Rudraksha Wearing Rules: Do’s and Don’ts You Must Know Before Wearing

In my 21 years of research and practice on sacred beads and ancient texts like the Shiva Purana, Padma Purana, and Rudraksha Jabalopanishad, I’ve noticed a common mistake: people wear Rudraksha without understanding its underlying spiritual principles.

Rudraksha is not just a sacred ornament; it is a living spiritual companion. To experience its full benefits, one must know how, when, and under what circumstances to wear it. Let’s understand the authentic rules of Rudraksha – directly from the scriptures and practical experience.

1. When to Wear Rudraksha

According to the Shiva Purana (Vidyeshwara Samhita), Rudraksha should ideally be worn on an auspicious day; Monday, Mahashivratri, or the day of your spiritual initiation.

It can also be worn daily after bathing and offering a brief prayer to Lord Shiva. Always wear it with pure intentions, not as a fashion accessory.

Also Read: Can Rudraksha Be Worn By Anyone? Rules, Restrictions and Common FAQs

2. How to Purify and Energize Rudraksha Before Wearing

Before wearing a new Rudraksha, purify it using these traditional steps:

• Wash with clean water, then with a mixture of Ganga jal and raw milk.
• Apply a small tilak of sandalwood paste.
• Chant “Om Namah Shivaya” or “Om Hreem Namah” 108 times.
• Offer it to a Shiva Linga or light a lamp before it.

As mentioned in Rudraksha Jabala Upanishad, chanting mantras is the true way to awaken its divine vibration.

3. What to Avoid While Wearing Rudraksha

Many misconceptions exist; some based on superstition, some on real spiritual discipline.
Here’s what the scriptures and tradition actually say:

• Do not wear Rudraksha while bathing with chemical soaps or hot water.
  (The beads may absorb chemicals or lose their natural oils.)
• Avoid wearing it while applying perfume or hair oil.
  Oils block the bead’s pores, affecting its energy.
• Do not wear it during sexual activity or while consuming alcohol or non-vegetarian food.
  The body’s energy changes at such times, which can disturb Rudraksha’s vibration.
• Avoid attending funerals or cremation grounds with Rudraksha on the body.
  Such environments have strong tamasic energy, which contradicts Rudraksha’s purity.

These are not strict taboos, but spiritual hygiene practices — mentioned indirectly in Padma Purana and Rudra Samhita.

4. Can You Wear Rudraksha While Sleeping or Traveling?

Yes, it is not prohibited in the scriptures.
In fact, wearing it constantly is recommended for protection and energy balance.
However, if you feel uncomfortable, you can remove it before going to sleep and place it in a clean copper or wooden box near your bed, near a Shiva idol.

Also Read: Rudraksha for Doshas; Best Rudraksha for Shani, Mangal, Rahu, Ketu, Pitra, Kaal Sarp and More

5. Can Women Wear Rudraksha?

Absolutely yes.
No ancient text prohibits women from wearing Rudraksha; not even during menstruation.
This misconception is purely social, not scriptural.
According to the Rudraksha Jabala Upanishad, all human beings, regardless of gender, caste, or stage of life, can wear Rudraksha for spiritual development.

6. How Many Rudraksha Beads Can You Wear Together?

Multiple Rudraksha beads or combinations can be worn, depending on one’s planetary conditions and purpose.
For example:

• 5 Mukhi – Universal bead for peace and health.
• 6 Mukhi – Balances anger and helps career focus.
• 9 Mukhi – For courage and protection.

You can wear a single mala or a combination after energizing each properly.
There is no harm in wearing more than one type, as long as each is genuine and purified.

7. Food and Lifestyle Guidelines

To maintain Rudraksha’s sattvic energy:

• Prefer vegetarian food when possible.
• Keep mind and speech pure.
• Avoid constant exposure to anger or negative environments.

These habits help Rudraksha work with your body’s subtle energy field, just as Shiva Purana prescribes for adhyatmik sadhana (spiritual evolution).

Also Read: Rudraksha Origin; Story, History and Scriptural References

8. How to Store and Clean Rudraksha

• Clean it monthly with plain water and a soft brush.
• Occasionally apply a drop of pure mustard or sesame oil to prevent drying.
• When not wearing, keep it in a copper or wooden box wrapped in natural cloth.
• Never keep it near synthetic materials or electrical gadgets.

FAQs

Conclusion

In short, wearing a Rudraksha symbolizes inner purity, not external perfection.
When worn with reverence, devotion, and awareness, it brings harmony to your body, mind, and spirit.

Remember, the power lies not in the bead; it is your intention and devotion that awakens its divine energy.