Rudraksha, also rudraksh, Sanskrit: rudrākṣa (Sanskrit: रूद्राक्ष)("Rudra's [Shiva's] Teardrops"), 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 used in the making of organic jewellery or mala.
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[citation needed]. This is because they are claimed to create a cocoon made of the wearer's own energy[citation needed]. It is said that if the situation around one is not conducive to one's kind of energy, one will experience difficulty settling down[citation needed]. This was noted as being especially difficult for sadhus and sannyasis, as they were constantly moving, and were traditionally never supposed to rest their heads in the same place twice. Likewise, the Rudraksha may be helpful for travellers and professionals who eat and sleep in a variety of places[citation needed]. Sadhus or sannyasis living in the forest would have to resort to naturally available water sources. A common belief was that, if a Rudraksha were held above the water on a string, it would turn clockwise if the water was good and drinkable. If it was unfit for consumption, it would go counter-clockwise[citation needed]. This test was also believed to be valid for other edibles[citation needed]. When worn on a mālā, Rudrakshas were also said to ward off and shield against "negative energies".
