How to Energize Ganesh Rudraksha
A bead with a natural trunk-like protrusion, sacred to Lord Ganesha, worn to remove obstacles and bless new beginnings. Here is how to energize it.
- Presiding deity
- Lord Ganesha
- Planet
- Ketu
- Best day
- Monday
- Paksha
- Shukla Paksha (waxing moon)
- Best time
- Morning, Brahma Muhurta
- Purify in
- Cow's milk & Gangajal
Your astrologer may adjust the ritual and the recommended metal to suit your birth chart. Need help?
The Ganesh Rudraksha is recognised by a natural trunk-like protrusion on its surface, resembling Lord Ganesha. It is worn to remove obstacles and to bless every new beginning with success.
It is energized on a Monday before Lord Shiva; it may also be honoured on Ganesh Chaturthi or a Wednesday.
Beej Mantra
ॐ गं गणपतये नमः
Om Gam Ganapataye Namah
Salutations to Lord Ganesha, remover of obstacles and lord of beginnings.
Chant 108 times (1 mala)
The right day, paksha and time
- 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 Ganesh 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.
Use a genuine, undamaged bead, with the mukhis (the faces or lines) running cleanly from top to bottom. Energize it only once you are happy it is authentic.
Purify the Rudraksha (Shuddhi)
- 1Soak the Ganesh Rudraksha in raw cow’s milk for a few hours to cleanse and nourish it.
- 2Rinse it in clean water, then bathe it with Gangajal.
- 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.
Never wash a Rudraksha with soap or detergent, and do not leave it soaking for days. A few hours in milk is plenty.
Set up before Lord Shiva
- 1Place a Shiva Lingam, or an image of Lord Shiva, on a clean cloth on your altar.
- 2Light the ghee lamp and dhoop, and offer the bilva leaves.
- 3Rest the purified Ganesh Rudraksha before the Lingam so it receives the light of the lamp.
- 4Sit facing east or north with a straight spine, and let your breath settle.
Awaken the bead (Pran Pratishtha)
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 Ganesh Rudraksha.
ॐ गं गणपतये नमः
Om Gam Ganapataye Namah
Salutations to Lord Ganesha, remover of obstacles and lord of beginnings.
Chant 108 times (1 mala)
As you chant, picture the bead glowing and filling with divine energy. When you finish, hold it in your palms, touch it to your forehead and to your heart, and ask for the deity’s blessing.
Wearing your energized Rudraksha
- 1Wear it the same Monday, right after the ritual.
- 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.
- 3Touch it first to Lord Shiva’s feet, or the Lingam, then to your forehead, before you put it on.
A Rudraksha is traditionally kept in touch with the skin. Take it off while sleeping if it disturbs you, and keep it away from impure or negative surroundings.
Caring for your Rudraksha
- 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.
Who should wear it, and what it helps with
The Ganesh Rudraksha suits students, entrepreneurs and anyone beginning a new venture or seeking to clear obstacles.
- Removes obstacles from work, study and new ventures
- Traditionally brings wisdom, success and auspicious beginnings
- Associated with focus, learning and steady progress
- Said to bless the wearer with Ganesha’s protection
Rudraksha are gentle and generally safe for everyone, but the higher and rarer mukhis are best worn on the guidance of a knowledgeable astrologer or guru.
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Personal Guidance
Not sure which gem or Rudraksha suits you?
The right remedy depends on your birth chart. Have Sachin ji study your chart before you wear a powerful stone, so it strengthens you rather than unsettles you.
