About this piece
This is a mala of small, 6 mm five mukhi rudraksha beads from Java, 54 plus one Meru bead, which is half the count of a full 108 bead japa mala. The seller says the beads are strung in pure silver wire with no caps, and describes it as a light design for regular wearing.
The photos show the mala in a loop on dark cloth, with white flowers and white stones around it. It suits someone who wants a small, light rudraksha mala.
How it is used
Five mukhi rudraksha is popular among devotees of Shiva, and malas are traditionally used for japa or worn. The seller describes this one as light enough for regular wearing. Note it has 54 beads, not the 108 of a full japa mala. 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
- Keep it dry and wipe with a soft dry cloth.
- Store it away from perfume and strong chemicals.
