarian food is allowed as a custom. Kashmiri Pundits, are renowned 'Shaivas'. One of the major festival in Kashmir is the festival of 'Mahashivaratri' to celebrate marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. In Kashmir, Mahashivaratri is celebrated as the Diwali (festival of lamps) festival on a larger scale. On a day of Mahashivaratri, only the eldest person in a family keeps fast with fruits, however, special non vegetarian food preparations with dry fruits is offered to the Lord Shiva and the Goddess Parvati.
In a nut shell, choice of diet and customs totally depend upon the environmental conditions and availability of food items in an area. Choice of diet is totally personal, and one should not be much fussy about it. However, it is practiced by non vegetarian people to remove Rudraksha while taking such food. Type of food is not a barrier for Rudraksha users.
There are no such tests in existence to judge authenticity of Rudraksha. Only thorough knowledge of botanical fruit morphology and years of experience in checking and studying variety of Rudraksha beads count. It is therefore suggested to purchase Rudraksha beads from a reputed renowned dealer.
Whether, only true or authentic Rudraksha sinks in water and a fake Rudraksha float ?
No. Not at all. Authentic Rudraksha also can float in water and a fake Rudraksha tampered with some heavy cementing material inside will sink. Water content of the fruit and quantity of deposited material in fruit cells determine whether Rudraksha will float or sink. While selecting a Rudraksha, it is necessary to check that it is not infected or damaged by insect and fungus attack.
No. Not at all. By simple tricks or gimmicks any round ball like material can spin if hold in between two plates of any hard material.
Botanically, any fruit has two scars at its two ends. Scar at the top of the fruit is of a peduncle or of the fruit stalk. Scar at the base is of the attachment of flower. In a fully ripe fruit, peduncle automatically gets detached leaving a small natural hole. This character can be observed in many different fruits though not all. This natural hole is only at one end, and there is no thorough natural channel from top to the base as many people think. In any fruit, ripe fruits are considered as of the best quality, and so in Rudraksha. Percentage of Rudraksha fruit having natural hole is very less and one should not give much importance to this character.
Rudraksha of any size are equally powerful. It is true that there are two views on this. According to the first one, large beads of the size of a gooseberry or 'Amala' are the best. However, according to the another view, smaller beads are most powerful. In 'Jabalopanishad' and 'Shivapurana' there are two shlokas supporting both the views. The shlokas are as under.
ll Dhatriphala Pramanam Yat Shreyshthametdahatam ll
ll Badariphalam Pramanam Tu Prochyate Madhyamam Budheehi ll
ll Adhamam Chanamatram Syat Pratidnyeesha Mayodita ll
From : Jabalopanishad
Rudraksha of the size of Gooseberry or Amla (Dhatriphala) is most powerful.
Rudraksha of the size of a Ber (Badariphalam) is of medium power.
Rudraksha of the size of Peas (Chanamatram) is less powerful.
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ll Yatha Yatha Laghuhu Syahee Tathadhikaphalapradha ll
ll Ekaikatha Phalam Proktam Dashansheeradhikam Budheehi ll
From : Shivapurana
Power of Rudraksha goes on increasing in relation to its decreasing size.
In brief, smallest Rudraksha is more powerful than the larger one.