About this piece
A kantha mala is a shorter, necklace style string of beads worn close to the neck. This one is made of 5 mukhi rudraksha beads from Nepal. The seller says the beads are strung on copper wire, with caps at both ends of each bead.
The photos show the beads linked in a long loop with a drop bead, lying on a rock, in close up on grey, and worn on a neck display. The seller lists it in the extra small size.
How it is used
A kantha mala is traditionally worn at the neck, and a rudraksha mala can also be used for japa, repeating a mantra. The Shiva Purana (Vidyeshvara Samhita 25, verses 69 to 70) calls the five-faced bead Rudra himself, named Kalagni. Astrologers today pair this bead with Jupiter (Guru); the pairing is a later convention, not a statement of the Purana, and it is the one this site uses in its rudraksha guide and free kundali.
Looking after it
- Wipe copper with a dry cloth if it dulls.
- Keep it away from water and perfume.
