How to Energize 8 Mukhi Rudraksha

• Day: Monday, Lord Shiva’s day, is ideal. Shivratri, Somvati Amavasya and Pradosham are very auspicious too.
• Paksha (lunar fortnight): the Shukla Paksha (waxing moon) is preferred, though the day and your devotion matter most.
• Time: the morning after your bath, ideally during Brahma Muhurta, the calm hour and a half before sunrise, with a settled and devotional mind.
• Keep ready: the 8 Mukhi Rudraksha, raw cow’s milk, Gangajal (holy water), a little pure sandalwood paste, a ghee lamp, dhoop or incense, bilva (bael) leaves, and a red or white thread (or a gold or silver cap) to string it.

1. 1Soak the 8 Mukhi Rudraksha in raw cow’s milk for a few hours to cleanse and nourish it.
2. 2Rinse it in clean water, then bathe it with Gangajal.
3. 3Wipe it dry with a soft cloth and apply a thin touch of sandalwood paste. If you like, work a single drop of pure sandalwood or mustard oil gently into the faces.

1. 1Place a Shiva Lingam, or an image of Lord Shiva, on a clean cloth on your altar.
2. 2Light the ghee lamp and dhoop, and offer the bilva leaves.
3. 3Rest the purified 8 Mukhi Rudraksha before the Lingam so it receives the light of the lamp.
4. 4Sit facing east or north with a straight spine, and let your breath settle.

First honour Lord Shiva, the lord of all Rudraksha, by chanting the Panchakshari mantra "Om Namah Shivaya" 108 times.

Then call upon the presiding energy of this bead, Lord Ganesha, by chanting its own beej mantra 108 times (one mala), keeping your gaze softly on the 8 Mukhi Rudraksha.

1. 1Wear it the same Monday, right after the ritual.
2. 2String it in a red or white thread, or set it in a silver or gold cap. It can be worn as a pendant near the heart, or as a bracelet.
3. 3Touch it first to Lord Shiva’s feet, or the Lingam, then to your forehead, before you put it on.

• Oil the bead lightly every few weeks so it does not dry out and crack, and dust it off with a soft cloth.
• Take it off before using soap in the bath if you can, and re-apply a little oil afterwards.
• You need not re-energize it often. A simple "Om Namah Shivaya" while wearing it keeps the connection alive.
• Keep it respectfully, and avoid wearing it into places of intoxication or during unclean activities.

The 8 Mukhi suits those starting new ventures, facing repeated obstacles, or going through a difficult Rahu period.

• Removes obstacles and smooths new ventures
• Traditionally calms a troubled Rahu, easing fear, confusion and sudden problems
• Associated with success, wisdom and completion of tasks
• Said to protect from negativity and unexpected setbacks