rudraksha
thumb|Rudraksha beads are the dried stones of the fruit of the Elaeocarpus ganitrus tree
Article
21 sectionsContents
- Etymology
- Description
- Rudraksha tree
- Fruit
- Chemical composition
- Types of ''rudraksha'' beads
- Uses
- Religious uses in Indian-origin religions
- History
- In Hindu religious texts
- Upanishads
- Tirumurai
- Cultivation
- Herbal and sacred groves
- Gallery
- Tree
- Fruit
- Stones
- See also
- Notes
- References
thumb|Rudraksha beads are the dried stones of the fruit of the Elaeocarpus ganitrus tree
A rudraksha (IAST: '') refers to the dried stones or seeds of the genus Elaeocarpus specifically, Elaeocarpus ganitrus. These seeds are used as prayer beads for Hindus (especially Shaivas) and Buddhists. When they are ripe, rudraksha stones are covered by a blue outer fruit so they are sometimes called "blueberry beads".