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Next
is Rudraksha mala. It has a long legend behind it. It runs - the
demon Tripura turned a veritable, Mama to humans and devas on
getting innumerable boons from Brahma. Mother Earth accompanied by
gods, reached Kailas and wailed piteously before Siva soliciting His
intervention for killing him. The pathetic tale was so moving that
Lord Siva actually shed tears before them. They were later converted
into seeds. Trees that have grown from them are found in Himalayan
region in plenty, as it was the scene of action. Weaving them on
thread and wearing in the form of mala recalls to minds the Lord's
Omni compassion, and it is a mark of devotion to the Lord also.
Scriptures, particularly Jabalopanishad and Devipurana have devoted
extensive space to bringing out the efficacy of Rundrakshadharana,
its various aspects, like number of rudraksha to be worn, places to
be adorned, their kinds and faces together with the curative effects
of wearing etc. The rudraksha is akin to a multifaceted gem, since
it has faces also. They range from one to fifteen and each face has
it distinct qualities, effects, uses and the like. The faces,
strangely enough represent gods and auspicious things. They confer
many benefits like prosperity, wealth, health, mental peace, besides
purging of-sins. Moreover, to offer ritualistic worship to Siva, all
and sundry are not eligible. One entities to offer worship
only with the smearing of vibhuti on the forehead and wearing of
Rudrakshamala. So these two have attained pre-eminence and gained a
covetable place in Saivism. They are the signs of bestowal of his
grace.
The
last emblem is the potent chant called Siva Panchakshari. This has
the highest significance and it is mental unlike the other two.
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