Rud means “to cry” and Ra is the light, the divine consciousness, pervading the whole cosmos. He is not just the destroyer, but the Supreme Being himself. In the Svetasvatara Upanishad, the supreme consciousness ( Brahman) is identified with Rudra. In other words, Rudra transforms tears of sorrow into tears of bliss which is represented by the Rudraksha. Rukha means misery and Dravyati means to eradicate. The Rig Veda states - Rukha Dravyati Iti Rudra. In his commentary on the Vishnu Sahasranama, Adi Shankara interprets the name Rudra to be “the one who makes all beings cry at the time of cosmic dissolution”. Rudra is another name of Lord Shiva in his aspect as the dissolver. But first, let us look into the meaning of Rudra. Why did Lord Shiva cry? We will soon find that these were not tears of sorrow. It is revered as a manifestation of the tears that the Lord once shed. This seed is of great significance among the spiritual seekers because of its association with Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva is also often depicted in blue representing infinity. Rudraksha seeds are also known as blueberry seeds as the outer husk of the seed is blue when fully ripe. This tree is mainly found in the foothill of the Himalayas, in the Gangetic plains, and the regions of Southeast Asia including Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.

It is a large evergreen tree that usually grows in a subtropical climate.

Rudraksha tree is known as Elaeocarpus ganitrus. He is also shown wearing a rosary of beads, or rather seeds belonging to the Rudraksha tree, creating much curiosity among believers. His whole body is covered with sacred ash. While a crescent moon decorates his head, Ganga flows from his tresses. He has a snake wrapped around his neck, and a tiger skin to cover his body. He is depicted with embellishments from nature.

Sama veda sri rudram